A three-layered dosa that rivals a deep-dish pizza is what you need this monsoon season

From Nattu Kozhi roast to a three-layered dosa, this festival promises authentic dishes from the streets of Madurai

Staff dressed in traditional white veshtis effortlessly glide between tables almost in sync with the rhythmic chopping from the live counter creating one of Tamil Nadu’s most-loved roadside dishes, Kothu Parotta. Replicating the bylanes of Madurai post-sunset is the running theme at the Madurai Street Food Festival at Zone-By The Park, we learn. Launched last week, the food festival available to diners only on the weekend has been seeing patrons thronging Zone’s all-day restaurant Bazaar, for a taste of their favourite Madurai specials. 

The idea for the festival has been in the works for some time, but it was the arrival of a new sous chef from Madurai that led Executive Chef Sajeesh Balan to curate an extensive spread that was a representation of the culinary culture of the temple city. “With a wide variety of meat delicacies, Madurai’s love for non-vegetarian fare is well known,” begins the chef as we are served with a steamy bowl of Aatu Kaal Paya. A soup that is easily available anywhere in Tamil Nadu, this mildly spiced soup that is served at Zone follows the traditional recipe that calls for a smoked leg of lamb, adding an earthy flavour to the rich broth. Rivalling a deep dish pizza, next up is the Kari Dosa. Ditching the cutlery we dig into the tiered Madurai staple. This three-layered dosa that comprises an egg, kheema and a thick layer of batter comes loaded with onions, curry leaves and traditional spices and is crisp and scrumptious. 

With Madurai’s market dependent on herding, offal dishes are a staple part of the city’s street food offering. Though reluctantly, we try the Kara Kudal Varuval that reminds us of a chewier version of calamari. While the uninitiated might not reach for seconds given the texture, the dish champions the flavour of the spices and meat and would make for the perfect accompaniment with some steamy white rice.

Part of the buffet spread that is available at Bazaar, diners can also take part in a range of Indian mains,  in addition to the thin crust pizzas. Also, make sure you visit their well-stocked dessert counter that has everything from a litchi pannacotta to halwa on offer. 

Rs 750+. On until June 30. From 7 pm to 11 pm.

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