‘puttu-kada’. com, KUMBALAM

“Puttukada” at Kumbalam in Eranakulam is a popular haunt for its freshly prepared local food. It is 2 km north of NH-47 through the PWD main Road.  There are no sign boards or directions to this vintage, typical Kerala tea shop. On the banks of the Vembanad Lake, this locale opens for its customers only from 9o'clock at night to the wee hours of the morning, around 2 a.m and Sundays are holidays. The illuminated lights of Kochi city and suburbs, which lie across the Lake, is a feast for the eyes of his customers. Soft ‘Puttu,’ steamed rice cake, and delicious village cuisines like combos of ‘Puttu’ with beef curry or mutton curry and ‘Kappa,’ steamed and fried pieces of tapioca, with chicken roast are specialties worth mentioning here.  Chicken fry and boiled duck’s eggs are also available. Piping hot tea with or without milk is also served here. Prices are reasonable ranging from Rs. 70/- to Rs. 140/- per plate.  

The shop could take a maximum of 20 people at a time on its wooden stools and benches placed in the tiny spaces. It is a popular haunt of nocturnal ‪wanderers after their cinemas and picnics.

Shibu, son of Ousepachan Ameparambil, runs the shop; it is a one man show, serving, billing, collection of payment, clearing, and cleaning. Food is prepared in the traditional manner over logs of firewood and earthenware pots. Perhaps this adds to the authentic flaovour. His service is excellent. I recommend this “Puttukada” for a delightful taste of the local cuisine. 

Excerpts from

NEED OF THE HOUR

by

Joseph J. Thayamkeril

Lawyer, Kochi, Kerala, India.

josephjthayamkeril.blogspot.com 

josephjthayamkeril@gmail.com