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South Indian Vegetarian · Heritage Tiffin · Bengaluru

Central Tiffin Room Menu Prices: Full CTR Bengaluru Guide 2026

Full Central Tiffin Room (CTR) menu with prices -- the complete guide to Bengaluru's iconic 1920s tiffin house in Malleshwaram. Benne Masala Dosa (INR 110), Set Dose (INR 100), Chow Chow Bath (INR 105), filter coffee (INR 40). Prices in Indian Rupees, sourced from publicly documented CTR pricing for 2025-2026.

Est. 1920s -- over 100 years oldFully vegetarianMalleshwaram, BengaluruOpen 7 AM-12:30 PM & 4-9:30 PMCost for two ~INR 150-200
Jump to full menu Cheapest items
Sample · $

Signature items

Benne Masala DosaINR 110
Set Dose (3 pcs)INR 100
Chow Chow BathINR 105
Idly (2 pcs)INR 28
Filter CoffeeINR 40
Jump to: Cheapest items Signature dishes What to order first Bath dishes guide Evening snacks Full menu Visiting tips FAQ
Quick answers

What to know about CTR before you visit

The four things people most often ask about Central Tiffin Room -- answered with current prices.

Cheapest item
Idly (2 pieces) INR 28

Soft steamed rice-and-lentil cakes. The most affordable item on the menu.

Signature dish
Benne Masala Dosa INR 110

Crispy, butter-fried dosa with spiced potato filling. The dish that made CTR famous.

Best combo
Chow Chow Bath INR 105

Khara Bath + Kesari Bath on one plate -- the classic Bengaluru sweet-and-savoury pairing.

Evening must-try
Bonda Soup INR 80

Crispy potato bondas in spiced lentil soup -- a CTR evening staple.

Cheapest items

The 10 cheapest items at Central Tiffin Room

CTR is one of Bengaluru's most affordable heritage restaurants. Most items are priced between INR 15 and INR 110. The cheapest full dish on the menu is Idly at INR 28 for two pieces.

  1. 1Idly (2 pieces)Steamed rice-lentil cakes. Vegetarian.INR 28
  2. 2Khara BathSpiced semolina upma. Vegetarian.INR 50
  3. 3Filter CoffeeClassic South Indian filter coffee.INR 40
  4. 4TeaHot milk tea.INR 40
  5. 5Badam MilkAlmond, saffron and cardamom milk.INR 40
  6. 6MilkPlain hot or cold milk.INR 40
  7. 7Extra ChutneyAdditional coconut chutney.INR 15
  8. 8Extra SaghuAdditional vegetable gravy.INR 15
  9. 9Extra PalyaAdditional dry-cooked vegetables.INR 15
  10. 10Kesari BathSweet saffron semolina pudding.INR 65
Signature dishes

The dishes that define Central Tiffin Room

Three dishes that have made CTR a Bengaluru institution over more than a century.

INR 110 -- The house signature

Benne Masala Dosa

A large, paper-thin crispy dosa cooked with a generous spread of white butter (benne in Kannada), filled with spiced potato masala and served with coconut chutney only -- no sambar. Winner of Times Food Guide and Burrp.com awards for Best Benne Masala Dosa in Bangalore. The dish most visitors come specifically for.

INR 100 -- A Bengaluru breakfast classic

Set Dose

Three small, thick, soft dosas served together with coconut chutney and saghu (mild vegetable gravy). Unlike the thin, crispy standard dosa, Set Dose has a spongy, bread-like texture. A uniquely Bengaluru preparation that has been on the CTR menu since the early days.

INR 105 -- The sweet-savoury pairing

Chow Chow Bath

Khara Bath (spiced semolina upma) and Kesari Bath (sweet saffron semolina pudding) served side by side on the same plate. The combination of hot-and-savoury with sweet-and-fragrant is a Bengaluru tiffin-house tradition, and CTR's version is among the city's most celebrated.

