Mavalli Tiffin Rooms, known more popularly as MTR, was started in 1924. It was set up near Lalbagh Fort by two brothers, Yajnanarayana Maiya and Ganappayya Maiya who came down from a place called Parampalli, near Udupi. MTR restaurant still stands in the same place it did 50 years ago. In 1999 Harishchandra Maiya passed away and the business was taken over by his eldest daughter, Hemamalini Maiya. There is a sweets and an egg-free bakery division as well. There is also a sandwich parlor next to the hotel.