Bucket Pongal at an eatery in Chennai | Photo credit: Johan Satyadas
Why should non-vegetarians have all the fun?
In Chennai, where biryani is an obsession, restaurants are popular for delivering it in buckets, a simple, economical and effective way to package around eight servings. Now, Bucket Pongal is here, courtesy Adyar-based eatery Madras Pongal, taking the concept to vegetarian households.
“In recent times, we have seen many people consuming Balti Biryani, especially on holidays and weekends. Our idea was to execute a similar concept with Pongal,” says AR Girivasan, who runs Madras Pongal with partner K Jayaprakash.
AR Girivasan and Jayaprakash of Madras Pongal
sweet or salty?
Priced at ₹399, this ‘Balti Pongal’ weighing one kilogram will satisfy the hunger of six people. At this price, there are two options for customers: either Ghee Pongal, which is accompanied by sambar and chutney, or Sakra Pongal , with which they provide something dhonnais (of a leaf bowl, usually given in temples) To be used instead of plates.
Since this unique announcement a few days ago, Madras Pongal has received over 50 inquiries from foodies in Chennai, something they hope will increase as the city gets closer to celebrating the harvest festival. “We are getting orders not only from families but also from workplaces where employees want to celebrate the festival with their colleagues,” says Girivasan.
Madras Pongal was launched in Adyar on February 25 last year. While Pongal is their staple dish, they also have other popular South Indian and even Chinese dishes on their menu. “Since our inception, we have had people flocking to our Pongal at all times of the day – we serve this dish morning, afternoon and night. Sometimes even at 10 in the night there are people requesting for a plate of hot Pongal.”
Vadivelu’s Uttapam
One of his most talked-about dishes is Annanukku Oru Uthappam, named after a popular Tamil film comedy sequence featuring Vadivelu. In this sequence, Vadivelu instructs a waiter to bring him a uttapam – and Madras Pongal has used this technique to make this dish, which costs ₹100. “It’s very popular, especially among fans of Tamil cinema,” he says, “they get excited when they see it on a menu.”
Madras Pongal is located at 32, 3rd Cross, Main Street, Kasturibai Nagar, Adyar. Call 9655706000 for details