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Spicy fare from Chettinad

The feast at South Park will showcase the flavours of Chettinad

TEMPTING DISHES Chettinad food

Among the various South Indian cuisines, Chettinad cuisine holds a special place in the taste buds of food lovers.

Spicy and aromatic, the liberally thrown chillies in the dishes don't come in the way of enjoyment of the food.

Bringing the flavour of Chettinad to the city is South Park, which is conducting a 10-day Chettinad food festival.

The festival will conclude on February 26. To lend the dishes authenticity, a chef is being brought in from Karaikudi. The buffet costs Rs. 310 per person.

To start your meal, take spoonfuls of `Aattukaal' soup. A mutton soup, it is rich and spicy.

Rice dishes

Next help yourself to the variety of rice dishes. The festival offers `Puliyodharai, (tamarind rice) `Tenga sadam' (coconut rice) and `Elumbicha sada' (lemon rice).

As side dishes, you could try `Kari kozhambu,' a mutton dish with thick red, hot gravy.

The `Yera varuval,' or fried prawn, has prawns seasoned with Chettinad spices and deep fried.

Mutton is either fried or comes in gravy in `Mulagu aattu varuval' and `Mulagu aattu kozhambu' respectively.

Vegetarians

Vegetarians need not fret as there are greens in the festival. `Kaikari kottu' and `Keerai masiyal' are the must try. While `Kaikari kottu' reminds of you of `aviyal,' with its mix of vegetables, `Keerai masiyal' is a mix of spinach and dal, which comes in thick gravy.

For desserts, try the wide range of paniyarams offered; milk, jaggery, dal... Says the chef, "It's as small as `unniappam' and reminds you of `elleyappam.' There are also `yellurundai' in different flavours. Ice creams are also available.

The menu changes on a daily basis and the festival is open from 7.30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

LIZA GEORGE

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