4 Plates, 80 Foodies and Mattancherry
- 14 Oct 2016
- FWD Admin
- Features
I vowed not to eat lunch on Sunday. No, not for any religious or exam reasons as it goes usually, but just postponing a meal for the binge of the century. We were going to explore Mattancherry with Eat Kochi Eat (EKE). Well it turned out to be a good decision, as the hours passed my center of gravity seemed to be shifting forward.
Around 80 foodies assembled in front of Abad Chullickal at 3.30pm. When it comes to food, we tend to be extremely punctual. You could sense the excitement in the air, also the hunger. We were divided into groups and followed each of our hallowed team leaders into the mystic (I didnt follow the route as I was so hungry).
First stop, Fathimas
Our group of non stop-talkers, was welcomed with a window display of glorious spicy, rolled in chilly dishes. We felt pity for our one vegetarian friend, who probably felt like she was in a Game of Thrones scene. Eat Kochi Eat had picked out the Mani Puttu and Beef Kondattam for us. The Mani Puttu is essentially Idiyappam in a cylindrical shape. Beef Kondattam surpirsed me with its spice and whole roasted Corinader seeds. Being the over zealous hungry bunch, we went on to try the crab (spicy), prawns (average) and the porottas (good old thattukada style). The veggies got a choice of white or black chana. We went overboard as our team leader said this would be the biggest meal of the day. Should have listened to my inner voice.
Onwards to Shantilal S Mithaiwala
We bumped into another group, as we crowded the Gujarathi Road in Mattancherry. I was surprised by the 'No Tea' board in front of one of Kochi's famous North Indian sweet shops. Boxes of sweet treats were being passed around that EKE had picked out. I ignored the Fafda, Peda etc, for the juicy yellow golden Jalebis. The more adventurous dipped their Jalebis in hot Badam milk, while the rest sipped on Masala Chai. Well the 'No Tea' board was a bit of a puzzler. They only serve Masala Chai they said. Go figure.
Next Stop Kayee's Rahamatullah Cafe.
The roads got narrower, just like our tummy capacities. The crowds got larger, not like our tummy capacities. We squeezed our way into the joint, surpirsed at the full tables with hot biriyani at 5 in the afternoon. We had to share the table with a family, who were diving into their mutton with relish. We were served a plate of snacks that I felt obliged to share, with dosa, samosa, cutlet and bonda. I was saving space for the last joint.
Juicing it up at Rinoos
We rolled our way up to Rinoos, soaking in the feel of Mattancherry with its old name boards, curious people and small shops. Our guide pointed out another joint where they serve the best 'Erachi chor' (gets over in two hours he says) down the road. Marked it down for the next visit. In a very dramatic moment, as a few kites dotted the sky, a rainbow appeared at our last stop. Shamam or Avocado? The question brought me back to reality. Others where trying the Shamam milkshake at Rinoos which they declared was awesome. I happily put my hand out for the Avocado milkshake that took me back to the dramatic moment. It was delicious and extremely filling.
Winding up at Loafer's Corner
We got back onto cars and bikes to Loafers Corner in Fort Kochi. The groups caught up and kicked back to celebrate the one year anniversary of Eat Kochi Eat with a big cake. The more adventurous ones ordered more food, as I bid my goodbyes and headed home. This FB group in Kochi has creating waves in the foodie community. WIth over 18,000 memebers, they are taking over the city food joint by food joint.
Check out the video here.
Words by: Maria John
Photos: Aghil Menon
