Life after dusk in Kozhikode

There are many things I wanted to write about this beautiful yet sleepy city. The first thing come into my mind is the make shift eateries functioning under shaded trees near busy inter junctions after sun set. The vendors get ready to start their business which would usually extend well past midnight. One could see long queue of the youths ready to savour the piping hot food served in these way side eat outs. One could also see families in cars and bikes, back from work also stop by and order for parcels, to make sure of a day off from the kitchen chores.
These ‘thattukadas’ in ramshackle sheds offer both veg and non vegetarian menu including chicken, beef, Gopimanchurian and some of the local delicacies like paruppu vada and paratta with vegetable curry. The aroma of freshly-made thattu dosa with the fiery meat curry, well complemented by a cup of frothy, piping hot tea, would vouch for its lingering taste and easy prices. The friendly environment and rustic feel makes these makeshift eateries different from their bigger counterparts.

Most of the target customers are local youths of the surrounding areas who lives in nearby rented houses and flats. Besides, these eatery outlets proves to be a blessing for those stranded in the middle of the night by a missed bus will all find these simple eateries a real banker.
Its true that most of the food items are not prepared in a hygienic manner. The cooked items are often displayed open along the dusty roads or leaking drains. Plates and glasses are washed together in the same water and the chances of contamination lurks high in the air. Unfortunately these eateries often proves to be a heaven for antisocial elements who plan for a big strike after dusk.

Interestingly all these facts do not seem to dampen the spirits of the fans of these simple eateries going by the crowd and the hype of its patrons. They just want to eat from their favourite `thattukadas' which offers tasty food items for low price.