As I walked down the street where the goliath sized forum fiza mall stands, drenched and cursing the much required rains, my ever so annoyed mood takes a 360. An aroma that made me forget all the diets I promise myself to keep and those extra pounds about which I weep. I walked into that little haven where lay the yummy miracle that I call food.
Mangalore has always boasted of its scenic beauty and the yummy fish but somehow street food never really made its way to my top 10 ‘have to have’ list in Mangalore. Well, as they say great things begin with one small step and Mangalore has certainly taken that step. Forum Fiza mall located in Pandeshwar, Mangalore organized its first food street in Mangaluru as a way to feast after a fast.
While Sheekh Kebabs, haleem, samosas and a vast variety of biryani were some of the most sought after food items there, I couldn’t help but appreciate the fact that there was something for everyone. From pizzas to juices, a one stop shop for all your food cravings, so to say.
Speaking to a co- food enthusiast (the classy way of saying eternally hungry) and a good friend Arjun Dsouza, who was visiting the food fest a second time in two days, I learnt that he and friends went there to check out the place they had heard about but ended up enjoying the variety of food available there. “In this rainy season, it becomes difficult to go around finding places to suit everyone’s taste. In that sense, the food street is quite feasible with affordable prices and good quantity. I came here a second time for the hot samosas. They are worth the ride in the rain”, he laughed.
The food street was officially opened on June 18 and has been attracting quite a large number of people from different parts of the city. “We have a good turnout here every day. We feel happy when we see people enjoy the food. It’s not about the profits we make here, it’s all about the seeing people happy and appreciating our food”, said Ashraf, the owner of a biryani outlet by the name “Biriyani Tree” that had more than ten varieties of absolutely delicious biriyani on their menu.
While the food street started out commemorating the holy month of Ramzan, it was a delight to see more people of various faiths coming there to enjoy the Iftar food. Food really does eliminate all kinds of divide you see.
My personal favourites at the Forum food street, apart from the biriyani which tops the list, were the chicken samosas, the sheekh kebabs and the ‘phirni’ (a type of rice pudding with saffron and nuts). While the rich and spicy flavours of the samosas and the kebabs exploded in my mouth, the rich and creamy phirni brought my tastebuds to a pleasant standstill.
To all you food lovers in and around Mangalore, give this one a try and enjoy your cold rainy day with the hot yummy food at the Forum food street.
While it opens at 4 pm everyday and goes on till late in the evening, the food extravaganza will be around only till the 18th of July. Go on and enjoy the feast. I’ll be sure to go there again because in my case, my heart dwells wherever the food is. Bon appétit folks!
About the Author:
With a background in English Literature and a Masters Degree in Mass Communication and Journalism, Disha is currently working as an associate editor at News Karnataka. She has written several features for various publications and also has to her credit the publication of a national level paper on “Media Ethics and Social Responsibility”. A voracious reader, she enjoys writing songs and poetry as well.
