Veena Stores Founder Passes Away; Bengaluru Mourns The Man Behind Its Iconic Idli-Vada

For generations of Bengaluru residents, a plate of soft idlis, crispy vadas and filter coffee at Veena Stores has been more than just breakfast. Now, the city is mourning the passing of Suryanarayana Hegde, the founder of the iconic Malleswaram eatery, which has been serving its much-loved South Indian fare since 1977. Tributes have been pouring in for the man behind the iconic eatery, with Deepika Padukone also paying tribute to him.

Bengaluru’s Veena Stores Mourns Founder Suryanarayana Demise

What started as a small condiment store eventually became one of Bengaluru’s most recognisable food landmarks–Veena Stores. Suryanarayana Hegde began Veena Stores with a modest menu that included coffee, tea, badam milk and idlis. Over the years, the eatery became synonymous with its fluffy idlis, crispy vadas, shavige bath, kharabath and other South Indian favourites.

Over the years, Veena Stores has built a loyal following far beyond its neighbourhood. The tiny eatery in Malleswaram became known for its long queues and stand-and-eat format, drawing everyone from regular Bengaluru families to celebrities. Even after expanding its space in 2021, the restaurant continued to retain much of the old-school charm that made it a city institution.

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Tributes Pour In For The Man Behind The Iconic Malleswaram Eatery

Among its well-known fans is Deepika Padukone, who has often been spotted at Veena Stores during visits to Bengaluru and confessed her love for the place during an interview with Curly Tales. The actor has a long-standing connection with the eatery and has previously visited with her father, Prakash Padukone, for its popular idli-vada.

Following the news of Suryanarayana’s passing, Deepika Padukone also commented on the tribute to the Veena Stores founder, adding to the outpouring of affection for the Bengaluru icon.

For many, Veena Stores is not simply another breakfast spot. It is a piece of old Bengaluru, a place associated with childhood breakfasts, family outings and the comforting familiarity of a plate of idli-vada that has remained beloved across generations.

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And perhaps that is what makes the loss of its founder feel especially personal for the city. While the eatery continues its journey with the next generation, Suryanarayana’s legacy lives on in the food, the traditions and the countless Bengaluru mornings that began at Veena Stores.

Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/veenastores