The reference of South India reminds me of Coconut Chuney and tomato chutney of Kumaran’s. Unlike the ludhianvis the people didnt like to show off.
- Jigarthandai- A Beverage from Madurai
The Local trains, bus are common modes public transport.
- Onion Fritters and Vadas
The prices of food, transportation relatively cheaper than the north India. Also you need not worry to wear the best of clothes when you go out. The people are busy among themselves.
Needless to say, Vada, Idli can be found at every nook and corner.
- Potato Fritter, Vada
What I observed, that the taste and consistency of the coconut chutney was almost same at all the places. The coconut chutney has a distinct property, it goes well with everything.
You need the fresh ingredients and most importantly it should be cold. Vadas, onion, banana pakoras just tasted awesome with this epic chutney.
- Vada, Banana Fritters
The basics ingredients are Coconut. Chana Dal, Green Chilly, Curry Leaves an salt.
JIgarthandai is the refreshing beverage of South India, originating from Madurai.
They add jelly like agar agar, sweetner to the condensed milk and then top it with ice cream. The drink is refreshing, texture are contrasting and flavours are subtle.
The coffee shops in Madurai.
- The Best One. Light and Crispy
The vada I had were small in size and crisp. They were fried perfectly, it was soft in the core and crispy on the outside. Seemed like 2-3 crispy layers of various intensity. It was light and you can have as many you want. When coupled with cold coconut chutney, it becomes a delight. Softness, Crispyness from the vada, cold chuney, Sweetness from coconut, Freshness from curry leaves,Crackle from the Mustad Seeds. It becomes an art. The Vada- Coconut chuney reminds me of the quote, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”
- Teeeeaaaaaaaaa.
I had heard from eatlogs that the coffee of madurai is exceptional. Not being an ardent lover of Tea/Coffee, I thought that it is overhyped. The coffee shops are easy to spot in madurai. The guy prepared the coffee live and gave it to me. Trust me the coffee was exceptional. Right amount of Sugar, coffee, temperature, foam on top. An experience in itself.
- Gajra
The gajra is the Indian Garland made with paper jasmine flowers and leaves a lingering fragrance.
- Gajra Making
- Street Near Meenakshi Temple
- (Not) A Golf Car
The gigantic Meenakshi leaves one spellbound. It has approximately 33000 sculptures in it. Incredible India!.
The Chicken Chettinad is also a speciality of the South. The chicken was dressed in a thick spicy gravy. The warmth of the Pepper and Whole spices could be felt at the back of the throat.
Another popular dish was Gobi Manchurian. It is made with cauliflower as the main ingredient and peppers, onions are sauted with it and then added to a savoury manchurian gravy.
I thoroughly enjoyed each and every part of south india. From gigantic jewelry stores, Sarvotam stores, to the ‘Mother of air circulation – Lungis’. The best was the carefree attiude of people and the finger licking coconut chutney.
Share your South Indian experiences with us.
Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish Hungry. Ever.
Punjabi Foodie 