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Within the heart of Tamil Nadu lies Madurai, the ‘Athens Of The East’. This dynamic and grand city is often hailed as one of the premier food destinations in South India. With a rich history and adorned with revered temples, Madurai has an eternal appeal that draws in travellers from distant places all over the world. Embarking on a journey through Madurai’s streets guarantees an adventure that will leave foodies entranced by the city's astonishing trove of gastronomic treasures.
Placed at the crossroads of Chettinad, Thanjavur, and Konganadu, Madurai seamlessly fuses an eclectic medley of tastes influenced by its diverse populace. This fusion has woven a unique culinary style that mirrors the city's soul. The continuous influx of tourists in pursuit of novel and inventive culinary encounters transforms Madurai's gastronomic scene into a world of flavours.
Video Credits: Hebber's Kitchen/YouTube
Here are 7 iconic dishes from Madurai that you must try:
1. Bun Parotta
A true Madurai specialty, Bun Parotta is a delightful combination of flakiness and flavour. This dish features layers of parotta, a popular South Indian flatbread, that are skillfully kneaded and folded to create a unique texture. The parotta is then pan-fried to perfection, resulting in a crispy and golden-brown exterior.
2. Vazhiyal
Another renowned gastronomic masterpiece from Madurai, this egg-based creation is much loved for breakfast lunch, or dinner. Made with a blend of beaten eggs, finely diced onions, and a generous helping of mixed mutton gravies, this dish is a marvel. The infusion of these gravies bestows a lusciously thick texture upon the dish
3. Elumbu Roast
For those who relish the taste of succulent meat, Elumbu Roast is a culinary gem not to be missed. This dish features tender mutton bones that are marinated with a blend of spices and then slow-cooked with coconut milk until the marrow flavours have been released and the meat is juicy. The use of traditional spices and cooking techniques gives the Elumbu Roast a unique depth of flavour that is both satisfying and indulgent.
4. Kari Dosa
Who said dosas had to be vegetarian? Madurai’s special consists of a base layer of plain dosa, the middle a thin omelette, and the top layer of minced meat sauteed with caramelised onions, fragrant ginger garlic and spices. This is a typical dish of the cow herder community, also known as Konars.
5. Jigarthanda
To get some respite from the sweltering heat look no further than. This traditional drink is prepared with a combination of badam pisin/katira gond (almond gum), nannari (sarsaparilla root extract), sugar, milk, and ice cream. The name "Jigarthanda" literally translates to "cooling the heart," and it lives up to its name by offering a rejuvenating experience to those who enjoy it.
6. Kola Urundai
This popular type of kebab has a history that can be traced back to the Maratha occupation of nearby city Thanjavur. Minced meat, usually chicken or mutton, is ground very fine with coconut, aromatic spices and gram flour before being shaped into balls and deep-fried. The result is a crispy exterior that gives way to a tender centre that is unique to the region.
7. Paruthi Paal
Paruthi Paal, a traditional drink made with cotton seed, millets or raw rice, jaggery and spices that also has great health benefits to enjoy. Paruthi" translates to cotton, while "Paal" denotes milk. Thanks to its elevated levels of protein, essential fatty acids, and sugars, Paruthi Paal earns the distinction of a triple-nutrient beverage, capable of serving as an invigorating source of energy.
