Bengaluru : MTR successfully concluded the latest edition of its flagship food festival, MTR Karunadu Swada, held from April 25–26, 2026 at Jayamahal Palace, Bengaluru. The three-day celebration was inaugurated by Shri Maheshwar Rao M, I.A.S., Chief Commissioner GBA and Administrator- All Bengaluru City Corporations. It brought together food enthusiasts, cultural connoisseurs, and culinary experts to rediscover the depth and diversity of Karnataka’s rich food heritage.
Centred around the theme of ‘the story before the recipe’ this year, MTR Karunadu Swada celebrated indigenous ingredients of Karnataka. This year’s festival showcased an immersive culinary journey across six regions of Karnataka—Uttara Karnataka, Kalyana Karnataka, Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Hale Mysuru. With a showcase of 75+ dishes, the spread stood out as a rich culinary archive bringing together both well-loved classics and lesser-known, almost-forgotten flavours under one roof.
Curated by MTR’s culinary experts along with home-cooks, the festival placed a strong emphasis on hyper-local, seasonal ingredients, celebrating the authenticity, sustainability, and regional identity of Karnataka’s cuisine. A distinctive highlight was the concept of “One Region. One Unique Ingredient. One Forgotten Recipe.,” with each region also featuring a traditional summer cooler, rooted in local wisdom and climate-responsive food practices.
MTR also unveiled the second edition of its coffee table book at the festival, an ode to Karnataka’s culinary legacy. The book titled “The story before the recipe” celebrates ingredients that grow in the 6 regions of Karnataka and have shaped its rich culinary tradition. Adding a memorable cultural layer to the celebration was acclaimed musician Vasu Dixit, who took centre stage with the launch of a specially composed Sambar song, performed live at the festival. The composition stood out as a heartfelt tribute to Sambar, celebrating the everyday rituals, warmth, and nostalgia that celebrates the dish, elevating the beloved Sambar into a symbol of shared memories and togetherness.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Sunay Bhasin, CEO, MTR, said: “For over a century, MTR has been deeply rooted in Karnataka’s culinary heritage, steadfast in its commitment to preserving and celebrating the authenticity of regional cuisine. MTR Karunadu Swada has now become an annual fixture on every food enthusiast’s calendar, serving as a platform that celebrates Karnataka’s local ingredients, revives forgotten recipes and spotlights the state’s regional diversity, and bringing people closer to Karnataka’s food traditions.”
Beyond the food, the festival offered a vibrant cultural showcase with folk and classical performances, bringing alive the spirit of Karnataka through music, dance, and art, making it a truly immersive cultural experience.
The festival witnessed an enthusiastic response over three days, further strengthening its position as one of Bengaluru’s most anticipated culinary and cultural platforms.
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