India, March 8 -- For over a century, Mavalli Tiffin Room - or MTR - has been a household name in Bangalore for South Indian fare. During this time, it has served eminent personalities, invented rava idli, ridden out the turbulence of World War II, launched a packaged foods line, and opened up outposts across the globe. Most recently, its custodians released a book that tells the tale of all the people and events that make up this legacy. We sat down with one of them - Hemamalini Maiya - to dig into all the delicious little details.

With the fragrance of recipes passed down generations wafting past them, thousands of diners in Bangalore sit down in one of many Mavalli Tiffin Room (MTR) outposts every morning for a ghee-laden meal. All ac...