It’s 9:30 in the morning. Traffic is picking up in the market district of Kozhikode (Calicut) not far from the beach and the fish markets. Stall keepers are pulling up their retractable doors and shops are opening. One of them is Kumari Banana Chips. From across the road we watch a small red-bodied mini-truck with …
It’s easy to see why Unnakkai – Cotton Balls are such an instant hit with all who try them. Banana fritters stuffed with coconut? Yes, please. There are some recipes that are hard to replicate at home. This one for Unnakkai – Cotton Balls might be one of them. First, these spindle-shaped treats are made …
Arikkadukka – Spicy Stuffed Mussels is one of the most impressive dishes we’ve enjoyed during our travels in South India. And, you can only find them in the Malabar region of Kerala. Kallummakkai or Kadukka are the Malayalam names for mussels. Not only is this dish only found on the Malabar coast, it’s enjoyment is …
It was four thirty in the morning and pitch black when we crawled into Chef Babu’s car. A quick drive down the hill and we crawled back out to roam the huge dock that’s home to Kozhikode’s Fish Auctions. Lights blared from the top riggings down a long line of trawlers backed into the wharf. …
We long to return to Kozhikode (Calicut). It’s alive and exciting. A bustling commercial town, it’s often referred to as Calicut because of the white, unbleached cotton called Calico that originated here. Textiles are still a part of the long-standing economy along with spices. Vasco de Gama landed near here in 1498 and set up …
Urulakizhangu – Keralan Potato Curry is popular throughout Kerala. It was love at first taste for us when our gracious hosts, the Menon family of The Turmerica, shared the recipe. And, we couldn’t help think it’s Kerala’s answer to that old British standard, the potato scallop. The difference is that these potatoes and onions cook …
Just as the sun lowered from the clear blue sky to kiss the red earth below, we arrived in Wayanad District. Pulling the car to the side of the road on a hilltop, we got out just to take in the scene surrounding us. A few water buffalo sauntered by enjoying the cool of day’s …
When we arrived at The Turmerica, Ranjini Menon cooked us dinner dressed in a stylish new saree. To top that, when we videotaped her making several recipes, she wore the traditional Kerala saree of cream with gold trim. At neither occasion, did she spill a drop on her beautiful outfits. We were in awe from …
Ethaka Appam or Banana Fritters are a favourite tea time treat. We’ve eaten them while floating through the Backwaters of Kerala, and they go beautifully with chai at our favourite roadside stops. They’re a great distraction from the perils and excitement of our road trips. No matter where we eat them, banana fritters are a …
What has nerves of steel, lightning fast reflexes, and the focus of a laser beam? If you said a professional driver in India, you’d be correct. There are a lot of stereotypes about India we can bust. The state of the roads and driving may not be one of them. There’s no refuting this stereotype. …