Karnataka bath dishes

CTR's full range of Karnataka bath (rice and semolina) dishes

"Bath" (pronounced baat) is the Kannada word for a cooked rice or semolina dish. CTR offers ten bath varieties ranging from INR 50 to INR 80 -- all vegetarian, all prepared to traditional Karnataka recipes. The Chow Chow Bath (a combination of Khara Bath + Kesari Bath) is the most famous.

Bath DishDescriptionPrice
Khara BathSpiced semolina upma with vegetablesINR 50
Kesari BathSweet saffron semolina with ghee and cashewsINR 65
Chow Chow BathKhara Bath + Kesari Bath on one plateINR 105
Bisibele BathRice, lentils and vegetables in spiced gravyINR 75
PuliyogareTamarind rice with peanuts and dried chilliesINR 75
VangibathBrinjal rice with special spice powderINR 75
Tomato BathTangy spiced tomato riceINR 75
Capsicum BathFragrant rice with capsicumINR 75
Rice BathLightly spiced seasoned riceINR 75
PalavVegetable pulao with mild whole spicesINR 80

All bath dishes are fully vegetarian. Khara Bath and Kesari Bath are also available individually. The Chow Chow Bath at INR 105 is effectively Khara Bath (INR 50) + Kesari Bath (INR 65) served together.

Evening snacks

CTR's evening session: snacks to try after 4 PM

CTR's evening session (4 PM to 9:30 PM) is as popular as the breakfast session. The evening menu centres on fried snacks and the beloved Bonda Soup. Arrive by 4:15 PM to beat the queue.

INR 80 -- The evening staple

Bonda Soup

Crispy fried potato bondas (fritters) served in a thin, mildly spiced lentil soup. One of CTR's most distinctive evening offerings -- the combination of a crunchy fritter dunked into warm soup is a Bengaluru classic. Best enjoyed on a cool or rainy evening.

INR 70 -- A coastal Karnataka classic

Maddur Vada

A flat, crispy vada originating from Maddur town (between Bengaluru and Mysuru), made with semolina, rice flour, sliced onions and curry leaves. Distinctly different from the rounder medu vada -- thinner, crunchier and more fragrant. A popular Karnataka highway and tiffin-house snack.

INR 80 -- Coastal Karnataka

Mangaluru Baji

Deep-fried fritters in the Mangalorean style, made with a spiced batter. A coastal Karnataka street-food dish that has found its place on CTR's evening menu. Served with chutney.

INR 95 -- Classic South Indian

Poori

Deep-fried puffed wheat bread served with spiced potato curry (saghu). A classic South Indian snack available across the day but particularly popular in the evening session at CTR.

Browse the menu

Jump to a category

All six menu categories at Central Tiffin Room with item counts.

Dosas6 itemsIdli & Vada3 itemsBath Items (Karnataka Rice Dishes)10 itemsEvening Snacks4 itemsBeverages4 itemsAdd-ons & Extras3 items
The full priced menu

Every item on the CTR menu with 2025-2026 prices

All categories below. Every item is vegetarian. Prices are in Indian Rupees (INR), sourced from publicly documented menu pricing.

About these prices. All prices shown are in Indian Rupees (INR) and are sourced from publicly documented CTR menu pricing as of 2025-2026. Central Tiffin Room is a single-location heritage restaurant (plus a 2024 airport branch) -- prices are set by the proprietors and may change without notice. Confirm with the restaurant before visiting.
Visiting tips

How to make the most of a visit to CTR

Timing

Arrive early to beat the queue

CTR is consistently packed during both sessions. The morning session (7 AM - 12:30 PM) is busiest from 8-10 AM. The evening session (4-9:30 PM) draws queues from the moment it opens. Arriving within the first 15 minutes of either session gives you the best chance of a short wait.

First order

Start with the Benne Masala Dosa

If it is your first visit, the Benne Masala Dosa (INR 110) is the non-negotiable order. Follow it with a Set Dose (INR 100) if you want the softer texture, and always pair with filter coffee (INR 40). The Chow Chow Bath (INR 105) is the best introduction to Karnataka-style bath dishes.

