Naidu`s Kottu – from South Indian Chopals
Hello Chatora People,
March is all about madness and by that madness I mean Hustle Bustle. Yes, my social media accounts must have given you an idea of why I mentioned this. For those who are not aware, I’d like to mention that this month has started with a Bang! Loads of work, food, reviews, collaboration, shoots and contests. Did I mention Travel? All this in just 30 days with 24 hours a day seems to less for me but this is what I love the most.
07th March 2018, I was invited to experience the South Indian Food Festival at Courtyard by Marriott, Bhopal and I would’ve literally given it a skip as I was speaker for an event the same day and had to rush. But somehow I decided to go and at least have a glance of it because I have a soft corner for South Indian Food. <3
P.S. For all those who think South Indian food is just about Idly, Sambar, Dosa and Vada, you are highly mistaken. South Indian Food is way beyond all of these and every region is south offers something different and exclusive.
Courtyard by Marriott, Bhopal is hosting a 10 day South Indian street food festival named ‘Naidu`s Kottu – from South Indian Chopals’, from 8th-17th March 2018.
During the festival special dinner including popular and unique recipes of Andhra, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, scented with South Indian culture and flavours can be relished at MoMo Café.
Country’s reputed chef and a South Indian cuisine specialist MV Naidu has come all the way from Hyderabad to fill Bhopal with happy surprises.
There were live cooking stations for Sambhar, Parathas, Variety of idlis, chutneys and Dosas.
One can look forward to varieties of Dosa (including Steam Dosa with Bellam, Pesarattu Dosa, Uttapam Dosa etc.), Idli (Flavored Idli, Kanchipuram Idli.), Pakodas (Chicken, Prawn and Fish), Mirchi Bajji, Aratikaya Bajji, Kuttu Parantha and Payasam at buffet.
South Indian cooking offers a wide range of chutneys and pickles ranging from rich to simple, preserved and fresh. Flavours too vary from spicy to tangy and sweet-and-sour, so you can pick what you want depending on the what’s on your plate.
(Welcome Drink)
Vasant Neeru: This one drink was totally refreshing and that was all because of the natural ingredients. Prepared with Tender Coconut water, mint, honey and curry leaves. Though I felt it was a bit too sweet for me but it was pretty hot outside and it helped me to hydrate my body so no one’s complaining! 😉
Chutneys: I was informed that Chef Ravinder has come up with a variety of chutneys specially for this food festival.
Tomato Chutney: This was a hot and spicy tomato and onion chutney that perks up your meal. It was made with tomato purée which made it a smooth chutney and had contrasting flavours.
Coriander Chutney: This is a chutney had a really good taste. The artistic green colour of this side dish adds an element of beauty, while the aromatic and flavourful nature of coriander doesn’t fail to please the taste buds.
Coconut Chutney: The most widely consumed chutney out of all. A South Indian way of preparing a creamy and spicy coconut chutney or paste with freshly grated coconut and goes extremely well with almost anything.
Sambhar: Brimful of the goodness!! This lentil based South Indian dal is slightly tangy to taste combined with a mix of vegetables, spices, and freshly ground sambhar powder that gives a thumping aroma. It was Heavenly!!
Masala Dal Vada: Super crunchy and crispy delectable Dal Vadas were prepared with a chana dal paste along with onions and ginger paste which enhanced the overall flavour of these vadas giving it a unique texture and warm flavour.
Nellore Vada: It’s a South Indian snack which is shaped like doughnut and made from black gram lentils. Nellore Vada or also known as Medu Vada is a mandatory first course of any festive meal. The hot deep fried vadas tastes amazing with Sambhar and chutney!
Punugulu: Crispy, fried and tasty fritters coming from the Andhra region. Tasted like they’re made from fermented idly and urad dal batter. Dip it in Sambhar or relish it with choice of chutney.
I was then headed inside the Kitchen wherein Chef Naidu demonstrated of how the Vadas were made and from which region they originate. Every vada that I had, has a history behind it.
Tiffin Box!
Kariveppallai Podi: It is pretty much essential in any Tamil Family. If you’ve ever lived in south you would’ve have had this at least once I’m sure. Idli tossed in spicy and aromatic Karivepallai Podi (curry leaves powder) tastes simply divine.
Vendakaya Boondi: This one is a dry vegetable which is made with Boondi (Tiny balls made with gram flour and fried) and chopped Bhindi or lady’s finger along with curry leaves and spices. This is basically consumed with Rice and loads of ghee on it.
Sundal: Sundal means chickpea and I’ve had this over a long period of time while I was living in south.. It’s a South Indian Stir Fried dish made with Black Chickpea with lentil, curry leaves and spices tempered with coconut. Tastes brilliant!
Bangkadumpa Kaju Fry: It’s a Potato and cashew nuts dry preparation.
I had to skip the main course as I had to Rush for my next event therefore writing about it would be an injustice because I don’t know how that tasted. But, overall things mentioned above were flavoursome and I believe I will be visiting the festival with my family to explore more about some amazing surprises that Chef Naidu holds.
The festival is currently underway and on till 17th of March, 2018 . The South Indian Street food festival is a perfect amalgamation of food served in southern parts of India and it is one that will leave you with some great food memories. All in all, it was a wonderful experience that took me back to my fond memories from the south. It’s a great opportunity for the food lovers of Bhopal if you wish to splurge on some authentic South Indian delicacies. 🙂
Lastly, I would like to thank Prakruti and Ravindra Jee for having me over.
Thank you Chef Naidu, Mr.Girish, Mr. Alok, Chef Ravinder and Bhaskar for a divine experience.
P.S. The author was invited and the reviews are personal.
Tastes are subjective and may differ from person to person.
Till then, Happy Hogging!
Restaurant: Momo Cafe, Courtyard by Marriott
Address: DB City, Arera Hills.
Date: 08th March to 17th March, 2018
Timing: 1900-2330 Hours
For Reservations Call: +91-7389909643
Connect with me on Social Media:
Facebook: @TheSuperChatori
Twitter: @mudrakeswani
Instagram: @thesuperchatori
Snapchat: @mudrak
Zomato: @mudra