Stories From Bharat: How Dosa King In The North, Sagar Ratna’s Jayaram Banan Built A ₹300 Cr Empire

by Mallika Khurana
Stories From Bharat: How Dosa King In The North, Sagar Ratna’s Jayaram Banan Built A ₹300 Cr Empire

From the bylanes of Bellary to the bustling streets of New Delhi, Jayaram Banan’s journey is a rags-to-riches tale. It’s the story of a man who turned his love for South Indian cuisine into a culinary empire and enriched the nation’s palate. His legacy serves as an inspiration for all those who dare to dream, regardless of their starting point, and for anyone who believes in the extraordinary power of taste and tradition. With a culinary empire valued at over ₹300 crore, Jayaram Banan has not only made South Indian cuisine accessible but has also become an integral part of our lives. 

 The Flavorful Journey Of Jayaram Banan

 

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In the heartlands of Karnataka,  a culinary prodigy was born on June 2, 1956, who would go on to reshape India’s gastronomic landscape. Known as the “Dosa King in the North,” Jayaram Banan, is a name now synonymous with the rich tapestry of South Indian cuisine. He embarked on a remarkable journey from modest beginnings to becoming a magnate in the world of food.

Raised in a simple family, young Jayaram had a taste for life’s simple pleasures. His early years were steeped in the flavours of his mother’s kitchen, where aromatic spices and age-old recipes danced together, creating magic on a plate. In 1986, armed with a handful of recipes and an unwavering belief in the culinary heritage of South India, he founded Sagar Ratna in New Delhi. At that time, it was a modest outlet, but it was infused with a grand vision.

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From Humble Beginnings To Culinary Royalty

Jayaram Banan Sagar Ratna
Photo Credits: Jayaram Banan Fans/Facebook

The road to success was fraught with challenges. In a market dominated by diverse cuisines, establishing an identity for authentic South Indian fare was no easy feat. Jayaram, however, was undeterred. Sagar Ratna, under Jayaram’s visionary leadership, grew from strength to strength. The aroma of freshly prepared dosas, the sizzle of vadas in hot oil, and the allure of aromatic filter coffee became synonymous with Sagar Ratna. 

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What started as one humble outlet soon transformed into a chain of restaurants. Each of these restaurants preserves the authenticity and taste of South India. He introduced innovative dosa varieties and an array of South Indian specialities. He always wanted to make them accessible to people from all walks of life.

Today, Sagar Ratna is a household name in India, and Jayaram Banan stands as a testament to the power of determination and a passion for flavours. 

Cover Image Courtesy: Jayaram Banan Fans/Facebook