This employee fired over bizarre reason, rehired after public backlash, check story here…
Jr NTR's Devara makers cut 7-minute scene just 3 days before release due to...
MUDA case: Siddaramaiah refuses to resign as Karnataka CM, says, 'will not...'
Mpox outbreak: Kerala confirms 2nd monkeypox case, man had returned to Ernakulam from...
Another big move by Gautam Adani, his company set to buy stake in...
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announces special trains for upcoming festive season
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 teaser has Rooh Baba fighting Manjulika, Kartik Aaryan up against Vidya Balan
West Indies legend Dwayne Bravo announces retirement from...
Weather update: IMD issues heavy rainfall warning in 17 states for next three days, check details
In this Indian state, grooms are sent away to their brides' house after marriage, it is...
Malayalam actor Siddique's whereabouts unknown, police intensify search, issue lookout notice
Watch Virat Kohli's gesture when Kanpur ground staff touches his feet, here's viral video
The Big Billion Days Sale 2024: Check dates, offers, best deals on electronics, home appliances
Paracetamol among 53 drugs to fail quality control test: What are the alternatives you can adopt?
Big blow to CSK as Dwayne Bravo part ways, joins this team as...
30-year-old woman collapses at work, dies after manager denies..., company says...
After US, France, UK backs India's bid for permanent UNSC seat
Big blow for BJP as Sunil Jakhar resigns as Punjab chief ahead of Panchayat elections: Report
Bad news for Jr NTR fans, Devara Part 2 has a big update
Husky joins morning aarti, takes social media by storm, internet calls it...; watch viral video
Meet man, an Indian who wanted to become cricketer, now earns Rs 5 crore daily, is married to...
Meet man, who spent over 50 years in jail for murder he never committed, is now set to be...
Earth's 'mini-moon' to be visible from..., here's how you can watch it
PM Modi launches 3 Param Rudra supercomputers: Know features, how these will help India
Salman Khan flaunts his Sikandar biceps, gives glimpse into his fitness regime in viral pic
Virat Kohli needs only 35 runs to break star India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar's world record of...
Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Jio to get tough competition from BSNL as government...
Pakistani actor Darpan, whose brother Santosh was a superstar, reigned the romantic age
Indian mountaineers name peak in Arunachal Pradesh after 6th Dalai Lama, China responds
Anil Ambani rises again, Reliance Group companies becoming debt free, his net worth is...
Meet IAS officer, who can't speak or listen, still aced UPSC in his first attempt with AIR...
Meet man, who leads Rs 7781 crore company, close relative of Mukesh Ambani, has net worth of...
When Nita Ambani shared who she’d date if not her husband, Mukesh Ambani’s response was...
Kanpur weather forecast, India vs Bangladesh 2nd Test: Will rain play spoilsport on Day 1?
Zelenskyy meets Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, discusses Ukraine's 'victory plan'
Meet man, son of closest advisor of Mukesh Ambani’s father, who works in Reliance as…
Grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju gets Mercedes Benz E-Class as gift, it costs Rs…
Flipkart Big Billion Days: Apple iPhone 15 is available for just Rs....; check how to grab new offer
DNA TV Show: As gold prices hit all-time high, should we invest in yellow metal or shares?
'Why pick up BCCI, settle with them only': SC asks Byju's on Rs 15000 crore debt
NASA’s rover discovers unusual 'Zebra-stripped' rock on...
Mpox outbreak: Centre issues advisory to prevent spread of virus, says, 'minimize risk of...'
Ratan Tata's company inks Rs 91000 crore pact with Taiwan firm to build India's first...
Mukesh Ambani's Reliance teams up with Swedish company, will now sell...
After reducing debt, Anil Ambani's Reliance Infra to now take major decision on...
Good news for these workers, ahead of festive season, Centre increases...
Mukesh Ambani's children, Isha, Akash Ambani shine in Hurun India's list of...
Virat Kohli doesn't want Rishabh Pant in RCB? DC captain lambasts rumors ahead of IPL 2025 auction
IND vs BAN, 2nd Test Dream11 prediction: Fantasy cricket tips for India vs Bangladesh match
Want to time travel? Here's how Google can help you revisit Earth 80 years ago
Bilkis Bano case: SC rejects Gujarat govt's plea seeking review of verdict over certain observations
Mohan Babu robbed of Rs 10 lakh cash from his Hyderabad home, police arrests domestic help
High-Precision Stamping: Key Steps To Ensure Quality And Accuracy
Expert Skincare Tips For A Festive Glow: Dr Shivani Mane’s Guide To Radiant Skin
The Evolving Job Market and Career Choices
Meet Bollywood actress who rejected Shah Rukh Khan’s Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, had her own TV series
Good news for Delhi-NCR! Namo Bharat Metro to pass from 22 stations to reach...
