From God’s Own Land

Kera Junction gives the city palate an authentic Mangalore and Kerala treat.

Located off the main Aundh Road is a newly opened eatery – Kera Junction. Its USP is its authentic Mangalorean and Kerala cuisine and it has already become popular among locals in the neighbourhood. Owner Regina Shetty says,I wanted to start out with a small place on an experimental basis. The 16-seater restaurant has a homely feel about it.

We tried the Prawns Sukka (Rs 180) along with Neer Dosa (Rs 30). The prawns was a Mangalorean-style dry prawn dish cooked in a special five spice masala. The neer dosa was wafer thin and soft – a delicious accompaniment. The Prawns Sukka left us licking our fingers because the prawns were cooked just right and retained the masala flavours.

The Kerala dish Kappa,better known as Topeyekka (Tapioca) (Rs 60),was next. The sambar (Rs 30) was tangy and had a distinct tamarind flavour. The Mangalorean Chicken Curry (Rs 100),which was served next,had a very thin and light gravy base,being made out of dense and light condensed coconut milk. Try it with appams (Rs 10) or the Kerala Parantha (Rs 10). For those who find the gravy too thin,try it with rice instead of appams.

We also tried the Karimeen Fish Fry (Rs 180),that was served on a Banana leaf. The spices again were tangy and the fish was an expensive river water fish. But the dish was quite regular.

On the whole,Kera Junction offers a flavours from down south that are tongue ticklers and the place definitely deserves a second visit. And don’t forget to try the coffee that comes piping hot in steel cups!

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