AYYAPAN IDLY STALL

KICK START WITH HEALTHY UPMA

Matunga can't go wrong when it comes to South Indian food. There are many iconic eateries located in this vicinity like CAFE MADRAS, RAM ASHRAY, CAFE MYSORE, ARYA BHAVAN etc and each has its loyal patrons. But this time I chose to pay my visit at one road side eatery serving hot and fresh south Indian food Opp Bhajan Samaj Mandir. Yes this is the same Ayyapan Idli Stall. This place starts at 7 am in the morning and it is open upto 10 pm.

Piping –hot fluffy white idlis, and a hill of crunchy medu wadas (of a strange orangish hue), wholesome upma would begin filling the plates of the early birds. By around 7:30 a.m. their dosa and uthappam tavas starts heating up and the crowd exponentially increases. There is no board or sign that identifies this place. But rest assured that there is always a big crowd in front of this place.

It is quite a sight to watch people from all walks crowding around a stall with nearly a dozen people behind the counter cooking and serving with an efficiency that could put McDoanlds to shame. On Saturdays and Sundays there is huge crowd and almost you need to wait for 10 to 15 min to get your food.

If you are a hygiene junkie and want to sit and eat your food then this isn't the place for you. Here you come and give your order to Anna and in few minutes you get your food. Stand, eat and leave.

I ordered simple Upma which I had heard that it is mind blowing and also one of my favorite breakfast dish. Within few min I got my plate of Hot Upma served with Sambhar, coconut chutney and red chutney made of tomatoes giving tang to the taste buds. Upma was phenomenal and worth a try. It has wettish consistency. Rava is perfectly roasted and very soft, flavoured with curry leaves, green chillies, mustard seeds. Their Upma is best than other legendary restaurants in nearby vicinity. My total damages were Rs.35 but worth considering the quality and quantity they serve in this inflationary trend.

Sam's report card.

Taste- 9/10

Ambience-3/10 (Roadside eatery no place to sit)

VFM: 8/10