And today without any publicity, the joint has people trooping in from the time they open at 8.30 in the morning to 11 at night. Both husband and wife are good cooks and they personally supervise every ingredient that goes into all the dishes. “All the ingredients are bought, dried, roasted and then ground by us. We make sure we don’t add any preservatives and ajinomoto, for the bulk of our customers are families who come with their children, and young people,” explains Francis.
Like in case of any start-up, Leela’s Kitchen too has been through rough times and now after a year, the couple attribute their success to commitment and dedication to serve good, clean and hot food.
The items are made only when an order is placed. All the fish items are made in special way. The ‘Leela’s sear fish curry’ is made in the traditional way, complete with coconut milk. The Karimeen fry, ‘prawn chilly, Killi meen, and other fried fish are first marinated in salt, chilli powder and other ingredients that go into fish fry and then preserved for more than two hours before they are fried. “This ensures that all the masala seeps into the fish. It is then deep fried,” informs Francis.
The ‘chicken curry’ too is made with coconut milk and the ‘chicken roast’ leaves behind a tangy taste which lingers on for long time. “I experiment a lot with cooking and I simply throw in different ingredients and the result is tasty and the repeat orders are proof that people have liked it,” Leela pitches in. The egg too has its variations like ‘egg roast’, ‘egg burgi’ and ‘egg masala’ to mention a few.
The vegetarians need not be disappointed for the meals that are served in the afternoon are complete with every conceivable vegetable, two varieties of curries, pappad, kootu curry and something to munch on like chips or upperi. Then there’s channa masala that goes well with appams or rice noodles.
The steady stream of people – men, women and youngsters walking away with a parcel or two in hand is proof that ‘Leela's Kitchen’ has got it all perfectly right. Joseph Epen, a teacher is married to a foreigner. He says that his wife loves the food at Leela’s Kitchen. “If you are missing home food, this is the place to be. The price is extremely reasonable and the variations they offer in vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes are amazing,” says Joseph.
Ashok, a regular says he comes in for breakfast, lunch and sometimes dinner as well. “It’s easy on the pocket and quantity is more than enough for two people and the atmosphere is warm and friendly,” he sums up.
Leela’s Kitchen is located at No. 8, Chairman’s Layout, 9th Main, HRBR Layout. For details, call 9916803920.
