Trivandrum Gastronomy

I belong to the common breed of food and drink connoisseurs and whenever I am in a new place, I hardly waste any time in the search for the popular and traditional food outlets in there. So here I am, in Trivandrum, the misplaced capital city of Kerala.

Hotel Buhari

Hotel Buhari is probably the most famous one among the nocturnal creatures in Trivandrum. I am told that this is open 24 hours a day. The famous item in here is 'Puttu' with 'Mutton Curry'. Both were really good. The gravy of the mutton curry was exceptional. You may have to wait to get a seat, especially if you are there at the time when the 2nd shows are over.

Mutton Curry : Rs. 80

Location : Attukulangara. Walkable distance from East Fort. 

PS : Must try the 'Milk Sarbath' served by the two small shops by the side of Hotel Buhari. 

Baalante Thattukada

I tasted the best porottas ever in my life from here. This street restaurant is famous for their chicken fry and porottas. The owner Baalan started his venture with a very small outlet by the side of the road and now it has expanded into a proper hotel with reasonably good seating arrangements, refrigerator and a proper family restaurant on 1st floor, 'Hotel Komalam' (not open during night times), named after his wife. This awesome Thattukada is open till midnight, but be very warned that chicken fry will finish as early as 9-10 PM. Excellent Parcel Service available.

Porotta : Rs. 6

Chicken Fry : Rs. 65

Location : In Kaithamukku, by the side of Kaithamukku-Petta Road.

Hotel Saurashtra - Gujarathi Hotel

A very famous vegetarian hotel in the centre of the city. Famous for their delicious Puri. Only problem is the lack of space. You will have to wait for a long time till you get a seat. Only 18-20 seats are available and extremely claustrophobic people out there will be having a hard time. The Puri was outstanding. Even more outstanding was the chutneys they served. The Masala Tea here is also very famous. 

One Puri plate : Rs. 32. (Contains 3 Puris + 3 Chutneys + Pickle + Onion Salad)

Location : On the way to Parthas Textiles in Trivandrum, just before its entrance. Pazhavanangadi, Power House Road. There are no parking spaces available. Four wheelers can be parked by the side of Power House Road, some 100m-200m west of the location. Like I said before, its an extremely congested area.

Time : 3.30 PM - 9.00 PM.

Zam Zam

Zam Zam is a place which even non-Trivandrites might be familiar with. Their Chicken Shavai is famous throughout Kerala. But if you want to have it, be there well before 8.30 PM. They also have a Zam Zam IceFruits outlet, where you will get excellent icecreams, juices, shakes and related stuffs. I tried Mango Ice Milk Slab, which was absolutely scrumptious. Their Falooda is quite famous too.

Special Falooda : Rs. 50

Mango Ice Milk Slab : Rs. 35

Location : Opposite to Legislators Hostel, Palayam

Parking spaces are available for four wheelers and two wheelers.