
From earthy curries to ethereal appams ,these tiny Kerala food joints bring the taste of the backwaters to the city
Within the simple blue walls of this little restaurant near Aundh road,Khaja Naseer spreads the freshly battered kotthu porotta on the stove. The aroma fills in and takes one back to God’s Own Country. For,the three-month-old Kerala Fast Food Cente represents a revolution of sorts. The city now has a lot of these food centres mushrooming – austere in design,but with the dedicated plan to serve authentic Kerala food the year round.
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.”