Evenings at Mahaboopalayam in Madurai come alive with individuals younger and previous throughout Ramzan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. When the solar goes down, the odor of fried vadas, crisp samosas, and spicy hen fills the streets. There are distributors close to the Mahaboobpalayam Mosque who promote iftar specials on trays, a few of that are fried in sizzling, scorching oil. The place is busy with individuals having fun with the meals, and others getting parcels for residence. “In the earlier days, we would break our fast with nombu kanji. It is healthy and easy to digest,” says Abuthahir, who’s from the neighbourhood. “But over time, especially among the younger generation, there has been a shift towards tastier, fried snacks. That’s how these iftar stalls with a variety of items have become popular now.”
A view of Masjid Mahaboopalayam Mosque at Madurai.
| Photo Credit:
G. Moorthy
For the previous 5 years, B Thasleema and her husband, G Batcha, have been promoting kari vadas in Mahaboopalayam. As Batcha stands over a big kadai, frying batch after batch, the snacks vanish nearly as shortly. He is fondly generally known as ‘Chicken Badsha’ for the distinct flavour he brings to his kari vadas.
G. Batcha frying crispy golden kari vadas at Mahaboopalayam, Madurai.
| Photo Credit:
G. MOORTHY
Crowd favourites
“Our day begins in the morning,” says Thasleema. “We finely grind the meat into keema consistency and then mix it with the batter for the vadas. By 4pm, we open the stall, and start frying until 6pm. We sell each piece for ₹5.”
Hot crispy hen samosas and kari vadas stored on the market at Mahaboopalayam, Madurai.
| Photo Credit:
G. MOORTHY
Another crowd puller alongside the stretch is the minced chicken-stuffed samosa. Okay Maideel Batcha, who has been operating the store with his household for a number of years, prepares hen, egg and even noodle samosas.
“My brother and his wife help in rolling the samosa sheets, and we keep the fillings ready well in advance. The noodle samosa is especially popular.”
The egg and noodle samosas are priced at ₹15 every, whereas a hen samosa prices ₹20.
Slightly away, reverse the mosque, S Mohamad Yasin attracts a gentle crowd with crisp hen varieties. Working alongside his household, he serves what he calls ‘KFC-style’ hen, other than hungama hen, which is golden and crackling on the outdoors, whereas delicate, juicy and spicy on the inside.
Slightly away, reverse the mosque, S Mohamad Yasin attracts a gentle crowd with his crispy hen varieties. Working alongside his household, he serves what he calls “KFC-style” hen, other than his well-liked Hungama Chicken. Golden and crackling on the outdoors, whereas delicate, juicy and spicy when having a chew.
Candy hen made for iftar snacks at Mahaboopalayam.
| Photo Credit:
G. MOORTHY
Another favorite is sweet hen — mildly candy at first chew, earlier than the warmth builds up with each chew. The sweetness in the sweet hen is as a result of the hen is first coated with breadcrumbs. “Our hungama chicken has been a big hit. We first introduced it in Chennai, where it drew huge crowds. Now that we’ve brought it to Madurai, the response has been just as encouraging,” he says.
While he marinates hen, his brother prepares the particular masala and spice combine, after which every part is fried recent and served sizzling.
Golden fried hen made by Mohamad Yasin at Mahaboopalayam, Madurai.
| Photo Credit:
G. MOORTHY
Syrup-soaked sweets and extra
Ramzan Nights Food Park close to Simmakkal attracts massive crowds with a row of spicy, crunchy bites and syrup-soaked sweets laid out throughout the night.
L Karthick Siva, who’s organising the meals park, says, “Iftar stalls are quite popular in Chennai and Bengaluru. Now, the same has been introduced here by Hotel President in Madurai,” he says. They have Arabic dishes, desserts and drinks.
The stalls open at 5pm and proceed until 11pm with snacks priced from ₹40 onwards. Having began simply two days in the past, the response, he says, has been encouraging. “The two-way cheese stick is a favourite, which is colourful with two layers.”
Hot spicy seekh kebabs displayed at Ramzan Nights meals Park close to Simmakkal, Madurai.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Comfort meals
“We also serve authentic Persian haleem,” he says. “It is prepared with mutton or chicken that is slow-cooked over a low flame until it reaches a thick, smooth consistency. The flavour is mildly sweet with a gentle spice, making it a comforting iftar dish.”
Traditional genuine haleem on show at Ramzan Food Night park close to Simmakkal, Madurai.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Another spotlight is the seekh kebab. “Made with minced chicken and grilled on skewers, it has that distinct West Asian touch.” For these with a candy tooth, the well-liked Mughlai dessert shahi tukda rounds off the unfold. He says, “It’s rich and indulgent, the perfect way to end the meal.”
Crispy and vibrant two-way cheese sticks displayed at Ramzan Night Food Park close to Simmakkal, Madurai.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
