Kera South Indian is one of those rare restaurants in Kolkata (Calcutta), which serves both South Indian food and non-veg items. The menu here is big, but not all items are available throughout the day, or everyday. So it is best to give them a call before visiting, if you are planning to try something special. The place is small and simple. No fancy decorations, only few tables and chairs. Service is fast and friendly. If you want to try good Malayali food, then you can not give this place a miss.
Having tried their food a couple of times earlier, when I read about their Onam (state festival of Kerala – for more details click here) special lunch on their Facebook page, I was really excited. Firstly, because I love trying authentic traditional food and secondly, because I loved the food there on my previous visits. It was Friday, 28th of August, 2015 and the time was from 11am – 2pm. When I reached the place around one, I found a decent crowd outside the restaurant. The pavement in front has also been decorated with flowers.
I was a bit worried to see the crowd. Thought I have reached late and won’t be getting a seat. But after a few minutes saw people coming out and I entered the restaurant along with others who were waiting. I realised they are serving in batches, just like it is done in marriages and other ceremonies. It was a good idea as it saved time with the set menu they were serving that day. Few seats were still empty and they waited till those were filled up.
Banana leaves were placed on the table at first. Felt great to see how they have maintained their tradition. Banana leaves were common at Bengali weddings / anniversaries even a couple of decades ago. But we have long discarded our tradition. Felt nostalgic seeing the banana leaf plate.
Once they started serving food, it took no time to fill up the entire leaf with several items. I was not familiar with any of them and it was not possible to ask the names from them at that time. First they were super busy, second it would be tough to remember the names. I googled later and found out most of the names (hopefully) 🙂
The plate filling up –
Food being served –
The plate just before I started eating –
Few items which I could find by Googling were –
Banana
Naranga achar (Kerala lemon pickle)
Puli inji (sweet and sour ginger pickle)
Nendran chips (Kerala banana chips)
Sarkara Upperi (Jaggery coated banana chips) – my personal favourites
Kalan (Vegetables prepared with yogurt and coconut)
Kootu curry (Roasted coconut with mixed vegetables & chickpeas)
Beans mezhukkupuratti (Kerala style beans stir fry)
Cabbage thoran (Cabbage stir fry)
Papadum
Rice
Daal
Sambhar
The lunch ended with two desserts. One was Semiyan (vermicelli) payasam and the other was a jaggery based one. It could have been Parippu payasam or Ada pradhaman.
I loved the completely vegetarian menu. Though I could not understand and / or remember all the ingredients / dishes, I loved the delicious and distinct flavours of all the items served. The food tasted homely and appetizing. The servers continuously kept on asking which items we want more. But, with so many items being served, it was almost impossible to ask for second helpings. I was completely full when I got up.
The set menu lunch was priced at Rs. 150 and there was also provision for take away by paying Rs 10 in addition. It was a great experience for me trying out new dishes. Am already looking forward to the next Onam special lunch here.
Wow, this looks like an incredible experience. I am such a picky eater, so I don’t venture out too much. I think it’s really cool how the banana leaves are used as the plate – that’s so unique. I love how there’s a bit of a reputation with them in the culture.
What a fun and amazing dining experience to get to try out!! I love going to places that are based off the tradition and customs of a country. I have never eaten off a leaf like that sounds amazing!!!
Oh, I don’t try too many new foods, especially if they don’t have a familiar look to them. My husband, on the other hand, would try most, if not all, of these. He’s more adventurous than me, as you can probably tell.
Oh my goodness, that looks like so much fun! I love Indian food, but I’ve never seen it quite like this. Tasty!
I have dined in an authentic Indian restaurant back in Singapore and our plates were also banana leaves. It’s a different way of dining which is pretty interesting mostly for foreigners. I love the different tastes of their spices.
I love Indian food, but it would drive me crazy if I was unable to understand or comprehend everything I was eating. For one, I like to know what I’m eating. And secondly, how would I know how to order items in the future that I fell in love with. I also like the use of the banana leaf plate.
ah… 🙂 this post is making me feel so nostalgic…. thanks to all my travels to south India and the wonderful food there 🙂
And the same thing in Kol… wow… lucky you!! 🙂
Not only does the food look tasty, but the experience looks like lots of fun. I love Indian food, and I’m always working on getting my daughter to try new foods! Thanks for the idea.