Zimbly super!

The early morning ritual of dosas and appams begins as customers start pouring in. Naseer is always on his toes. “I used to be a cook in Bengaluru before I came here two months back,” he says,even as the order is placed and a steaming hot porotta is rolled in quickly. “Though Pune is new for me,it seems a lot like Bengaluru. We have so many people coming in everyday at the eatery. We have not advertised for our shop,but word of mouth itself ensures a good clientèle,” adds Naseer. It is the wholesome menu on display that makes all the difference. From dosas to chicken stew,beef curry to the divine combo of fish and kappa (tapioca) – everything is popular and all is affordable. The place won’t flatter any cravings for a fancy ambience as the logistics are very basic,but what wins the game is the way the staff greets each customer. Bapui Jana,who is from Kolkata,struggles to get the order out of a foreign customer,but manages well as he places the crispy hot fish curry and kotthu porotta on the table. “I have been coming here for the past few months. I ventured in here initially because I was low on cash and the food here was quite affordable. Now I am hooked,” says Ravindra Swamy,an IT professional,as he walks out after a satisfied meal.

Laxmi’s Kerala Food,which is just down the same road,has a similar story to tell. The owner migrated to Pune around five months back and has now set up a popular eating joint for Kerala food items here,with loyal customers coming in everyday. As one strikes up a conversation,it is revealed that the place has existed for quite some time. Ramesh Gopaal,who has been in Pune for two years now,says,”I would always miss having Kerala food. It was difficult finding that same taste and flavour. Even though there are a few hotels that serve Malayali food,there was always something amiss. This place recreates nostalgia. I wouldn’t really say that they are flawless,but I like the end feeling. That is enough for me to come back.”