‘Iconic’ Krishna Bhavan sees long but last queue before Wednesday shutdown

Chandra Prabhu | NT

Bengaluru: Bengaluru is home to a lot of eateries. Only a handful of them have passed the test of time through decades. However, one of them is closing down, in the ever bustling area of Malleshwaram, from Wednesday.

The New Sree Krishna Bhavan (NKB), which is short of its 70th year, has announced their closure, prompting people to throng the premises.

This hotel, which was the brainchild of Ramakrishna Prabhu, will end with his grandchild Sunil Prabhu, the current owner.

As News Trail paid a visit to the hotel, a long queue ensued in the premises, amidst a cold December afternoon, waiting for hot dosas and idlis.

“I was disappointed to know that they’re closing down,” said Shuba from Basaveshwar Nagar. Answering her favourite food item, she gave a shocking response.

“This is the only place where the Upmas are good!” she said. In the time where Upma, otherwise known as “Uppitu” is constantly ridiculed and avoided, The NKB deserves its flowers for making that taste good. Shashi, another resident from the vicinity, explained the emotional connect they have with the restaurant, “Bengalureans, like me, have a close connection with this place, This queue is testament to it,” he said.

The NKB, which epitomises the essence of a South Indian kitchen, has attracted people from all walks of life from different parts of the city. Narayan Reddy, who has come all the way from Yelahanka, was heartbroken to hear that the eatery is being shut soon.

“Whenever I touch down on Malleshwaram for work, I crave the Rava Idlies and Masala Dose and they serve the best!,” said the 69 year old.

The people who work here, also shared a similar emotional connection to the restaurant. The Cashier, who maintained anonymity, recalled her 3 year stay here.

“We were all a family. It is heartbreaking to see that crumble,” she said.

Her future prospects, according to her is hanging on a thread as prospective offers are yet to reach her table, unlike the number of bills she has received from the last few days Gangaiah, the security guard here, reminisced on his 9 year stint.

“I will miss working here, it was a privilege! I will not forget the kindness of the owners, and the mouth watering food!,” he added.

P C Rao, President of the Bruhat Bangalore Hotel Association, was full of praise and felt sympathetic for his ‘friend’ and owner Prabhu.

“We are losing a good restaurant and this has shrunk the everlong eateries only to a handful,” he said.

When News Trail approached Sunil Prabhu, he denied to speak further, commenting, “Everything that needs to be said has been said.”