What makes Iftar, or the fast-breaking evening meal, in Ramadhan, special at Kottaimedu or Fort in Coimbatore? Now, this also begs the question of why Kottamedu is so unique in the first place. One of the most iconic and historic areas of the city, Kottamedu, has embraced the three major faiths of Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity for almost two centuries, spreading love, harmony, tolerance, and interfaith dialogue among people. I don’t think that is everything to it, as this is where my home sweet home is—right here, in the heart of this thriving, electrifying, and vibrant locality.
Come Ramadhan, the whole area comes to life as never before! Unlimited shopping, endless nights, and the harmonious and melancholic calls of Adhan, the Islamic call to prayer, characterize the month of fasting and spiritual advancement. But there is something more to the area’s cultural aspects and values.
As evening descends, Kottaimedu transforms into a showcase of culinary delights. Skewers of kebabs crackle over charcoal flames, pots of mutton, chicken, and beef gravy bubble gently, and the ever-popular samosas are fried in hot oil until they are crisp and golden. Daring diners hunt for specialties such as Haleem or smoky mutton and beef chukka (minced meat mixed with spices and oil, cooked slowly until the meat becomes tender), dishes that are rich in bold, indigenous spices and personality. As if these aren’t gratifying, bread halwa and an assortment of nut-based milkshakes, falooda, and fruit smoothies offer a sweet conclusion, best savored while standing amidst the exciting hustle and bustle that marks the spiritual Ramadhan nights in this area. During Ramadan, the area does not undergo a “transformation” as it is already designed for food; rather, it simply turns increasingly vibrant. By 6:30 pm, the sidewalks cease to be mere pavements and instead become grill stations on their own.
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The spice of life can often be found in a plate of biryani
Most restaurants in this area serve Biriyani that is highly rich in spices, flavor, sharper tangy notes, and aroma. The Biryani is generally prepared using raw marinated meat mixed with short-grain seeraga samba rice prior to the dum cooking process.
The addition of local flavours is a key factor leading to its popularity. For instance, there isn’t a single restaurant at Kottaimedu that serves either Ambur or Hyderabadi style. You bet! Rather, it incorporates local flavors while maintaining its core characteristics in every layered serving. You can also enjoy Dalcha, a traditional Hyderabadi dish serving as a flavorful lentil and meat (or vegetable) stew, the perfect accompaniment to Biryani anytime.
Popular Biryani Hotels at Kottaimedu:
Abitha Biryani Hotel, Kottaimedu Biryani, HMR – Hotel Muthu Rowther, LMN Hajiyar Biryani Hotel, Shakeel, Hotel Muhammad, Ambur Biryani, Hotel Food Park
Kebab
In India, the king of street food is undoubtedly Kebab. When it comes to street food in Kottaimedu, Kebabs are likely the first name that springs to mind. Although numerous newer shops and food streets have emerged in recent times, particularly in Podanur, Karumbukadai, Kuniyamuthur, and Kovaipudur areas in Coimbatore, offering quality food, the allure of Kottaimedu remains entirely unparalleled. You can enjoy a variety of kebabs, including shish kebabs, Doner kebab (cooked on a vertical rotisserie), and Seekh kebabs (seasoned minced meat), made of vegetables, mutton, chicken, or the more popular beef, in this area.
Popular Kebab Hotels at Kottaimedu:
Abraar – Kebab & Juices, Sultaan Kabab Corner, Meezan, KottaiMedu Biryani, Hotel Food Park
Kari Samosas & Vadas
Samosas define the very culture of street food in Kottaimedu. As you stroll through the lively streets of Kottaimedu or the busy food stalls of Ukkadam, it is common to see street vendors serving hot Kari (meat) samosas to foodies who remain calm long after ordering them. The key is to enjoy them hot (and why not?). The low cost, convenience, and gratifying nature of mutton, fish, chicken, beef, beaten egg, mushroom, paneer, onion, and vegetable samosas make them a highly popular choice for individuals on the go or those seeking a mouth-wateringly quick and tasty snack. The samosas are usually served with a range of accompaniments, including tamarind chutney, mint chutney, or yogurt-based dips. This assortment of flavors and textures enriches the overall experience, encouraging food lovers to return for more.
Here, you can also enjoy the crispy chicken and beef kheema vada made by deep-frying the blend of minced meat, chana dal, spices, and fresh green leaves.
Popular Samosa Stalls at Kottaimedu:
Aysha Pups, Fort Puffs
Milkshakes
Following a load of spicy cuisines at Kottaimedu, nothing can soothe your mouth and stomach better than Elaneer milkshake or Tender Coconut Shake that enjoys immense popularity, especially during the month of Ramadhan. This area is known for offering a plethora of milkshakes that are entirely free of water content. Their menu includes everything from the basic mango shake to a range of intriguing flavors such as Date, Gaza, Sharjah, and others. Another must-try is Jigarthanda, prepared with milk, sugar, nannari syrup, and almond gum as its primary components. A highly sought-after roadside beverage in the area, Jigarthanda roughly translates into “that which cools the heart’ (it seldom fails to do so).
Popular Milkshakes & Jigarthand Juice outlets at Kottaimedu:
Mario, Madurai Famous Jigarthanda, Elaneer, Lucky Cafe, Abraar – Kebab & Juices
Shawarma
More recently, the roadsides of Kottaimedu have been inundated with ‘Shawarma’, one of the most popular street foods especially in North India. After savoring it four to five times, I became hooked (I enjoyed it from the very first bite but needed justifications to indulge). This renowned Arabian dish primarily consists of chicken cooked in different forms, depending on what you order. This slowly grilled meal is prepared by slicing meat from a block that is continuously roasted on a rotating spit (or rotisserie). Typically, it is presented as a wrap, accompanied by toppings such as Onion, tomato, cucumber, mayonnaise, spicy chutney, and coriander.
Popular Shawarma Stalls at Kottaimedu:
King of Kothu, Bold Buffalo, Lucky Cafe, Abraar – Kebabs & Juices, Meezan, Sultan Kebab, Bangalore steaks
Other popular range of food items in Ramadhan at Kottaimedu
Don’t miss out on ‘Mohabbat ka Sharbat’, a delightful, Old Delhi-style sugary, pink-hued drink, offered throughout the year by a few street vendors in the area. Kulukki Sarbath is another trendy, invigorating Kerala-style “shaken” lemonade, prepared with a blend of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors, rendering it an ideal cooling drink for the summer. Nool (Thread) Parotta is a unique type of Parotto that can you find in this area, and is served with any luscious curry. Surprisingly, it was refreshing to see a couple of shops selling an assortment of fruits and vegetables, including mango, cucumber, pineapple, sliced and preserved in jars containing vinegar, salt, water, and chillies, another Kerala-based street chat.
Chicken, mutton, and beef rolls–served hot with sauce or Mayonnaise–at Vincent Road add to the popularity of the food street among college-goers flocking to the street in large numbers by evening.
If you want to enjoy street food in Coimbatore to the core, you won’t go wrong at Kottaimedu and Ukkadam. If you haven’t tasted any of the foods mentioned in the article, then you are really missing out. A word of caution though, as most foods are meat-based, vegetarians must find alternative ways of controlling their hunger pangs. But for now, let’s enjoy the spiritual season–Happy Ramadhan, folks!