The vegetarians have a heaven: Hotel Mani Mess Thiruvananthapuram

The simply named Mani Mess has been going strong for 30 years. The Brahmin eatery is as much about the food as it is about the memories—smells, sounds, sights—from a purer past. Fluffy idlis, crisp pooris, savoury pongal, crunchy parippu vada, flavoursome rasavada, all to be washed down with some strong coffee.

Situated on Third Puthen Street near the Sree Varaham Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Mani Mess operates full throttle from the moment it opens its doors to business with people streaming in for its reputed, inexpensive food. Mani Mess got its name from its owner Mani who has got his finger in every pie, in a manner of speaking. As dawn breaks out, Mani gets down to chalking out the menu with his sister Thankam and four other employees. A bustling delivery service also runs alongside.

Mani’s mother Krishnammal started the mess 30 years back and it has been going strong in the capital city since then.