'Pothi parotta' is the biggest attraction at Mammoottikkante Chayapeedika (Mammootty's teashop), opposite the Police Quarters, Mathilakam on the Kodungalloor-Guruvayur Road. It is a beef-parotta combo prepared by sandwiching beef curry cooked with onions, ginger, green chillies and a special masala mix between two parottas which is then packed in a banana leaf that was heated in a gentle fire. The pack is warmed again over a fire to complete the preparation.
At many hotels, ‘kizhi porotta’ is the most popular dish. The ‘pothi porotta’ at Mammoottikkante Chayapeedika is different as onion and cucumber are not added to it while packing the banana leaf. The teashop sells ‘pothi porotta’ from 11.30am every day and charges Rs 125 for a set.
The hotel is owned and managed by Mammootty and his son Asif Ali. Started 13 years ago as an outlet offering snacks, appam and parotta, Mammoottikkante Chayapeedika soon diversified with some unique dishes.
When the COVID-19 pandemic made life difficult for hoteliers, Asif Ali introduced some new-gen innovations to survive. The old hotel was renamed as Mammoottikkante Chayapeedika and the place received a makeover with a thatched roof and bamboo decor. Moreover, some special items like ‘Chicken kaltha’ and ‘Chilli Horlicks’ found a place in the menu.
Chicken kaltha, Chilli Horlicks
There are many takers for Chicken kaltha at Mammoottikkante Chayapeedika. Its preparation is as follows: Apply masalas to chicken and cook in first and second extracts of coconut milk. The secret of its taste is that the preparation takes place in an earthen pan and that a gravy-like consistency is achieved. One plate of chicken kaltha, priced at Rs 110, is sufficient for two people.
Another surprise awaits customers at Mammoottikkante Chayapeedika: ‘Chilli Horlicks’. It is made by mixing crushed red chillies and a special mix to a glass of Horlicks.
Apart from such improvised dishes, the teashop also serves onion ‘vada’, chicken ‘bonda’ and bread along with tea in the morning. Traditional Kerala lunch is available at noon and its special attraction is a chutney prepared by Asif Ali’s mother.
Not surprisingly, the success of Mammoottikkante Chayapeedika rests on its menu of tasty items available at a low rate.