Among Mangalore’s growing community of food content creators, Try Tindi has built a loyal following by discovering and showcasing unique eateries across the city through Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. One of its most successful and beloved content series is Kaapi with Kiran, which has captured the attention of food lovers since its launch in October 2025.
The series has already crossed an impressive 50 lakh views across digital platforms within just a few months, making it one of the most talked-about food shows in the region.
Every Monday at 4 PM, viewers are taken on a journey through Mangalore’s hidden food gems, where exceptional coffee meets delicious local snacks. Yet, despite the growing popularity of the show, the person behind the camera continues to remain a mystery.
In this exclusive interview with TuluAdda.com, Kiran shares the story behind Kaapi with Kiran, the inspiration that sparked the idea, and why the series has become much more than just a food vlog.
The Birth of Kaapi with Kiran
For Kiran, the journey started with a simple passion: coffee.
A self-confessed coffee enthusiast, he spent years exploring different corners of Mangalore in search of the perfect cup of kaapi. Initially, he planned to create content focused entirely on coffee. However, he soon realized that Mangalore’s coffee culture cannot be separated from the snacks that accompany it.
Whether it is a plate of buns, crispy savouries, or traditional local delicacies, coffee in Mangalore is rarely enjoyed alone.
This observation eventually became the foundation of Kaapi with Kiran, a series dedicated to celebrating both the city’s coffee culture and the small eateries that continue to preserve local food traditions.
Preserving a Vanishing Food Culture
Beyond coffee and snacks, Kiran had another motivation.
He noticed that many traditional eateries in Mangalore were slowly disappearing. He fondly remembers the days when small hotels displayed fresh snacks and food items in glass cabinets, attracting customers with a visual showcase of local delicacies.
As modern dining concepts and live counters become increasingly popular, many of these old establishments face an uncertain future.
Through Kaapi with Kiran, Kiran hopes to document and preserve these places before they disappear from the city’s cultural landscape.
What Makes Kaapi with Kiran Different?
In a crowded food-content space, Kaapi with Kiran stands out because of its niche focus.
Unlike most food vloggers who primarily review restaurants and dining experiences, the series focuses on:
- Traditional coffee culture
- Local snacks and delicacies
- Hidden neighborhood eateries
- Nostalgic food experiences
- Stories behind family-run establishments
This unique approach has helped the series connect deeply with audiences.
Since launching in October 2025, nearly 45 episodes have been produced, with a new episode released every Monday at 4 PM without fail.
Kiran credits this consistency, along with the support of sponsors and viewers, for the show’s growing success.
The Research Behind Every Episode
Each episode involves extensive preparation.
Kiran and his wife Pooja, who plays a key role in the production process, spend hours researching locations across Mangalore. Travelling on a two-wheeler, the couple explores different neighborhoods, gathers recommendations, and visits small eateries that possess a unique charm.
They are often drawn to places featuring:
- Old wooden benches
- Traditional interiors
- Historic ambience
- Long-standing local reputation
Before filming, they usually visit each location in advance to experience the food and atmosphere firsthand.
Only after they are convinced a place genuinely deserves recognition do they return to shoot an episode.
The Story of Kogannana Hotel That Left a Lasting Impact
Among the many eateries featured so far, one establishment continues to stand out in Kiran’s memory.
Located in Kulshekar, Gajanana Hotel, popularly known as Kogannana Hotel, surprised him with food items still priced at just ₹10.
In an era of rising food costs, such pricing is almost unheard of.
What impressed Kiran even more was the owner’s philosophy. Despite having children who are well-settled in life, the owner continues running the hotel not for profit, but out of passion and a desire to serve the community.
By keeping prices affordable, he ensures that workers, daily wage earners, and middle-class families can continue enjoying quality food.
For Kiran, this represented the true spirit of hospitality.
The episode received widespread appreciation from viewers, many of whom were inspired by the owner’s commitment and values.
Authenticity Above Everything
One of the biggest reasons for the popularity of Kaapi with Kiran is its authenticity.
Unlike many content creators who coordinate extensively with businesses before filming, Kiran prefers to visit eateries as an ordinary customer.
He rarely informs owners beforehand.
This approach ensures:
- No special treatment
- Genuine customer experience
- Honest food reviews
- Authentic service assessment
According to Kiran, maintaining viewers’ trust is more important than anything else.
If an owner requests that certain areas, such as the kitchen, not be filmed, those wishes are always respected.
Interestingly, many business owners contact him after an episode is released, thanking him for helping them reach new customers.
A Nostalgic Connection for Mangaloreans Worldwide
The response to the series has been overwhelming.
One of the most rewarding aspects for Kiran is hearing from Mangalorean’s living across India and abroad.
For many viewers, the videos serve as a nostalgic bridge to their hometown, bringing back memories of favorite eateries, familiar flavors, and childhood experiences.
Knowing that the series creates such emotional connections has become one of the biggest motivations behind continuing the project.
The Mystery Behind Kiran
An element that has further fueled the popularity of the series is the mystery surrounding its creator.
Despite producing more than 700 videos across Try Tindi’s platforms, Kiran has never prioritized revealing his face.
While many people in Mangalore know him personally, countless viewers continue to wonder about the man behind the camera.
Requests for a face reveal frequently appear in the comments section.
However, Kiran believes the curiosity has become part of the show’s identity and adds a unique charm to the overall experience.
Why Mangalore Still Has Countless Stories Left to Tell
Viewers often ask Kiran to expand Kaapi with Kiran beyond Mangalore and explore places such as Udupi, Kodagu, and other parts of Karnataka.
For now, he prefers to stay focused on Mangalore.
According to him, nearly 90 percent of Mangalore’s hidden eateries remain undiscovered.
Every week, viewers recommend small hotels, roadside eateries, and traditional establishments that deserve recognition.
Kiran believes there are still countless untold stories waiting to be documented within the city itself.
More Than a Food Series
Over time, Kaapi with Kiran has evolved into something much bigger than a food show.
It has become:
- A cultural archive
- A record of disappearing traditions
- A platform for local businesses
- A celebration of Mangalore’s culinary heritage
Many business owners have told Kiran that their establishments may not continue into the next generation as younger family members pursue different careers.
As urbanization continues to reshape Mangalore, these stories could one day exist only in memories.
Through every episode, Kiran hopes to preserve a piece of that heritage for future generations.
The Future of Kaapi with Kiran
Looking ahead, Kiran reveals that a new format connected to the series is already in development, although he remains tight-lipped about the details.
What will remain unchanged is the core mission:
- Discovering hidden local gems
- Supporting small businesses
- Preserving Mangalore’s food culture
- Sharing authentic stories
- Connecting people through food and nostalgia
As Kaapi with Kiran continues to grow, it stands as a reminder that every cup of coffee has a story, and every small eatery has a legacy worth preserving.
For viewers, the series may begin with coffee and snacks, but it ultimately offers something much deeper a glimpse into the heart, history, and soul of Mangalore.
Follow Try Tindi
If you love discovering hidden eateries, local food stories, and authentic Mangalore flavors, be sure to follow Try Tindi on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for the latest episodes of Kaapi with Kiran every Monday at 4 PM.
https://www.instagram.com/try.tindi?igsh=aGl1djFyMzJtMzR5
