Month: August 2009

Fillet of joy – Banana fry and coffee

~ bjcharles ~ 6 Comments

This pic reminds me of the numerous coffee I’ve shared with the boys at Coffee house in the heart land of “gods own country”. Now in Bangalore, these little cups of joy seems so distant and grayed as my hair.

Branded “coffee Day’s” and “Barista’s” of today don’t offer these little banana nuggets but their line-up includes more on western . “Lot more can happen over a cup of coffee” punch line seems so alienated in these sterile coffee shops.

There’s something natural about the small shops that serves hot coffee/tea. Early mornings these small tea shops are buzz with people sprouting Marxian thoughts and a hot doze of stale politics over a steaming cup of tea. I think secret to kerala’s literacy mushroomed from these little discussion groups centered around these tea shacks.

Vazhakappam ( banana fry), this ( Kadi) item served along with is another delicacy that I miss in Bangalore. These yellow slices of ripe banana, dipped in flour syrup and fried in oil is one of the best accompaniment to my evening coffee chat.

How to make banana fry ( Kerala style)

Banana(ripe) – 2 nos
Flour(Maida) – 1 cup
Sugar – 1 – 2 tsp
Oil for deep frying

Banana fry recipe:
Mix together maida, tumeric, sugar and water to make a thick batter with a dropping consistency. Mix well, clear all lumps .

Slice the bananas to two halves and then each halves to vertically thin pieces.

Dip the slices of banana in the batter and coat it with the batter.

Heat oil in a deep-fry pan and fry slices one by one,(both sides).

Watch till the fry turns golden brown. Remove and Keep it on a tissue paper to remove excess oil.

Serve hot with Tea/coffee

Koshy’s – Aging Bangalore icon

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A gentleman at Koshy’s

                                                      Coffee – Famed beverage at Koshy’s

Koshy’s Restaurant – Street View
What makes Koshy’s restaurant so special?
  • Is it the ambiance?
  • Is it the history behind it?
  • Is it the food? Appam or beef?
  • Is it the laid back attitude?
  • Is it the sugar bowl?
  • Is it the checkered table cloth?
  • Is it the kind of crowd it attracts?
  • Is it the location?
First exposure to Koshy’s joint
My first visit to Koshy’s restaurant chanced upon me, the first glimpse of the hep crowd from Bangalore. At that time, smoking was allowed, and I looked at awe, on the sight of ladies who smoked with manly confidence.

Sights like these were new to my life, and I wanted to know more. As my life progressed in Bangalore, I soon got acquainted with a lady. Our initial rendezvous was all in Koshy’s over a glass of rum and fish.

Life moved forward, we spend less time in Koshy’s and started visiting many new age pubs and cafe joints. Each place comes with a story, but I feel none as old and peculiar as Koshy’s.
So, much has come and gone for this iconic restaurant. Started in the 40’s, Koshy’s has come a long way. People from the Emperors and to small time crooks(like me) has come to dine.
Koshy’s on the move

What’s the future for Koshy’s. Will it move bodily in the test of time, or will it still cling to the old tales that still hang on its walls.

I hope it moves with the change, at the same time retains the laid back warmth to all the patrons under its roof.


If you’re reading this post and looking for a coffee partner at Koshy, then don’t hesitate. During weekends, I’ll free to join for a coffee & chit-chat.