HAPPENING -- 10:

VISIT ‘METTU KUDIL’ FOR ROADSIDE TEA SHOP EXPERIENCE 

BY P S SUNDAR

Yet another unique attraction for visitors this summer has come about in Ooty now.   It is ‘Mettu kudil’ trying to fulfil a desire lying deep inside many customers of star hotels but shy to be experimented now.

The roadside tea shop, especially in a village, is a telling example of Indian lifestyle and many, irrespective of their current position in business or society, have a craving for the delicious tea and snacks in such a rural ambience.  This takes them on nostalgic walk down the memory lane recalling their childhood days in their village with friends from school and farming community gathering at the tea shop where elders also assembled and talked about almost everything under the sky! 

“To recreate this experience for those who hesitate to enjoy in the roadside today owing to their social status, we have established a village shop called ‘Mettu kudil’ in the open area in our hotel”, Ismail Khan, Resident Director, Gem Hotels and Resorts Ooty, said.

“The palm leaf roof, tea shop seating, newspapers to read and songs from radio are adding realism to the atmosphere so much so, we see guests preferring to stay back here rather than get drowned in the summer crowd in downtown”, he explained.

“More importantly, many are concerned about the hygiene and safety of the food and drinks served in the roadside tea shop.   We address this issue with utmost care so that our guests can safely enjoy everything rural or roadside”, he disclosed.

“We have live counters to serve Vazhakkai (plantain) Bajji, Molaga (chilli) Bajji, Vengaya (Onion) Bajji, potato Bonda, mini Vada, samosa with chutneys. We also serve sweets and savours kept in glass jars just like the tea shop in the village”, Executive Chef Surendran said. 

“Tea and coffee are prepared in front of the guests and served in glass tumblers to help guests enjoy the roadside feeling.  Every item is served at ` 25”, F & B Manager Pradeep Kumar said.

“The shop is open from 4 pm to 8 pm daily till June 15.   Already, the summer visitors are enjoying the luxury of leisure at this shop and we are stepping up supplies to cater to the anticipated increased demand as the summer season advances”, he noted.

Interestingly, this concept has caught up with foreigners as well.  A group of Malaysian visitors were among the first to enjoy at ‘Mettu Kudil’.

A visitor from Malaysia Rozaimi said, “We enjoyed delicious bajji with tea.  This was my first experience of eating this snack.  The price is reasonable, the place is very hygienic and the service is great.   The place is full of fun and the management deserves praise for this concept”.

Visitors from Europe and the USA get attracted to the ambience and curiously enquire about the concept for, this is new to them in star hotels.  Once they understand, they enjoy taking photos while trying almost every item available at ‘Mettu Kudil’.   And, some were heard commenting that they would have to pay more for these same items if served inside the star hotels!  

(response can also be sent to: pssundar.coonoor@gmail.com)