No sambar

The dosa comes with chutney only

CTR's dosas are traditionally served with coconut chutney and no sambar -- this is intentional and part of what makes the Benne Masala Dosa distinct. If you want saghu (vegetable gravy), order the Set Dose, which comes with it. Extra chutney or saghu can be ordered for INR 15 each.

Cash

Carry cash

CTR is a traditional heritage restaurant. While digital payments have become more common in Bengaluru, it is advisable to carry INR cash to avoid any inconvenience. Most orders for two people will come to INR 200-350.

Metro

Nearest metro: Srirampuram

CTR is approximately 750 metres from Srirampuram Metro Station on the Purple Line. It is also easily reachable by auto-rickshaw from Malleshwaram Metro or Rajajinagar. Free street parking is available nearby but can be limited during peak hours.

Airport branch

Also at KIA Terminal 2 (2024)

A CTR outlet opened at Kempegowda International Airport Terminal 2 in 2024. Pricing and hours at the airport branch differ from the Malleshwaram original. For the full CTR experience, visit the heritage location on 7th Cross Road.

About Central Tiffin Room

A century of Benne Masala Dosa in Malleshwaram

Central Tiffin Room was established in the 1920s by the Subramanyam brothers (Y.V. Subramanyam, Y.V. Srikanteshwaran, Y.V. Krishna Iyer and Y.V. Ramachandran) from Yelagondahalli, Kolar district, Karnataka. The restaurant passed through several owners and was formally registered as Shree Sagar in 1950. Sanjeeva S. Poojari purchased it in 1992, and it is now operated by the third generation of his family: Mr. Sandesh Poojari and Ganesh S. Poojari.

CTR seats 52 and retains its vintage character -- a wall clock and rosewood furniture with Italian marble table tops have been part of the interior for decades. The restaurant underwent capacity expansion in 2011. In 2024, a branch opened at Kempegowda International Airport Terminal 2, bringing the CTR Benne Masala Dosa to travellers passing through Bengaluru.

Awards include the Times Food Guide "Best Benne Masala Dosa in Bangalore" and Burrp.com's "Best Benne Masala in Bangalore."

1920sEst.
52Seats
INR 110Benne Masala Dosa
2Sessions daily
Dietary information

Fully vegetarian -- every item on the menu

Central Tiffin Room is a 100% vegetarian restaurant. Every dish on the menu -- dosas, idlies, vadas, bath dishes, evening snacks and beverages -- is vegetarian. There are no non-vegetarian items, no eggs, and no meat. The restaurant does not serve alcohol.

The cooking medium for dosas is butter (benne), making the Benne Masala Dosa and Benne Plain Dosa non-vegan. Plain Dosa, Khali Dosa, bath dishes, idlies and most snacks are cooked without butter. Confirm specific preparations with the restaurant if you have dietary requirements.

Cross-contact between dishes is possible in a shared kitchen. Inform the staff of any serious allergy.

  • 100% vegetarian: No meat, no eggs, no fish
  • Butter-free options: Plain Dosa, Khali Dosa, all bath dishes, Idly, Vada
  • Butter dishes: Benne Masala Dosa (INR 110), Benne Plain Dosa (INR 105)
  • Cheapest item: Idly (INR 28 for 2 pieces)
  • No alcohol served
  • Beverages: Filter coffee, tea, badam milk, milk (all INR 40)
Location

How to find Central Tiffin Room

Central Tiffin Room is located at 7th Cross Road, corner of Margosa Road, opposite Malleshwaram Grounds, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru, Karnataka. It is recognisable by its distinctive yellow board. The address on maps is often listed as "Shri Sagar Hotel" or "CTR Malleshwaram."

Opening hours: 7:00 AM to 12:30 PM (morning session) and 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM (evening session), daily. Both sessions attract long queues at peak times.

