Bangalore has changed a lot, for better or worse is another point, in all fronts. There are innumerable hotels, jaunts, pubs, discos, joints etc which are catering to the needs of our taste buds. In between the chung wahs, baristas, casa piccolos there are some hotels which have stood the test of time.
* Vidyarthy Bhavan** Gandhi bazaar is one of the localities of bangalore which still has the essence of old touch. It is in this area we come across this Hotel. It is an irony that now if you ask any one about this Hotel he/she will tell you that it is adjascent to Roti Ghar. In the sixties and seventies the area was synonymous with Vidyarthi Bhavan. Even today when you walk across the crowded foot path the aroma of Masala Dosai from this eatery just attracts you like a magnet. When we order for the ever popular Masala Dosai the time seems eternal till the order is placed before you. The Dosa with its blend of Red and black, crisp, together with the coconut *chutney* just melts in your mouth. The waiters are familiar with the orders, as such even if your are a stranger don’t get astonished if a waiter places 2 Masala Dosas in front of you before you have ordered.
In addition to the Masala Dosa, the Masala Vada, . Khara bath and the smooth as Ice Idli have retained there places firmly in the face of stiff competition posed by the Pava Bhaji, Nan. Tandoor Roti and other North Indian dishes.
*Mavalli Tiffin Room** If Vidyarthi Bhavan takes you to Gandhi Bazar mavalli Tiffin Room, popularly called as MTR, taken you to Mavalli. Situated just opposite to the Lalbagh Main Gate this hotel, like Vidyarthi Bhavan has retained all its virtues and has its own customers who throng day in day out. MTR also, like Vidyarthi Bhavan,
has not changed and has stuck to its specialities of Dosas, Idlies, Vadas, Khara bath and Traditional Meals. Many will be amused to see people waiting patiently outside the closed doors of the Hotel, It is because all the seats inside are occupied and the customers will be allowed only after a seat gets vacated inside . A cup of steaming coffee in MTR after a walk inside the lalbagh is the ideal way to start a day for many Bangaloreans. In recent times MTR has widened its business, making use of its brand name MTR they have started ready to eat packed products which have gained immense popularity all over Karnataka.
*New Modern Hotel** Situated near Sajjanrao circle in Vani Vilas puram area of Bangalore this Hotel has its own customers who vouch for its taste as equal to any other in Bangalore. The Hotel, in recent times has prioritized lodging as such the restaurant has suffered.
*Dwaraka Hotel** one more traditional hotel in the Gandhi Bazar area, famous for its Plain Dosa and Bonda Sambar
Victoria Hotel at the junction of M.G.Road and Residency Road was one such Royal Hotel which had its links with bygone era. The Hotel has now given way to a mall.
One Common Factor amongst all these Hotels are they have not changed there appearance. They are as they were in there old building and old furnitures. They are a part of Bangalore’s History.