Jul 21, 2015 11:36 AM
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(Updated Jul 21, 2015 11:50 AM)
*When in Kerala, Buy Chips!** When we were in Thiruvananthapuram in July 2014, for a conference, we had a lot of time on the first day before lunch. After some debate about how to spend that time, three of us decided to buy chips and stuff. We caught an auto and went to the place recommended by the hotel reception staff. From where the auto dropped us, we had to cross a busy road.
*Chip Paradise** The shop is in a small lane. But once inside you will feel that it is a connoisseur's heaven. There are all kinds of chips: jackfruit, tapioca, and, of course, banana! According to their website, *here you get about seven varieties of banana chips flavoured with chilli powder, chaat powder, pepper or masalas, and finger chips(as thin strips of banana), chips coated in onion paste.* There were people from all parts of India buying large amounts of chips and other things. In Kerala, traditionally, some chips and other snacks are always bought for tea time and for when guests drop in.
*Halwa Heaven** Apart from salty snacks, this shop also stocks the most wonderful and multi-coloured halwas. Green, red, black, yellow, orange.But they are famous for their Bolis: *The golden coloured delicacy with hot payasam can make any true blue native of the city go into raptures about its mouth-watering flavours. Boli reasonably priced and will remain fresh for four days. Maha Boli also stocks elayappam(which has a jackfruit filling), athirasam, therali, unniyappam and neyyappam. Newly introduced jaggery boli, coconut boli and chakkavaratti boli are some additional varieties of dishes. Get hot, yummy bolis off the tawa at Maha Boli at Pazhavangadi!
*Service?** Though it was busy, someone or the other can be found to help and you can ask for a sample to taste. I suggest you be adventurous and buy new items rather than just the same old banana chips!
*Loaded with Loot!** We shopped to our heart’s content but not really as airlines have weight restrictions. Anyway, we bought enough for us to munch during the stay and to take home and share with our family.