Bihar: 46 people, including 37 children, drown during Jivitputrika festival
Scientists find Earth-like planet in distant solar system, nearly 2 times size of...
Karnataka withdraws general consent to CBI to probe cases in state amid MUDA case row
Sarfira OTT release: When, where to watch Akshay Kumar's remake of Soorarai Pottru
BUSINESS
The restaurant has witnessed and survived significant historical events, including World War II, the Indian independence movement, and the 1970s food scarcity crisis
TRENDING NOW
In the bustling heart of Mumbai lies a beacon of culinary excellence, a family restaurant that has seamlessly blended tradition with innovation. In an exclusive interview with DNA, Naresh Nayak, the third-generation custodian of this legacy, has taken the reins of a business that has withstood the test of time and numerous global events. His journey from the banking sector in Australia back to his roots in Mumbai is nothing short of inspiring.
What does Mysore Cafe mean to you beyond just a business?
"My grandfather, Akkar Rama Nayak, laid the foundation of our restaurant in 1936, introducing the Udupi restaurant style in Mumbai," says Naresh Nayak, the current frontrunner. The restaurant has witnessed and survived significant historical events, including World War II, the Indian independence movement, and the 1970s food scarcity crisis. This resilience is a testament to the dedication and adaptability of the Nayak family.
After spending several years in Australia, working in the banking sector, Naresh returned to India just before the COVID-19 pandemic. The global crisis forced the restaurant to shut down temporarily, but Naresh saw it as an opportunity to infuse new ideas into the family business. "In Australia, I observed several innovations in the food and beverage space that left a lasting impression on me. I was determined to bring some of these innovations to India," he recalls.
Working towards a sustainable environment
One of the significant changes Naresh introduced was a focus on sustainability. The restaurant now boasts 42 kilowatts of solar panels, making it the largest solar power producer in Matunga. "We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint. We've also eliminated the use of tissues by incorporating sensor automation for hygiene, which saves hundreds of kilos of tissue waste annually," he explains.
In a bid to further sustainability, Naresh is experimenting with non-plastic alternatives for packaging. "We're also introducing high-tech rinse taps that reduce water usage by up to 40% and hot water systems that cut down electricity consumption by 80%," he adds. These efforts ensure the restaurant is prepared for future water and electricity shortages, particularly in a city like Mumbai.
Signature dish at Mysore Cafe with an interesting story behind it?
Naresh's return to the family business also saw the introduction of new delights. "We've embraced contemporary flavours while maintaining our traditional South Indian cooking style," he says. The restaurant now serves vegan versions of traditional dishes, like the iconic South Indian filter coffee made with non-dairy milk. This was a significant change from the traditional recipe but has been well received by customers.
The menu also features modern twists on classic dishes, such as peri peri idli fry and peri peri dosa, which have become top-selling items. "We also have a special dish for kids, the Dil kush Dosa, which is like a pizza dosa with cheese, tomato, and capsicum," Naresh shares. These innovations cater to changing tastes while preserving the essence of South Indian cuisine.
Many people are curious about your connection with prominent leaders. How did this relationship come about, and in what ways has it influenced your journey as a cafe owner?
Despite the modern touches, the essence of the restaurant remains unchanged. The traditional dishes, beloved by figures such as the Ambani family and celebrated for their authentic taste, continue to be a cornerstone of the menu.
One fascinating anecdote shared was how the Ambani family, known for their busy schedules and high-profile lifestyle, once went to great lengths to enjoy their favorite food. During a period when Mukesh Ambani was in Paris on business, he was so keen on having his favorite South Indian dishes that he arranged for the food to be transported via a supply flight.
Yes, you read that right—an exclusive supply flight was dispatched to ensure that the Ambani family could enjoy their beloved dishes, piping hot, all the way in Paris. The Ambani family's fondness for these dishes is well-documented. They especially appreciate the traditional coconut chutney, a dish prepared with an abundance of fresh coconut, which is a hallmark of the restaurant's high standards.
Naresh shared a poignant memory from the restaurant's history: “Indira Gandhi once requested our coffee, and after tasting it, she sent her compliments, saying it was excellent. This kind of recognition from such high places is a proud moment for us.”
Naresh reflects on this moment with pride: “Food has a unique way of bridging gaps between people from all walks of life. Our restaurant has been a gathering place for everyone, from prominent business leaders to everyday customers, and we are honoured to have played a part in that.”
Today, despite the innovations, the restaurant remains a traditional, conservative South Indian eatery at its core.