It is not often that one gives a thought to the origin of a dish. How did this recipe come about? Why does it use a cooking method alien to us? Well, such questions seem to have been behind the setting up of ‘Dosas and Pancakes’ in Bazaar Road, Calvathy, Fort Kochi. Two young entrepreneurs Charles Jayan and Thomas Joseph take diners through cuisine that is typical of Fort Kochi.
Crossover flavours
The two have given ample thought to food while planning their outlet. And here’s how. “Fort Kochi is all about fusion”, says Charles. And Fort Kochi, with its long and expanded history of people from other shores, arriving with their indigenous languages, clothing and food and leaving behind a distinct imprint, has its distinct culture and cuisine.
“The idea here is to bring together continental and Kerala food,” says Jayan. He explains that there are many culinary imports into our native cooking methods and a considerable amount of exchange between the different communities who came here. The puttu is a result of such fusion, he asserts, because “powdering and steaming,” he says are originally Portuguese cooking methods.
Fusion continues in the décor of the restaurant. Chavittunatakkam, an art form born out of this fusion, is seen on the walls in brightly coloured prints dramatically lit up from behind. An open kitchen keeps the interest as food sizzles, steams or exudes those mouth-watering aromas.
A buffet arrangement with terracotta chafing dishes is on offer as the restaurant caters to travelling groups who visit them.
The restaurant, being a part of the Greenix Heritage Village which showcases art performances daily, is a hub of tourists who wish to watch the native arts and taste the food of the place. For that reason, ‘Dosas and Pancakes’ offers them the true taste of Fort Kochi.
So, savour crossover flavours that come out wholeheartedly in special dishes like meat ball curry, liver paal curry and the pork vindaloo. A typical Christian breakfast on Sundays has the table laden with the said specialities. Try out the range of puttu . If it’s European taste that one wishes to relish they should try out the foreign recipes in steaks, cakes and bakes. But if it is the tantalising native flavours that are draw you, then try out the variety in dosas, from beef masala dosa to the egg layered dosa to the regular masala dosa.
Then there is the any-time menu too. Diners can choose from sandwiches, juices, shakes and salads.
Ask Jayan about the women in the kitchen smartly rustling up dishes, and he says, “we want to give the place a very ‘homely’ touch.” So his mother and sister-in-law chip in happily with the cooking, along with the rest of the staff. Of course with the family women taking up the ladle it means that the food will , along with being authentic, be served with love.
‘Dosas and Pancakes’ is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays from 9.30 a.m to 12.30 p.m on Sundays.
