The whiff of freshly steamed button idlis and the buzz of eager customers tucking into the hot tiffin snacks oozing with Mangaluru flavours will be a thing of the past at New Krishna Bhavan. The 70-year-old eatery, a neighbourhood gem in Malleswaram will be shutting its doors on December 6. As Bengalureans gear up for a tearful goodbye, here’s why this eatery will always hold a special place in my heart. Even if it’s just a fond memory.
70-YO New Krishna Bhavan In Malleswaram Bids Goodbye To Bengaluru
New Krishna Bhavan, after tantalising the taste buds of its patrons with its signatures like button idlis, green masala idli, Mangalore buns and badam halwa will be shutting shop on December 6. Established by Ramakrishna Prabhu in 1954, his son, Sundar R. Prabhu, took over the reins of the restaurant. Currently, it’s owned and run by Sundar R. Prabhu’s son, Sunil S. Prabhu.
The family-run restaurant in Malleswaram has stood its own ground in the vicinity amongst other heritage South Indian eateries like CTR and Veena Stores. Moreover, what made it stand apart is that it served Mangaluru on a plate. The coastal region is known for its distinct tiffin items. Like the fluffy Mangalore buns made of wheat flour and bananas; Neer dosa, a white-hued dosa made of coconut and rice flour, among others.
Why Is It Shutting Down?
Walk into the restaurant and you’ll feel like you are stepping back in time. It’s almost like a time machine where the walls, the widely smiling elderly servers coaxing you to try their specials, are all reminiscent of simpler times. Actor Rajkumar, his son, Raghavendra Rajkumar and several politicians have frequented this restaurant. The culinary institution has served generations of people coming from diverse backgrounds.
Sunil S. Prabhu revealed to Deccan Herald that the reason behind the closure is that they want to venture into different paths. While they love the place, the employees who have also served for years, have been a bit tired and exhausted. He takes the example of his 72-year-old cook Ramamurthy, who has worked at the legendary eatery for 40 long years. The Deccan Herald report further informs that this property has now been sold to a well-known jewellery chain. Currently, Sunil S. Prabhu is helping his staff, who are like family, to find jobs at other places.
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We’ll Miss The Button Idlis & Badam Halwa At This Culinary Institution
As a Bengalurean, the news about New Krishna Bhavan shutting down after a princely 70-year legacy has left me a little overwhelmed. Located opposite Mantri Mall in Malleswaram, I remember visiting this culinary institution with my family whenever I was in the neighbourhood.
My go-to dishes here would be the button idlis floating in flavoursome sambar, drizzled with ghee, the bisi bele bath served with crispy boondi and akki roti. What I looked forward to the most was a cup of piping hot, strong cup of filter kaapi and their melt-in-the-mouth badam halwa, the best ever! New Krishna Bhavan served vintage Mangaluru on a plate!
With a heavy heart, as I, along with many other Bengalureans bid goodbye to New Krishna Bhavan, I can’t help but seek comfort in nostalgia.
Cover Image Courtesy: Just Dial
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First Published: November 29, 2023 11:33 AM