Besides all the touristy things you can do in Kodaikanal, we give you a brand new reason to love the hill station. George's Gourmet Kitchen. Run by George Penner, an India-born Russian and his wife, Vera De Jong, an artist, this brand offers an exotic range of sauces and spreads made using locally-sourced ingredients out of the duo's lovely house in Kodai.
What's on offer? Four types of mustard – dijon style, extra hot, full-grain, and honey and balsamic mustard (our pick). They also make three types of pasta sauces – marinara, arrabbiata, and a pizza/pasta sauce. For those of you who love snacking, a smoky barbecue sauce, organic ketchup, and a chilli garlic dip are on offer too.
If that is not enough, the couple also makes bitter orange marmalade and various seasonal jams and jellies. We loved their plum butter and jams that are made from local homegrown Kodaikanal plums and flavoured with ginger and anise. They try and make all their products organic or with natural ingredients sourced directly from farmers. The business was never part of the plan, but things started rolling when George built a wood-fired oven at their house in Kodai and started making pizzas for school kids. Then bagels, then pasta and it never stopped. Speaking of bagels, George's Gourmet Kitchen also makes baguettes, sourdough bread, biscotti, chocolate chip cookies, and oatmeal cookies. Prices start from about INR 150.
Now if you cannot fix a trip to Kodaikanal, they sell thier products through partner outlets across India. Check out their website to know more.
Disclaimer: The online availability is based on stocks while they last and the availability of ingredients.