South Indian food for long has been misinterpreted in the Northern part of the country. An extreme exposure to the Udupi fast food has meant that most people equate South Indian food with Dosas, Appams and Idlis along with some Sambhar and Coconut chutney. What these people miss out on are an immense array of non-vegetarian and other dishes that adorn the Dravidian culture of our country.
Zambar, a product of Lite Bite Foods introduces these foods to us. A large variety of non vegetarian options takes part in their menu which will keep your palate popping with the spicy taste of South India. The Thalassery menu is typically representative of the Malabari culture. Known as The Paris of Malabar, Thalassery was an important hub on the Spice route which was frequented by the Europeans in the west and the Asians in the east.
We start off with a fiery hot rasam and buttermilk to balance it off. The use of mustard seeds and curry leaves imparts a beautiful sour flavor. We start off with the Ullivada (INR 250) which is your regular crispy onion pakodas with a twist of curry leaves in them along with the Naadan Konju Fry (INR 450) which is a typical malabari coastal dish. Rubbed with masala, these prawns are deep fried. A dash of lime and they explode on your palate like crackers.
For the mains, we try out the Chef Sebastian Abraham’s specialities. The Njandu Roast (INR 800) is a tribute to the Malabari stye of cooking. A hard shelled mud crab roasted in a dry masala of garlic, onions and ginger among other things. The Nadan Kozhi Curry (INR 550) puts the chicken along with a creamy coconut milk to cut across the spices. The Kadala Kari (INR 400) hits you like a sledgehammer with the heat and the spices. We polish this off in the company of delightfully puffy sour appams.
End your meals up with a Parippu Pradaman (INR 400) to sooth the assault on your taste buds. Zambar’s new Thalassery menu is a revelation and treats you to a version of South Indian food you haven’t tasted before. The festival is on till 20th of December
Meal for 2: INR 1200
Where: Ambience Mall, Gurgaon and Cyber Hub, Gurgaon
