Bayi Chapala – The Shetty Contribution

While Kannadigas are known for their bayi chapala in general, each community has added its own quirks and contributions to the “taste bandwagon”. One community that has done more than its bit in this area is the Vysya (Shetty) community.

In fact there are entire lines of variants that have evolved from them. Not that I am complaining. I love all of them !! The nippatu with chutney (sweet and khara), uddina vade with masale, huli majjige muruku, benne muruku, fried avarekalu all of them owe their existance to this community. VV Puram, Avenue Road and Basavangudi are dotted with houses churning out these delicacies.In fact eateries around these areas owe their popularity and existance to them.

Visit one of the many stores on B.V.K Iyengar road to buy something and chances are that it will be owned by the Vysya community. Soon enough they will offer you majjige (buttermilk) or lemon juice. Drink it and you will find additives there that you would never imagine… and the taste mind boggling !! I had never had lemon juice with mint and buttermilk with ground ginger and onions. Visit someones house and the range of short eats that come out need to be seen to be beleived. I always have a hard choice between trying to act dignified or just dig into the stuff and eat as much as I can. Normally the latter happens

One of the “strangest” dishes I have eaten is dose with kharabhath filled inside. I was told that this was a delicacy. My initial doubts about the taste quickly disappeared. It indeed is a unique combination. Other “Shetty” combinations include Congress Kadalekayi Sandwich (bun), Gulkand Fruit Salad, Masale Soda. There are probably hundreds of eats that I dont even know about.

And trust the Shettys to know of places in nooks and cranies that you’d never have imagined. So how many of us knew that Bangarpet was famous for Pani Puri, or that you get the pest Soan Papdi in Kolar. My best friend (from the afforsaid community) did. Everytime I think he has found his “last” find, he comes up with more.

As I said before I am not complaining. Need to eat the Pani Puri in Bangarpete some day