Bite into these steaming, fluffy idlis teamed with a soothing cup of filter kapi Swadeshi style, as you ring in the spirit of Republic Day today
Bite into these steaming, fluffy idlis teamed with a soothing cup of filter kapi Swadeshi style, as you ring in the spirit of Republic Day today
This Republic Day ditch all things Western and opt for fast food in true Swadeshi mode. We aren't talking about the run of the mill types here, South Indian comes in its new fast food avatar, instant idlis are all over town, and they are here to stay. We hop by two funky idli joints and find out how they score on our idli chart.
Idlis with a hint of Pear Jam?
There are a very few places where you can still have a meal for as low as Rs 60 in this day and age and Cafe Idly is one of them. Situated on a not-so-bustling Frazer Town cross road Cafe Idly is as small as take away joints get thrown in with a few cane stools for good measure (read quick bites and waiting). An abandoned guitar and some rock band posters will catch your attention next besides the collection of rock music in the background. Something about this place takes you back in time, into the age of rock and roll and brings you back with a full and happy tummy.
The menu is simple and lets you choose from Idlys (Rs 15 for two), Vadas (Rs 12 for two), Kadubu (Banana Idly) (Rs 15) and Kara Bath (Rs 15). All the above come with Gun Powder at R 2 extra. We opted for some Idli and Vada with a cup of not-so-steamy coffee. The idli was soft, evenly steamed and melted in the mouth with every bite. The Coconut and Tomato-Tamarind chutneys that came along were spicy and full of flavour. We recommend you opt out of take away and spend some time at Cafe Idly as the fun lies in the rock-idly combination.
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At: Cafe Idly, Kenchappas Road Cross, Opposite Anjinaya Temple, Near
Everest Theatre, Frazer Town, 5 pm to 10 pm
Call: 98459 38663
Meal for two: Rs 60
Idlis go naram and garam
For all you health conscious foodies out there, here is an eatery dedicated to soft and fluffy idlis. Located at a shopping mall, Mr Idli offers nearly 10 varieties of idli and is ideal for those who want a quick and healthy bite on a busy day. Though a host of idlis cover most part of the menu, there are dosas, mini thalis and ice creams available to appease your palate.
However, since we visited Mr Idli in the morning we decided to go all healthy and ordered for Thatte Idili (Rs 30), Carrot Rava Idli (Rs 30), Medu Vada (Rs 30) and Madras Filter Coffee (Rs 15). While Thatte Idli turned out to be a bigger version of the humble idli with coconut and tomato chutney, the Carrot Rava Idli was a delight for people who love rava (semolina) in their idli.
Garnished with grated carrot and mustard seeds, the Carrot Rava Idli melts in your mouth giving you a taste of steamed carrots. The Medu Vada was crispy, which we enjoyed with the tangy sambhar. However, since we are no health freaks, we could not stop ourselves from tasting a Mysore Masala Dosa (Rs 40), which unfortunately was nothing much to rave about and tasted like a regular paper dosa. The coffee seemed to be from the machine and lacked the strong taste and smell of filter coffee. But if you are someone, who loves idlis for breakfast, then Mr Idli is for you.
At: Mr Idli, Total Mall, Old Airport Road
Call: 4125 8276
Meal for two: Rs 150
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