Latest news with #Avakaya


New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Telangana Kathalu: Where Every Dish Has a Story to Tell
A bright sunny afternoon saw people gather to celebrate the rich culinary heritage of the Telugu states. Onamaalu, which began its journey in 2024, has now returned with Telangana Kathalu, a celebration of food and the stories that come with it. Food experts, chefs, and bloggers came together, eager to experience and learn more about the flavours and traditions of Telangana. As we explored the venue, we were amazed by the live setup showcasing Telugu Ruchulu (Telugu flavours) in all their glory. From the spicy mutton curry paired with sarvapindi and chutney, to the warm, delicious bakshalu lovingly prepared and served by rural women, every dish carried authenticity and heart. The women, seated patiently, served the piping hot food with grace, embodying the spirit of home-cooked warmth. Unable to resist, we indulged in the bakshalu to satisfy our sweet they truly melted in the mouth. You could taste the love in every bite. While enjoying the food and engaging conversations, we met actress and educationist Geetha Bhaskar, fondly remembered for her annual summer Avakaya (pickle) party. She moved through the crowd with warmth, greeting everyone with a smile and sharing nostalgic stories about Telugu cuisine. She even offered her homemade pickles — a crowd favourite that had people gathering joyfully around her.


Hans India
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Novotel celebrates Avakaya mixing ceremony
Vijayawada: In Southern India, the arrival of the mango showers marks not just a seasonal shift but the beginning of a cherished household ritual, the preparation of Avakaya. To welcome the season of this treasured delicacy, Novotel Vijayawada Varun hosted a special Avakaya Mixing Ceremony on Sunday, bringing together some of the city's finest food connoisseurs and food enthusiasts. Hotel Manager Manish Pathak said in a statement here on Monday, 'This event beautifully bridges local culture with contemporary hospitality, embodying the core ethos of Novotel Vijayawada Varun. The Avakaya Mixing Ceremony offers our guests an authentic taste of tradition.' The Avakaya Mixing Ceremony showcased the meticulous blending of fresh mangoes with a vibrant mix of traditional spices as an ode to age-old recipes lovingly passed down through generations. As a tribute to Andhra's rich culinary heritage, guests were welcomed with handcrafted delights such as Mamidi Tandra, Tati Tandra, and Kobbari Mamidikaya Mukkalu followed by a thoughtfully curated menu of pass-around dishes.


Business Standard
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
The Golden Bounty of Mango Magic: A Summer Symphony at Thirupathi Bhimas
PNN New Delhi [India], May 3: The culinary landscape of Bengaluru is a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of diverse regional flavors. Amidst this rich culinary heritage, Bhimas emerges as a beacon, not just serving meals but curating experiences that resonate with tradition, culture, and the comforting embrace of home. At the helm of this nostalgic revival stands Sree Vachan, a custodian of his roots, whose vision extends beyond mere gastronomy to the rekindling of cherished memories. For the Telugu diaspora in Bengaluru, Bhimas strives to be more than a restaurant; it aims to be a sanctuary of familiar tastes, a bridge connecting them to their cultural heritage. Simultaneously, it seeks to broaden the horizons of every Bangalorean palate, dispelling the misconception of Andhra cuisine as solely fiery and revealing the nuanced richness and delightful diversity of its vegetarian offerings. Inspired by the cherished memories of Hallimane's Mango Meal, Bhimas is poised to unveil its "Sun-Sational Thali," a culinary ode to the king of fruits and the vibrant bounty of summer. This thoughtfully curated thali transcends the singular focus on mango, embracing the seasonal splendor of jackfruit and pineapple, weaving a tapestry of flavors that ranges from invigoratingly tangy to lusciously sweet, all within the comforting framework of Telugu culinary traditions. The journey through this summer thali begins with the piquant punch of Avakaya, Andhra's iconic mango pickle. This is more than just a condiment; it is an awakening for the palate, a burst of tangy, spicy, and subtly sweet notes that sets the stage for the culinary exploration to come. Following this vibrant start, the thali unfolds to showcase the remarkable versatility of the mango itself. From the distinct sweetness of Nuzivedu mangoes, affectionately known as Rasalu, to other carefully selected varieties, each preparation highlights a unique facet of this beloved fruit. The ability to transform the same ingredient, through varying stages of ripeness, into such diverse and flavorful dishes is a testament to the ingenuity and deep-rooted mango lore within Andhra culinary traditions. The love affair with tangy mangoes in both Bengaluru and Andhra extends far beyond the ubiquitous Avakaya. It manifests in the simple yet satisfying Roti Pachadi, a rustic relish that perfectly complements warm flatbreads. The comforting embrace of Mango Pappu, a lentil stew infused with the tartness of unripe mango, offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. For those who crave a sweet and tangy symphony, the Mango Pulusu provides a delightful counterpoint, its tamarind-tinged broth enlivened by the fruity notes of semi-ripe mangoes. As the mangoes ripen, their inherent sweetness unfolds, revealing a smooth, luscious flesh that forms the perfect foundation for a delectable array of desserts and treats. Mamidi Tandri, thin sheets of sun-dried mango pulp, offer a chewy and intensely sweet indulgence, a concentrated burst of summer sunshine. In contrast, the Mango Halwa and Payasams represent the pinnacle of rich, luxurious desserts, their creamy textures enhanced by the richness of ghee, the crunch of nuts, and the aromatic warmth of cardamom. These sweet creations are a testament to the celebratory role mangoes play in Andhra culture, transforming the humble fruit into an exquisite finale. Through this Sun-Sational Thali which is the mango meal of Bhimas is not merely presenting a meal; it is offering a narrative, a culinary journey that celebrates the intrinsic connection between food, season, and cultural identity. Sree Vachan's dedication to authenticity and his deep understanding of Andhra culinary nuances ensure that each dish is a faithful representation of time-honored recipes and techniques. By showcasing the diverse vegetarian repertoire of Andhra Pradesh, particularly through the lens of the mango and other summer fruits, Bhimas aims to educate and delight the palates of Bengaluru, fostering a deeper appreciation for the region's rich gastronomic heritage. This summer, Bhimas invites everyone to partake in the golden bounty of mango magic, to savor the flavors of tradition, and to create new memories steeped in the sun-drenched essence of Andhra cuisine. So when it comes to Mango meal in Bangalore/Bengaluru , Tirupathi Bhimas is a place for you to experience it.