Thread by @bala_madhavan

It's been a year being back in Trivandrum, Kerala after almost a decade. Although, there has been quite a few changes in the #food scene, not much has changed too from my college days. For all those who will pass by or new, here goes a list! Don't go by my bad photos or none.

Is it toddy first or food first? Never thought there could be that dilemma: Punchakkari Toddy Shop. Add on a quiet time by Vellayani lake. What more do you want?

For just the ambience: Bait Kovalam (@TajHotels), sandwiched between waters.

Yet again on ambience, Old Coffee House (not part of Indian Coffee House family), Shanghumugham Beach. But, I am not sure with the beach no more a beach, whether it's still open.

For Sadya: Anantham Takeaway. Mr. Gopalakrishnan has been serving Trivandrum for a long time (min. order: 5). But, you can always get their Unniyappam from their take away counter at Nanthancode. On your way to Cliff House? Pick those up :) Thank me later on this recommendation!

For Dosas: Do you like Ada Dosa? This is your place! Gourishankar near Padmanabha Swamy Temple is legendary. There is something about Deities and Dosas. Old friends, I suppose. Do check out the choice of pictures. Bonus points there.

I know, where is fish! I would say Trivandrum is not on the top of my places for fish. Yet, there is Kadolaram, opposte the famous Vettuakadu church. So, you get the drift right? For every Vishnu and Dosa, there is Jesus and Tuna.

Ustad at Vizhinjam is very popular. Not been!

Oh fish and how could I forget, Mubarak at Chalai market. The opposite in terms of ambience to Kadaloram (by the beach)! But, Mubarak could be your lunch place, if you really want choice with taste.

For your regular lunch: Why do we come to Trivandrum? To wait in front of power corridors right? Topic for another day. But, Thakkaram Idavazhi can atleast help you take your mind off with good Kerala lunch buffet. You might even bump into the person who is sitting on your file!

Chilli Chicken: Nikunjam and Open House. Thankfully, no boards "Since...". Oh, I do see my grandkids, wherever they ought not to be after a party, getting them delivered by a drone.

Sweets: Only Boli matters really right for Trivandrum? Maha Boli is the place for you. Best would be to have it from their first shop near Padmanabha Swamy Temple with some hot Paal Payasam.

Banana Chips: I don't think anyone has got the valuation on this correct. Till then, it shall remain undervalued at home, overvalued by world. Check the one near Tagore Nagar (Opposite Cotton Hill Girls High School). I am not a BC person :). So, don't go with me on this.

Ice cream: Trivandrum never pretends to be Cochin. It's quite secure and there lies the charm of the city too. You don't have too many options to learn the difference between Capuccino and Americano. Paul's ice-creams are tasty and all th city dates there.And, that's Trivandrum.

Parotta and Beef: GP Hotel Sasthamangalam and Good Morning. I don't see much of a scope for debate here!

Chicken Fry: Rahmaniya's Kethel Chicken is over-rated? But, maybe that's an experience for those new to the city. But, do try out the old Hotel Taj (not yet acquired by IHCL) for Chapathi and Chicken Fry?

Hope this thread is of use to those who will swing by Trivandrum or to those who will make a trip for the food @h_shaji @NSMlive @nandeilath @libytj @suvojitc, I am looking at all of you!

Btw, I also think the person to follow on Trivandrum and food should be @thankgodimfat_ . Not me :)

@ShashiTharoor, what’s been your favourites in #Trivandrum? Or is that too tricky to answer? :)