A taste of ‘kach’ in Kannur

Kannur city is a favourite haunt of those in search of new tastes and flavours. The city has a number of outlets that dish out delectable savouries and lip-smacking biryanis. One of the most favourite hangouts for people in Kannur is Aabid’s. The speciality of the shop which is situated near DIS School in Kannur city is 'kach', a small but potent ingredient.

One would be mistaken to presume from its name that it is savoury from Kutch in Gujarat. On the contrary, kach is a super ingredient of local provenance that lends a unique flavour to all the eatables and nibble food at the outlet.

Although kach resembles pickles or tomato sauce, it has no similarity to them in taste.

Kach is a masala paste made from ingredients such as tamarind, chilly powder, and sugar, ensuring that it is a balanced blend of pungency, sourness, and sweetness. For those confused about which variety of kach might suit their palate, here goes the advice: Those who like crunchies may go for lotta kach, kolli kach, murukku kach, or mixture kach. But those who like pickled items should ask for pineapple or mango kach.

Don’t be deluded that Aabid’s has a kach of only one variety. There are a host of luscious drinks here to fill one’s belly with. The 'tsunami' drink made of lime and nannari (sarsaparilla) has become the toast on social media.

'Pookutty soda' is a drink that fizzes like soda. In addition, different flavours of Malabar’s own crushed ice lemonades are also available. Abid’s has been introducing new tastes every year. Aficionados make a beeline to Aabid’s in search of newer and exotic tastes and flavours.