Restaurant Review: The Dhaba Project Is a Treat for Punjabi Food Lovers in Thiruvananthapuram

Whenever I visit Thiruvananthapuram, there is one place that I am eager to go to for dinner. This place serves the best chaats and Punjabi-style food that you cannot find anywhere else in the city. The Dhaba Project, true to its name, serves dhaba style food. It is a bit pricier than the food you get in dhabas of course, but I’m not complaining since it’s much cleaner than usual dhabas and worth every penny. I love everything about this place, right from the way its interior is done to the chilled lassi they serve.

The restaurant is done up in a kutcha style with brick walls and thatched roof. Once you enter, you have the option of choosing a cabin or the open area seating. I always go in for the open area seating because of the ambiance and the colourful pillows that adorn the benches. Oh, and you cannot miss the Daler Mehndi numbers and other Punjabi folk songs playing in the background. In fact, most of the time, I have to strongly resist the temptation to do a “balle balle” right there!

When it comes to the food, I always start with Chaat, followed by Tikka, Aloo Paratha and end with Lassi. Depending on the people I go with, we also order Biryani, Naans, Kulchas and Curry.

Food

September 8, 2016

Dr. Lekshmi Nair’s New Outlet in Thiruvananthapuram Is Every Foodie’s Paradise

Dr. Lekshmi Nair is a household name in Kerala. Almost all homemakers in the State have tried the recipes of the lip-smacking dishes she demonstrates in her cookery shows. This multifaceted personality has many achievements in her kitty. Amid the hectic schedule as the principal of Kerala Law Academy, Dr. Lekshmi also manages her catering business, presents cookery shows, travelogues, and is also an author.

Her expertise in cooking stems from the catering business she has been running for about 20 years. Now, she has taken her love for cooking to the next level by launching a new counter in the food court at Pothys Super Store in Thiruvananthapuram. The counter promises to provide homemade Kerala food right from Dr. Lekshmi’s magical kitchen.

“Whatever be the changes in the eating habit, Malayalis will always love the authentic taste of their homeland. So, I have planned that the menu at our counter will comprise typical vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes from the State. However, as people also prefer fried rice, we have included that as well in the menu,” says Dr. Lekshmi.

Food

By Vidya Nair

August 27, 2016

Restaurant Review: Ming Palace is a must visit for Chinese cuisine lovers

Our pick of the week, Ming Palace, Thrissur is easily the best Chinese restaurant in town. Ming Palace at Pathans Complex in Round South is the first restaurant in Thrissur dedicated only to Chinese cuisine. The restaurant which was established more than 20 years ago is a favourite among its patrons, thanks to the pocket friendly menu and the quality of food.

It was after much hype that I decided to travel to Thrissur to visit Ming Palace. The first impression on setting our sights on the Restaurant was bewilderment! It looked nothing like we had hoped to see! We had to look twice to spot the plain ordinary place. The dining area was dimly lit. The staircase to the entrance was narrow and hardly fit us. As we entered we caught the first whiff of heavenly Chinese food.

The first thing we noticed when our eyes adjusted to the dim lights finally was that the place was fully packed.

Food

By The Kochi Post Staff

August 21, 2016

These Inspiring Youngsters from Kerala Are Going Back to Their Roots by Cultivating Organic Navara

In this fast-moving world, nobody has time. When it comes to lifestyle, everything has changed drastically. In the olden days, every house had its own designated area for agriculture. Paddy, vegetables and other necessary items would be cultivated there. But today, all the things we need for a house are found in sealed tins. This has also compromised our health.

However, the description given above is not true for a group of men from Nooluvalli, Thrissur. Sumesh and his friends have a story of triumph to tell. These friends have cultivated a special type of paddy called Navara, which is a medicated kind of rice. The doctors prescribe Navara for various diseases. It helps in the management of debilitating neuro-muscular diseases as well as certain types of arthritic and auto-immune diseases.

Sumesh, who is an assistant film director and has worked for movies like ‘Olipporu’, is part of a 12-member group that includes private company workers, government employees and even students. The desire in these young minds is strong, so finding time for agriculture is not a difficult task for them.

Culture, Food

By Unnikrishnan R

August 20, 2016

Restaurant Review: Bun Club Is a Heaven for Bread Lovers in Kozhikode

When we eat something that not only looks special but also tastes exceptional, it transports us to a happy place, even if it is just for a moment. Bun Club, as the name suggests, makes fresh, warm and fluffy buns. They create magic with bread. We loved the garlic bread, milk bread and focaccia bread. From basic sandwiches to Bunwiches, stuffed buns to BC Club buns, gourmet steaks to their very own bestseller Lava Bun, whatever the place offers is excellent in terms of both quality and quantity.

The classic Chicken Caesar Salad has been kept simple and savory. The salad is a perfect combination of Iceberg Lettuce and chicken tossed in classic creamy dressing, topped with sundried tomatoes and crispy Ciabatta Croutons. This salad made our palate happy. The sublime flavor and crunchiness of the lettuce makes it a safe option for every occasion.

Food

By The Kochi Post Staff

August 13, 2016

Restaurant Review: Vintage Decor Meets Chic Food at Sixth Avenue Cafe & Patisserie

Sophisticated, vintage, victorian or chic! We are not sure what describes the Sixth Avenue Cafe & Patisserie best. The interiors are serene, beautiful and charming, with large French windows and cheerful decor. The turquoise lamp and quirky antiques make this place a classy one. The tasteful furniture and decor adds a positive vibe to the entire place.

Soup is said to lift the spirits and stimulate one’s appetite in a way no other dish can. We tried the Blue Lady Mushroom Soup, with and without chicken. The soups came dressed in all white and had a creamy texture, with pieces of mushrooms and chicken in the non-veg one. The zest of mint and olive oil was lost somewhere in between the creaminess. We personally loved the veg soup because in every sip, the flavour of the mushroom stood out well.

Chicken Cheese Croquettes is our first love, when it comes to starters at Sixth Avenue. The crunchiness in every bite leads to a smile, when you meet up with the melted cheese which lies within. This is a well-crafted dish.

Food

By The Kochi Post Staff

August 6, 2016

Restaurant Review: Here’s What You Should Eat at Down Town Café

Well-brewed coffee, something hot to snack on, and the company of good friends or a thrilling book in hand is all what one desires on a cozy rainy day. Make it all come true with the café next door – Down Town.

Down Town, the brainchild of a 24-year-old, located near Calicut beach, was one of the first few coffee shops in Calicut. This American-themed cafe serves everything that a young stomach craves!

From fine sandwiches to baked goodies and milkshakes, there is so much to taste at this café.

Food

By The Kochi Post Staff

July 17, 2015

Raise a toast to breads, bakes and more…

We eat with our eyes and nose first! This couldn’t be truer at French Toast, where an array of gorgeously designed pastries and savouries await you.

Neatly done-up in white and wood, French Toast has been serving people oh-so-delicious pastries and innovative snacks for over three years now. Ayaz Salim and his family envisioned a patisserie of world-class quality that served a menu that’s delicious, healthy and natural.

Chef Sufiyan, a pastry expert, gave it the first set of classic recipes, including the much popular Mont Blanc pastry.

Food

By Sreedevi Jayarakash