Retaining its charm

H Subba Rao from Koteshwar started this outlet under the banner of ‘Hotel Ravikala’ in 1967 which was later changed to Janata Hotel in 1975. After ten years, the hotel was renovated and was converted into a self-service counter.

H S Prasanna Hathwar, who took over the reins from his father in 1996, made some modifications both in the menu and its interiors. But he retained the legacy. The Rava Idlis that were popular during his father’s time is the signature food of this joint.

“People would always recognise Ravikala for its soft idlis, such was the reputation of our idlis,” says H S Prasanna, the present owner. Interestingly, most of the people from his village have been running hotels in the City and the same name ‘Janata’ is being used by many of them. “People think that we have branched out but they are different from us. However, we all hail from the same place,” he says. 

There are many takers for the Bonda Soup offered here. “We dip Urad Dal Vadas in Moong Dal in Bonda soupand serve it hot. There is another item which has large takers — Bonda Rasam where we use Toor Dal,” explains Prasanna.

The hotel is open from 7.30 am to 8.30 pm and offers only South Indian items. For lunch, one can order plate meals, rice and sambar and mini meals.

The other fast-moving items include: rice items like rice bath, pongal, bisibele bath, pulav and puliogare.

“This hotel has been serving the vendors on Avenue Road for more than 40 years. Till date, the same traditional and healthy menu continues and they never tried to introduce chaats and modern snacks. The customers are also happy with what we get here, there is no need to revise the menu,” says Brahmanand, one of the
regulars.