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For a quick bite
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Who can resist crisp home-made bajis and vadas?
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FOR ALL those craving for a quick bite, the board in Malayalam announcing `Vadas Available Here' outside the house of N.R. Krishna Iyengar is a welcome sign. In an area where home-based eateries are dime a dozen, the snacks that Krishna Iyengar makes have a niche on account of their consistent quality. A septuagenarian, Chota Mama, as he is popularly known, has been in this field for over 60 years. "I started at the age of 14, after having to leave my hometown in Tirunelveli district owing to family circumstances," he recounts. He ran a hotel called `Ranga Café' in the Fort area, which he closed down after 22 long years.
Bhajis, bondas...
Krishna Iyengar started making `bajis' and `kara vadas' at home nearly four years ago, which are priced at Re.1 a piece. He says, "Having been active and working all my life, I was bored after winding up my hotel. I decided to make and sell snacks."
His decision proved to be a wise one going by the brisk sales at his house. "I make five varieties of eats everyday, which invariably sells out before 3 p.m. I change a few of the items that I serve daily." The display board is promptly removed once he runs out of supplies.
How has he managed to consistently sell for Re.1 per piece even when the prices of the ingredients have gone up? "I do all the work myself, without hiring any outside help. I finish cutting and sieving before 8 a.m. After that I cycle to the Chala market everyday to purchase the ingredients. This way I am able to keep the price stable." His wife, Mythili, helps him to cook and sell the piping hot bajis and bondas.
Customers
Krishna Iyengar boasts of a large number of regular customers from all over the city. Not even hartals or strikes affect this one-man joint.
BAJIS ON A PLATTER: Krishna Iyengar and his wife Mythili pack piping hot vadas and bajis for sale
"Hartals bring in more business and I try to make more during those days," says Krishna Iyengar who no longer accepts bulk orders.
How does he cope with the strain of working in the heat at his age?
"I enjoy what I am doing, so it is not a strain. Also, I maintain a systematic and disciplined lifestyle. I practise yoga regularly and this helps me keep fit and healthy." Owing to his rich experience, Krishna Iyengar manages to finish his work within two-and-a-half hours.
A tiny diary, in which he records his daily sales and expenditure is proof of his systematic style of functioning.
REMA SUNDAR
Photo: S. Mahinsha
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Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Delhi
Hyderabad
Madurai
Mangalore
Tiruchirapalli
Thiruvananthapuram
Vijayawada
Visakhapatnam
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