Food
TRULY TRADITIONAL TASTES
FWD Life caught up with Thomas Fenn, co-partner of Delhi-based Mahabelly Restaurant which offers dishes that take Malayalees on a nostalgic trip.
Words by Fathima Abdul Kader
The longer a Malayalee stays away from home, the more s/he starts to miss authentic Malayalee cuisine. Spicy red fish curry with malabar tamarind or hot steaming Puttu with beef curry and hot milk tea are tastes that will hold you captive no matter where you are, once you have experienced them. For Thomas Fenn and Zachariah Jacob, the story was the same. These long time friends grew up in and around Kerala enjoying the traditional food fare. After moving to Delhi to attend college, they were disappointed not being able to find a place that offered the cuisine in the city.
Every time they returned from Kerala, they would come back with pickles and curries that were loved by everyone at the hostel. Though there were hole-in-the-wall ventures that served Malayalee food, these were places where much could not be expected in terms of ambience or hygiene. After graduating from college, both of them worked in their field of study for a while before deciding to do what they always talked about doing – starting their own authentic restaurant offering Kerala cuisine. Armed with the knowledge and faith that the food they loved was appreciated by others too, they decided to take a leap of faith.
Mahabelly is located inside DLF Place Saket in New Delhi and was set up in just three months. The building that currently houses them was another restaurant that was not doing well. The owner decided to jump ship and the Mahabelly duo was in the right place at the right time, supported by Dr Prem Kiran, another childhood friend of Thomas and Zachariah. As soon as the transfer of ownership happened, they leapt right into their work. While Thomas did not have a background in the business, Zachariah belonged to the family that runs the Hotel Aida in Kottayam, though he had no idea about cooking.
While setting up their restaurant, both Thomas and Zachariah looked at things from the point of view of the consumer. Thomas’s sister flew down for a month or so to help them finalise their menu and get the flavours right. Within just three months, Mahabelly opened its doors to the public on March 27, 2015. As a feather in their cap, they won the Times Food Award 2016 for the Best South Indian Restaurant in Delhi, just one year into their journey.
What is your definition of “Kerala cuisine”?
Any dish that reflects the Kerala local influence. The only way to define this would be to have a look at how a Kerala sambar varies so much from a Tamilian or Kannadiga sambar.
What is the most sophisticated dish in Kerala cuisine?
Karimeen Pollichath is hands down the most sophisticated dish in kerala cuisine as it is an explosion of flavours. We are a fan of simple techniques that are involved in dishes like these, but there is still the drama in presentation as it is served inside a banana leaf and the act of opening it up is a treat in itself.
Did you ever come across a Kerala cuisine restaurant at a place you never expected to find one, and if so, where?
While in college, I ran across a Malayalee restaurant in Kasol, Himachal Pradesh where three chettans served porotta, chicken curry and Malabar vegetable kurma!
Like dry fish with rosé, are there any Kerala food and alcohol pairings that you’d suggest to your guests?
While we don’t exclusively pair dishes with drinks, we do serve alcohol and often serve traditional Malayalee side dishes ranging from beef fry, prawn pepper fry to natholi fry, aila fry, etc.
If you are sentenced to death, what would be your last meal?
If I were to have the choice of my last meal, it would Kappa and Meen curry.
A food personality you would like to meet and why?
Floyd Cardoz, who runs Paowalla in New York, is a person I’d love to meet. He took Indian cuisine international at a time no one would have expected to. He brought aspects such as European plating to our food before most people even thought of this concept.
Which cookbook has influenced you as a restaurateur?
‘The Suriyani Kitchen’ by Lathika George is a recipe book that I recommend to most people interested in Kerala cuisine.
Food
Benefits of Including Crab in your Diet
Crab has all the attraction of seafood without the fishy flavor that some people want to avoid. It is delightfully salty with a delicate mineral sweetness. Crabs were reportedly among the foods that coastal societies eaten a hundred years ago. On the menus of the greatest restaurants today, it stands out as the highlight dish. Crab is famous for its distinctive, exquisite flavor as well as for the health benefits it provides.
Omega-3 fatty acids and protein are abundant in crabs. The Food Experts advise two servings of fish and seafood every week, which is not difficult.
Good Protein Source
Crab is a low-fat, nutritious protein source that boosts metabolism and gives you energy. In reality, crab has less saturated fat and about the same amount of protein per 100 grams as other meats.
Strengthens Heart Health
Consuming a lot of crab meat can actually benefit your cardiovascular system. The Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and protein found in crab are all beneficial sources of lowering cholesterol. Having lower cholesterol lowers your chances of heart attacks and strokes.
Increases Brain Activity
Crabs are healthy for you since they are a high source of selenium, vitamin B2, copper, and other vital vitamins and minerals. Together with omega-3 fatty acids, these nutrients support healthy brain ageing and reduce the risk of dementia. They aid in defending against oxidative stress, inflammation, and other elements that may have an impact on the growth and health of the brain.
