The rise of a red puttu eatery

This mobile puttu shop near K4 police station in Anna Nagar thrives on this traditional south Indian breakfast. From 4.30 p.m. when it opens, the outlet is seen teeming with people and all of the are looking for a plate of puttu. The eatout set in an Omni van serves steaming puttu upon order. This is the first time I am trying it and I liked it; it’s soft and tasty,” says Thilagavathy who came with her husband to give the snack a try. The puttu is made with red rice flour, ghee, coconut, sugar and steamed till it is cooked.

Hari Babu, a resident of Perambur, started the business around a year ago. Once a salesman at a shop, Hari Babu decided he will no longer work under anyone and started this business. Quiz him about why a puttu shop and nothing else, and he says, “North Indians have brought pani puri to the south. It is our responsibility to promote our traditional snack,” says Hari Babu in a very dedicated tone.

He says the red rice has many benefits too. “It is very rich in iron content,” says Hari Babu when asked why other varieties are not available.

The shop has regular customers who take parcels home. The hot puttu is served in boxes, priced at Rs. 35 each. Hari Babu next plans to introduce kuzhi paniyaram.

The shop is located near the K4 police station in Anna Nagar East. It is open from 4.30 p.m. till 9.30 p.m.