Feb 17, 2003 12:17 PM
3527 Views
(Updated Feb 17, 2003 12:17 PM)
Another place I can add to my very short list of restaurants serving authentic South Indian fare in Delhi. Yes, authentic will mean something more than the Idli, Dosa, Vada ....... we have too many of those. Keralyeeam, as the name suggests serves Malyali cuisine, most of the stuff cooked in coconut oil. It is located in the premises of the Indian Oil Bhavan in Yusuf Sarai. You better get the directions straight as somehow, not many people there know about the place.
The Directions first - if you are coming from AIIMS, cross the Yusuf Sarai/ Green Park red light & park outside the Indian Oil Bhavan Building. If you are coming from Adchini/ Aurobindo Place, you can either take a U-turn & park anywhere on your left, or not take the turn & cross the road to the Indian Oil Bhavan. Phew !! Quite Complicated - I hope I haven’t confused you. The issue is I really don't know why - but none of the local shopkeepers know about the place !!!. Inside the premises, it's a small little restaurant on your left. The tables & chairs are old & worn out, they play old Hindi music or instrumental. Not much of an ambience Don’t expect much from the staff, they look like they've been there since ages, they stroll, not walk to your table. But they all know every ingredient that goes into each dish & that's commendable. Also, the service is very very fast. You have barely placed the order & it's at your table.
The menu offers Prawns, Shrimps, Fish, and Chicken & even a bit of Mutton (not a common thing for Malyali dishes served in restaurants, I think). Accompanied by Steamed Rice, Appams & Dosas. We started by ordering Rasam & Buttermilk (for variety). Both get full points! We had some Special Prawn Curry, a scrambled egg dish with appams. Of my 2 years of married life - I have made scrambled eggs every Sunday morning & had started to believe I have mastered the dish - but theirs gave me a complex. We also tried a dish from the Vegetarian fare - don't know what the name was - it was green peas cooked with onions & tamarind paste. Interesting, right? The prices are great. Having prawns in a restaurant in Delhi is a luxury. This place makes it affordable. If you like this kind of food, you could also add it on your list. Its a must visit !!
