Exploring food always requires an open mind, but anyone can quickly fall victim to common perceptions. Like I always knew Andhra food was fire, but was wary because everyone said the fire I referred to was probably the chilli. Pretty sure, you've had the same thought at some point too. But boy, are you wrong! Real Andhra food is flavour, flavour and flavour with enough spice to keep you salivating for more after each bite. Just like what you would find at Machili-Patnam.
Literally, this translates to 'Fish Town', but we're talking about Ms Lakshmi Sundari's home cooked meals service that showcases food from her birthplace, Machili-Patnam. Andhra's best kept secret when it comes to mouthwatering coastal fare! She began serving weekend lunches during the lockdown and immediately struck a chord with folks who relate to these dishes at personal level, and as word spread, people unaware began to fall in love too.
Ms Lakshmi continues to cook up her grandmother's recipes for weekend lunches. Here's what's on the menu -- on Saturdays (since Andhra communities only eat vegetarian) there is a full-fledged 4-Course Andhra Bhojanam for 2 with classics like Gutti Vankaya (gunpowder marinated baby brinjal), Chilakadumpa Pulusu (sweet potato curry) and Palak Dal, Rasam (the usual favourites). If you really want non-veg, you can pick from a couple of their suggested add-ons, like Andhra Chicken Wings.
Sunday is a feast! Mouthwatering Chepala Iguru (tomato-onion based fish curry), Royyala Pulusu (tamarind based prawn curry), Mutton Gongura, Chamadumpa Pulusu (colocasia/arbi curry) and more features on the menu. We can't write no more, we're sorting our weekend afternoons, bye!