Strengthens bones
You may already be aware of the significance of calcium for bone health. However, did you realize that phosphorus plays an equal role? Due to its high phosphorus content, crab flesh can aid in the development of strong, healthy teeth and bones.
Contains selenium
Compared to other meats, crab offers a substantially higher supply of selenium. As an antioxidant, this necessary mineral not only assists in preventing cell damage from free radicals but also strengthens your immune system. Selenium aids in the regulation of your metabolism and is essential for healthy thyroid function.
An aphrodisiac
The aphrodisiac property of crab meat promotes libido and sexual energy. They have high quantities of zinc and substances that increase estrogen and testosterone levels, enhancing sexual desire.
Makes the blood flow faster
Copper is yet another significant mineral present in crab meat. One significant advantage of copper is that it facilitates the body’s absorption of iron, which enhances the creation of red blood cells. After injuries and illnesses, proper circulation aids in the healing process.
Consuming excessive amounts of crab can have certain unfavorable impacts, just like with most other foods. If you eat too much of some of the nutrients in crab, such copper and zinc, you could get sick. Crab, however, is a fairly nutritious item to eat in moderation unless you have a seafood allergy, and adverse effects are uncommon. Before consuming any seafood, always make sure you don’t have any allergies.
Food
The Taste Of Malayali Kitchen In Sweden
A Kochi-based malayali is creating a sensation by preparing Kerala Cuisine in the foreign swedish kitchen. Devi Nair, who has been settled in Sweden with her husband for almost 10 years, wanted her daughter to experience the delicacies of the Malyaali culture along with her International palette. The sense of homesickness and nostalgia has a part to play in this venture as well. In recent years, as the pandemic hit she chose to share her cooking extravaganzas on Instagram which led her to become more known to the public. Her recipes featured celebratory treats like the Bengali confection Rosbora, local parotta, and non-vegetarian Kerala foods that are popular on social media because they’re simple to make yet delicious to eat and look at. Devi whips up a storm of authentic Kerala delicacies during Malayali festivals. Tender, plump unniyappam, spongy kozhukkatta, rice dumplings, Vishu ada, and Vishu katta are just a few of the items on her Vishu menu this year. She prepared undaputtu with spicy prawn filling, kilikkoodu with meat and egg white, and ammini kozhukatta, a spicy rice dumpling, for Eid. It is also heard that she is planning to launch her own bakery in Sweden as well.
Words By : Goutham Satheesh
Food
Some Flavourful Delights to Savour this Festive Season
Vishu and Easter festivities are around the corner. Along with dressing up and gathering around for some fun family time, you would definitely want to indulge in these simple but festive special treats.
Lilly’s Pattisserie
What if we told you could have Payasam cakes? Yes. You heard that right. The Lilly’s Patisserie, Thrissur is offering Payasam cakes on it its Vishu Special menu as a distinct highlight. Try out their Palada and Pazham Pradhaman cakes which are available in two sizes.They have also got you covered for Easter with a range of Hot Cross Buns from traditional to chocolate and candy berry flavours. You can also spice up your Easter treats with their artisanally crafted Easter Eggs.
View this post on Instagram
Pandhal Cake Shop
The Pandhal Cake Shop, Kochi is shelling out some amazing Easter Egg Surprises this Holy Season. Their marzipan-based eggs come in varied sizes and colours vibrant enough to cheer the grimmest of the lot. Also, check out their Easter Egg Baskets that are sure to surprise you!
View this post on Instagram
Lebanese Grill
No Easter is complete without some spicy meat-based main course to savour. This Kottayam-based Arabian restaurant is all about gifting your loved ones with some flavourful rice for the festive season. This Easter they are introducing the Mutton Cask Biriyani. The cask comes along with pappad, pickle and raita. These are only available on a pre-order basis. So, what are you waiting for? Hurry up and order now.
View this post on Instagram
Words By: Mariam Thankam Mohan
-
Entertainment3 months ago
The Stunning looks from Bhagya Suresh’s Wedding
-
Fashion3 months ago
Most Discussed Ajrakh Saree of Alia Bhatt
-
Entertainment3 months ago
The Most Stylish Guests of Bhagya Suresh Reception
-
Entertainment4 months ago
Everything about the Ira Khan wedding that is out of the norm
-
Entertainment3 months ago
Bridal Bliss : All Bridal Looks of Swasika Vijay
-
Entertainment3 months ago
All About The Dreamy Pre Wedding Invite Of Anant Ambani & Radhika Merchant
-
Fashion3 months ago
Major Denim Trends You Need To Know in 2024
-
Entertainment3 months ago
Best Looks from Golden Globes 2024