In Vignan Nagar, close to Electronic City you will find a small 200 sq ft outlet that is named Iyer Idli. Since 2001, the outlet has survived by serving just two items, Idly and Chutney.

The Place and its story

The current owner of the place is Krishnan Mahadevan whose father lost his job in 2000 started this business to simply stay afloat. He started selling idli batter to shops in the neighbourhood.

“I was all of 10 at that time but remember waking up early to help supply the batter to shops nearby. It was tough. There were five of us at home, including my sister and ailing grandmother, who were dependent on the money that selling the batter brought home,” he says. Krishnan describes his childhood as one that came with many responsibilities.

Later on the suggestion of the people, he started to sell Idlis not just batter. His wife supported him as she prepare the batter for the idlis.
Of course it was not easy for him as the business would make Rs 40 a day after all expenses were deducted. “That would amount to just about Rs 1,200 a month. It was crazy and now looking back I wonder how we managed amidst all this,” he says.

The current owner had a tough childhood as he had to manage the shop along with his studies. Juggling with this, he completed his graduation also post graduation. He started his career as a professor and later went on to join Goldman Sachs as an investment banker.

But he was unable to focus on one thing. He waned to keep the business afloat and at the same time even focus on his job. This was because his father who managed the business passed away. He wanted to help his mother who was managing the work all alone.

“Seeing the kind of work I was putting in, she felt I would be better off managing my own business and getting some time off as well,” he adds. The decision was not easy and Krishnan says it involved tears, a little bit of heartache and a lot of communication. “I was very sure of wanting to only sell idlis. It just took time to do it full time,” says Krishnan.

Subsequently, Krishnan put in his papers and since December 2020, he has been part of Iyer Idly full time. While the outlet is open for business by 6.30 am every morning, work starts at 4 am. The morning slot is open until 11.30 am and they are ready for the evening slot by 6 pm. Even today one can get a meal of three idlis and unlimited chutney for Rs 30. Krishnan adds that the idea is to keep it as affordable as they can. “For close to seven and a half years there has been no increase in the prices.”