Bengaluru’s famous dosa joint CTR, including Virat Kohli’s favourite spot, faces backlash after customer alleges finding cockroach in masala dosa

A cockroach allegedly found inside a masala dosa has landed Bengaluru’s iconic Central Tiffin Room (CTR) in an online controversy, with a customer calling out the restaurant over its kitchen hygiene. The eatery, known for its crispy dosas and frequented by cricketer Virat Kohli, has since issued an apology, promising to take steps to address the complaint.

Customer alleges cockroach inside CTR's masala dosa

In a video posted on Instagram earlier this week, a customer alleged that a cockroach was found inside a masala dosa they had ordered at CTR’s Malleswaram outlet. The video showed the cockroach inside the dosa, along with the customer’s conversations with the restaurant’s staff.

The customer also alleged that when they raised a complaint, the staff offered them another masala dosa.


“Management offers change in dosa instead of change in kitchen hygiene,” the video said. In the accompanying caption, they added, “We expected better from an establishment with such a legacy. Food safety should never be compromised, no matter how big the name is.”

CTR issues apology, promises kitchen inspection

The online discussion prompted the restaurant to acknowledge the incident. In an apology posted on Instagram, CTR said, “There are no excuses for this; food safety and hygiene are non-negotiable for us, and we have taken immediate and rigorous steps to inspect our kitchen and ensure this never happens again.”

The customer who posted the complaint video also responded to the restaurant’s apology, saying they hoped to see “these positive words” translated into practical action across all its outlets.

Viral video draws mixed reactions, other customers share experiences

The video, posted by an Instagram user named ‘trustedcircleblr’, garnered over 6.6 lakh views in two days, with several other users sharing their own experiences in the comments section.

One user even alleged that they had once received a dosa with ants in the batter. Some, however, defended the restaurant, arguing that such “minor lapses” could occur even in household kitchens and that the establishment should not be judged too harshly.

What makes CTR one of Bengaluru’s most popular dosa spots?

CTR, also known as Shri Sagar, operates two outlets in Bengaluru — one on Margosa Road in Malleswaram, which has been around since 1920, and another on the premises of Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), inaugurated in 2024.

The restaurant is known for its crispy dosas, goli baje, chow chow bath and other South Indian dishes.