MTR Foods, commonly referred to as MTR, is a prominent Indian packaged food brand specialising in authentic Indian convenience foods. The company is well-known for its instant breakfast mixes, ready-to-eat meals, spices, desserts, and traditional South Indian food products. MTR has established itself as a brand that preserves authentic Indian recipes while offering convenience for modern households. Currently, MTR operates as part of the Norwegian food company Orkla, which acquired the business in 2007.

Origins (1924)

The history of MTR traces back to 1924, when the Maiya family founded the Mavalli Tiffin Rooms (MTR Restaurant) in Bangalore (now Bengaluru), Karnataka. The restaurant quickly gained a reputation for serving high-quality vegetarian South Indian cuisine, prepared with strict hygiene standards and authentic recipes. It remains one of Bengaluru’s most famous dining establishments.

Expansion into Packaged Foods

In 1975, the company diversified into the packaged foods sector by introducing instant mixes. These products allowed consumers to prepare traditional Indian dishes quickly without compromising on taste. This innovation helped pioneer India’s convenience food industry and laid the foundation for what is now known as MTR Foods.

Modern Growth

As consumer lifestyles evolved, MTR expanded into several product categories, investing in modern manufacturing facilities, quality control laboratories, and advanced packaging technologies. In 2007, the Norwegian consumer goods company Orkla acquired MTR Foods. This acquisition enabled the brand to expand both nationally and internationally while maintaining its focus on authentic Indian flavours.

• Brand Name: MTR Foods
• Founded: 1924 (restaurant); packaged foods business launched in 1975
• Founder: Maiya Family
• Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
• Industry: Food Processing / FMCG
• Parent Company: Orkla India (part of Orkla ASA, Norway)
• Business Type: Packaged Foods and Ready-to-Eat Products

MTR offers a wide variety of food products across multiple categories:

Breakfast Mixes

• Idli Mix
• Dosa Mix
• Rava Idli Mix
• Upma Mix
• Pongal Mix

Ready-to-Eat Meals

• Dal Makhani
• Rajma Masala
• Chana Masala
• Paneer Butter Masala
• Vegetable Biryani
• Puliyogare Rice
• Bisibele Bath

Instant Mixes

• Gulab Jamun Mix
• Kheer Mix
• Payasam Mix
• Dhokla Mix
• Vada Mix

Spices & Masalas

• Sambar Powder
• Rasam Powder
• Curry Powders
• Biryani Masala
• Garam Masala

Other Products

• Frozen Foods
• Pickles
• Papads
• Vermicelli
• Ready-to-cook gravies
• Ice cream (selected markets)
• Milk-based beverages 1

MTR’s philosophy centres on delivering the “Authentic Taste of India.” The company emphasises:

• Authentic regional recipes
• Premium-quality ingredients
• Hygienic manufacturing
• Convenience for modern lifestyles
• Consistent taste across products
• Preservation of Indian culinary traditions 2

MTR operates modern food processing facilities equipped with:

• Advanced quality control laboratories
• Automated production systems
• Modern packaging technology
• Strict food safety standards
• ISO and HACCP-certified manufacturing processes (as described by the company) 3

MTR products are sold in various regions globally, including:

• Throughout India
• North America
• Europe
• Middle East
• Australia
• Southeast Asia
• Other international markets with significant Indian diaspora populations

MTR competes with several major food brands in India, including:

• Gits
• Aashirvaad
• Everest
• MDH
• Eastern (now under the same parent company as MTR)

MTR is particularly strong in the South Indian convenience food segment and is widely recognised for its breakfast mixes and ready-to-eat traditional meals. 4

• Nearly a century of brand heritage
• Pioneer in India’s instant mix category
• Strong consumer trust
• Wide portfolio covering multiple meal occasions
• Strong distribution network across India
• International availability
• Backed by global food company Orkla 5

MTR is regarded as one of India’s pioneering convenience food brands. By combining traditional recipes with modern food processing, it helped popularise packaged Indian meals and instant mixes while maintaining a reputation for authentic taste and quality. Over the decades, it has grown from a single Bengaluru restaurant into an internationally recognised FMCG brand with products available in numerous countries. 7

1. MESSAGEIndia’s food processing sector is at a piv
2. How MTR has stayed true to its Kannadiga core
3. Authentic Indian Food | MTR Foods
4. Mtr Since 1924
5. Innovations that helped MTR Foods become a big brand – The Economic Times
6. MTR FOODS
7. MTR – Orkla India