Adikalathu Original Nei Mittai Kadai

"Madurai" may remind one of various eateries like Amma mess or Kumar mess serving non-veg food delicacies. However, many may not know this town also got some of the region's best sweet and savoury shops selling from halwa to mixture varieties. Many who visit this town don't forget to buy the famous prema vilas halwa near railway station. But there are equally good sweet stalls famous among locals for the wider varieties of short-eats.

During a recent visit, happened to stop by "Adikalathu Original Nei Mitai Kadai" at East Avani Moola Veedi(means "street") near Meenakshi Amman temple. There are two shops with the same name. My inlaw guided me to the original shop which comes first on the right whilst walking from the nandi statue. It has a bright red name board on the front. I was told that they sell solid wheat halwa which can stay intact for upto 45 days. Immediately after asking for the price details, I was handed over with samples of halwa, kara sev and mixture on mandarai leaf topped on a paper. Initial bites tickled my taste buds increasing my curiosity. Halwa was pretty yummy, mixture was good as usual, but the kara sev was super spicy that I had to look for water immediately.

Packed some halwa (400₹/kilo), kara sev (300₹/kilo), dry jamun(5₹ per piece) for friends back home. I was forced to have another sample of sweet boondhi and some spicy sev. Except the sweet boondhi (may be little old), every single dish was yummy and delicious. Had to refuce the samples as I was about to go home for lunch. But again forced to taste a small, but soft and crunchy murukku. Staff were so friendly and never bothered to give samples whoever shows up to buy. They even kept a brass vessel full of water on side so that people can drink after consuming the samples.

Before I thought of finalizing the bill, saw some triangular packs of potato masala(8₹/pack) packed in mantharai leaf. People use to use this to eat along with fermented rice ("palaya sadam"). Available only during lunch time, decided not to skip the experience. Bought a couple of packs for lunch at home and started walking home. Do I need to say it got empty by the time I reach home. Taste was just awesome to describe...it was a spicy blast inside the mouth with cumins and onions dancing on the sides.

This stall is located just next to one of the oldest food clubs in the town "Jayavilas Sappattu Club" that serves one of the best non-veg food in the town. Only problem is parking as it's a crowded street.