A Foodie's favorites in Matunga

So, I had a revelation. You see, exploring Matunga, there was an aspect (of the exploration) that I instantly knew deserved a blogpost of its own. And if you are a foodie like me, you will completely understand....

Because, dear reader, those south Indian flavors...oooooh yum!

We started our morning at Cafe Mysore - or as the sign outside says: The oldest restaurant in Mumbai for South Indian delicacies. The coffee here is served like this:

... and then you have to mix the coffee, milk and sugar yourself by pouring from one tin cup to the other - a few times. Or have a skilled waiter do it for you in a very elegant way. Our attempt ended ... well on the table in a not so elegant way - but fun and very tasty. We were told that coffee is more of a south Indian drink than India's national drink tea. Our tour guide from Travel-logs told us that a popular story goes that a Muslim saint on a pilgrimage to Mecca, smuggled 7 coffee beans from Yemen into India, and planted them in the hills of Chandragiri in Mysore. But think again if you think this is a place for coming and hanging out over your coffee while chatting with friends for hours. The message is clear:

I have to admit we might have bended the rule a bit because we did a lot of chatting over those coffee cups... However, we did try the local specialty: 

At Cafe Mysore we had toast omlet - because as being (the first ) udipi restaurant in Mumbai .. for the south Indians coming to Mumbai to work and settle down these restaurants were set up to provide quick, simple and cheap meals. And the omlet had no eggs in it  ---- a very tasty vegetarian version.

And the foodies moved on, and I tell you now: if you love idlis, like I do, you will be in paradise at The Idli House. Also a small come-order-eat-and-leave place, and with a "waiting room " on the pavement outside - because this is a popular place!

...and if you do not finish your pudi, you will have to pay 8 rs penalty.. Ha ha - how great is that?!

.....aahhhh - in idli heaven... before:

..and during.. My favorite was the coconut idli - with a sprinkle of chili powder on top, but all so yum!!

After the idlis we were strolling on, and passed this cute little book store - can you imagine going treasure hunting in there? - and what could be more perfect than having a coffee bean outlet next door:

Ayappan Idli Stall was a very busy place - perfect for dosas and vadas - a quick bite on the sidewalk - a very popular place.  Centred on a busy street corner you could also drive up, jump out and get your fast food - but so not for a minute think it is a drive-in-restaurant- . You have to get out of your car/bike/rickshaw and yourself go up and order...

And if you have eaten south Indian food, you have probably, like us, had some kind of banana - or maybe had it beautifully served in banana leaves. Well, the banana market said it all:  

In my quest to explore my adopted city Mumbai, I have, in addition to heading around (sometimes like a headless chicken) on my own, also tried out different tour guides and companies. Walking tours are my favorite, and this time I for the first time went with Travel-logs. According to their site they are: a bunch of intrepid travellers, who love travelling … seeing new places, experiencing different cultures, trying to de-mystify history, and of course eating different foods! We are a team of loosely connected but tightly bonded individuals. And what binds us together is our deep passion for India and discovering her, everyday.

I have to say I felt that passion:-) I enjoyed their enthusiasm and level of knowledge, so Chief Explorer Dhiresh and co: you will see me again for sure. Your tour was interesting, varied and fun:-)  

NB: This tour was not sponsored. And as always: my opinion is mine and mine alone:-)

Ta ta from Mumbai!