Content
Hippocrates, the father of medicine, propagated 'Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food' in 431 B.C. Little did he know back then that there would be a person like me in 2015 A.D. who would be a complete foodie regardless of the growth of his tummy. Also, Honda didn't know that I would consider myself to be a hypocrite if I would have told them that I was joining the Drive to Discover 5 just for the Honda Mobilio.
On the fifth edition of Honda’s Drive to Discover this year, the Mobilio took us to many places around South India and we ate at most of them. Apart from exploring South India and making the MPV pose at scenic locations, we tasted and experimented with many different delicacies from that region. The eateries ranged from old (South Indian and Tibetan) to new (dessert/bakeries). Some were very expensive while some were reasonably priced places. We choose five of the top delicacies that were downright good and worth a mention here.
1. House special roast chicken
This is one of the most exotic chicken preparations I have ever had till date. It was decorated with a very rare flower, the name of which I can't remember, but is edible. Details - Rosemary, mint and garlic rubbed chicken, served with roasted baby potatoes, sautèed with spinach and red wine jus. The unique taste lingered in the mouth, while we enjoyed it against the backdrop of the beautiful Coorg mountains.
2. Linzer Torte
This was not really intended to be ordered. We asked the waiters to get some regional specialty when one of them suggested 'Linnzuurr Touurte' in a typical South Indian accent. When the dessert arrived, we got to know that this dish is named after the city of Linz, Austria. It has got nothing to do with the south native region. But this discovery was one of the best things that satisfied our taste buds. There were two layers of rich and buttery nut-flavoured pastry sandwiched together with preserves and served with strawberry or Kiwi topping. The Linzer Torte is considered to be one of the oldest known cakes in the world and the typical lattice design over it is one distinguishing factor.
3. Egg Puff and Kaapi (Coffee)
The Mobilio took us up the Nilgiri Ghats with ease and kept asking for more and more of those winding roads. The MPV never seemed to get tired, but made us hungry. We couldn't find any good hotels here, but the local bakery came to our rescue. The crisp and immaculately baked egg puff brought our hunger pangs under control and the scalding hot Kaapi (coffee) refreshed us to drive the Mobilio to our next halt.
4. Beef Manchurian and Chicken Momos
I was zapped to know that a completely different community existed in the Southern region of India, which gave you a feeling of being in the North East. The Mobilio took us to the Tibetan settlements in Bylakuppe where we found this small hotel that served us the most tastiest Beef, which is quite a controversial dish now, (I am glad I had my fill outside the state) and momos.
5. Meen pollichathu
Another classical hot dish of the South, Meen pollichathu was what was suggested when we asked for a fish preparation. These were tender fish fillets marinated with spices from Kerala, wrapped in banana leaves and grilled to perfection. As an extension to the fish preparation, we were also offered prawns tempered with fenugreek, cooked in saffron and cashewnut gravy and boy were they delicious!
So now you know that our journey of the Southern part of India was not just exploring scenic places like the Nilgiris to the Tiger Reserves to the Kabini Reservoir, but also exploring the food culture which was not just mouth-watering but truly yummy for the tummy as well. For more on our journey with the Honda Mobilio read about them here.
