So, after much hype and a zillion friends, well, i exaagerate, it was just a handful of friends and a brother in law raving about the place, i finallly managed to visit the infamous
Karpagambal Mess in Mylapore one sunday morning.
My uncles were visiting from Delhi and USA, and on a Sunday we decided to rise early, head for some fun in the beach and then maybe do breakfast somewhere before returning home. We were all promptly up at 5.30am, including a tiny tot, and managed to get our cousin out of the bed as well.. :-) We had such a blast at the Marina Beach, and all that walking and running had built quite the appetite.
After a brief debate on where to head for breakfast, one of my uncles suggested Karpagambal Mess in Mylapore. It is adj to the Kapaleeshwarar temple, and is a fairly small place that you just might miss, if you dint know of its existence.
The minute you walk in, the heady aromas of sambar, chutney along with halwas and the agarbathi hits you like a storm. The man behind the counter looked like he was trapped behind the little box. Surrounding him were a zillion kinds of Halwa, sweets and savories... There was a shelf near the entrance that was brimming with podis and vadams.. The place is fairly small, and apparently after the renovation, they have included an air conditioned hall, well, its more of a cubicle, you either walk in or walk out, there is no space to amble, leave alone stand...
We parked ourselves across 2 tables, and placed the orders. I had the pongal and Keerai vadai.. Both came steaming hot, landing plonk on the banana leaf.
There was another vessel parked on our table- it had 3 containers in it, different kinds of chutneys and then we found a bucket with sambar.. There was also a stainless steel jug filled with water on each table.
The food was good, hot and yummy... There are no frills or fancies here, what you see is what you get! The walls inside the AC room and outside are covered with framed images of Gods and Goddesses, literally spanning the entire length of the place...
By the time we were done with our 1st orders, the waiter was back asking if we wanted anything else. Some ordered Poori- potato, while others [including me] ordered coffee.. The poori looked a little crisp and flat, and the potato was alright...
The coffee was good, just right amount of sugar and strength..
We packed some for those at home and returned home happy and content... When visiting Karpagambal Mess,
dont expect a lengthy menu, smart waiters or spacious interiors.. You will none of these here...
Walk in... Enjoy what you ordered.. pay your bill and get out!! Everything about the place screams Madras...
The banana leaf, the hot filter kaapi, authentic interiors and the aroma wafting in the air...
Service: 7/10
Ambiance- 7/10 [cant expect anything more from here]
Food quality- 9/10
Price- 9/10 [And a meal for 2 will likely cost between Rs40 - 70!!]
Shri Karpagambal Mess
E Mada St, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004
044 24642902
Psst- unfortunately dint have my camera, only the Blackberry.... Took the coffee shot on uncle's HTC Sensation.. :-)