Contact: +91 82170 03698 | centraltiffinroom.com

  • Address: 7th Cross Rd & Margosa Rd, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru
  • Landmark: Opposite Malleshwaram Grounds; yellow board
  • Metro: Srirampuram (~750 m, Purple Line)
  • Hours: 7 AM-12:30 PM & 4-9:30 PM daily
  • Phone: +91 82170 03698
  • Airport branch: KIA Terminal 2 (opened 2024)
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Common questions

Central Tiffin Room -- frequently asked questions

Quick answers to the most common questions about CTR's menu, prices, hours, location and history.

What is Central Tiffin Room (CTR) famous for?

Central Tiffin Room -- popularly known as CTR or Shri Sagar Hotel -- is famous for its Benne Masala Dosa, a large, crispy dosa generously cooked with white butter (benne in Kannada) and filled with spiced potato masala. It has won the Times Food Guide and Burrp.com awards for Best Benne Masala Dosa in Bangalore. The restaurant has been operating in Malleshwaram since the 1920s and is considered one of Bengaluru's most beloved heritage eateries.

How much does the Benne Masala Dosa cost at CTR?

The Benne Masala Dosa at CTR is priced at INR 110 as of 2025-2026. The plain Masala Dosa (without extra butter) is INR 100, and the Benne Plain Dosa is INR 105. These prices are sourced from publicly documented CTR menu pricing. Confirm with the restaurant as prices may change.

Where is Central Tiffin Room located in Bengaluru?

Central Tiffin Room is located at 7th Cross Road, corner of Margosa Road, opposite Malleshwaram Grounds, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru, Karnataka. It is identifiable by its distinctive yellow board. The nearest metro station is Srirampuram Metro Station, approximately 750 metres away. It is less than 5 kilometres from Bengaluru GPO.

What are CTR's opening hours?

Central Tiffin Room is open daily from 7:00 AM to 12:30 PM and again from 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM. The restaurant is closed in the afternoon. Both sessions -- especially the evening session -- experience significant queues, sometimes 30 minutes or more. Arriving early or just after opening is recommended to avoid the longest waits.

Is Central Tiffin Room fully vegetarian?

Yes. Central Tiffin Room serves exclusively vegetarian South Indian cuisine. The menu covers dosas, idlies, vadas, Karnataka-style bath (rice) dishes, evening snacks and beverages. There are no non-vegetarian items. The restaurant is widely recommended for vegetarian travellers visiting Bengaluru.

What is Chow Chow Bath at CTR?

Chow Chow Bath (INR 105) is a quintessential Bengaluru combination: Khara Bath (spiced semolina upma, INR 50) and Kesari Bath (sweet saffron semolina pudding, INR 65) served together on the same plate. The sweet-and-savoury pairing is a signature of Bengaluru tiffin culture. At CTR, it is one of the most ordered morning dishes alongside the Benne Masala Dosa.

What is Set Dose at CTR?

Set Dose (INR 100) at CTR is a serving of three small, thick, soft dosas -- distinct from the thin, crispy standard dosa. Set Dose is a Bengaluru-style preparation served with coconut chutney and saghu (a mild vegetable gravy). It is one of CTR's most popular breakfast items and particularly beloved for its soft, spongy texture.

Does CTR have a branch at Bengaluru Airport?

Yes. A CTR branch opened at Kempegowda International Airport, Terminal 2 in 2024. This allows travellers to enjoy CTR's Benne Masala Dosa and other signature dishes before or after flights. The original Malleshwaram location remains the flagship. Pricing and hours at the airport branch may differ from the original restaurant.

What is the cost for two at Central Tiffin Room?

The cost for two people at CTR is approximately INR 150 to 200, making it one of the most affordable heritage restaurants in Bengaluru. Most items are priced between INR 28 (Idly) and INR 110 (Benne Masala Dosa). A typical breakfast of two Benne Masala Dosas and two filter coffees would cost approximately INR 300. All prices are publicly documented and reviewed for 2025-2026.

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