The picture of noted writer N S Madhavan enjoying soft and plump idlis with cartoonist E P Unny for the same plantain leaf, at a quaint eatery in Erode, had caught the attention of many. Sharing the picture, the former wrote, “finally at Karunkalpalayam, Erode’s wholesale idli market ”.

It was four and a half decades ago that A Dhanabhagyam Amma began making the famed Karunkalpalayam Kushboo idli. The extremely soft and delicious idli became popular among food lovers instantly. In order to meet the growing demand, Dhanabhagyam Amma shared her recipe with 20 families in the neighbourhood so that they too could help her. Later, chefs from luxury hotels came looking for Dhanabhagyam Amma and her special idlis. Now, more than 10,000 idlis are sold on a daily basis.

Those who travel via this route do not forget to pack some idlis to enjoy during the journey. An order has to be placed on the previous day if you need more than 100 idlis. They are sold mainly from 5 am to 10 am.

Two years ago, Dhanabhagyam Amma passed away, handing over the reigns of the idli business to her grandson Dhanapal and family.

Earlier, idlis were send to Singapore to serve at the Tamil weddings there. Now, Dhanapal travels to the east Asian country to make soft and delicious idlis at the venue itself.

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