Gone are the days when after a heavy feast, having a cup of payasam or ice cream or gulab jamun was the ritual among people having a sweet tooth. But with changing trends foodies are open to experiment with new tastes and treats. And tickling dessert lovers’ tastebuds in and around the city with soft spongy delights is Babu Panachiyl with his specialised puddings. From the past three years, through his small catering and production unit Little Star at K P Vallon Road, Kochi, he has been serving delicious Tender coconut souffle, Chocolate ganache with vanilla ice and Fresh mango souffle to thousands of people. Ask Babu why he went for puddings, he says, “Many people around us make desserts like cakes, breads, chocolates and cookies but I haven’t seen much people catering puddings for weddings and parties. So I decided why not start a production unit specially for puddings. Even people are open to try out puddings for desserts instead of ice creams and payasam.”
The much sought-after pudding from Babu’s culinary spread are Tender coconut souffle and Chocolate ganache. “Chocolate ganache best goes with vanilla ice cream. Other preferred puddings are Baked fruit custard, Coffee charlotte and Baked blueberry cheese cake,” recommends Babu whose puddings are famous even in Kottayam and Pala. Ask him how these frozen delights are catered to far off places, he says, “We make the puddings in our production unit and transport it in mobile freezers to the destination. Last year for a party in Kottayam we served Tender coconut souffle,” says Babu whose puddings are much famous in wedding parties and receptions, birthdays, family get together etc. From the vast pudding menu, one can go for delectable ones like Chocolate delice, Umali pudding, Apple strudel, German mousse, Apricot cheese cake, Fresh fruit rulade to name a few.
Interestingly Babu began his baking and confectionary journey from Chennai and joined The Oberoi hotel in Hyderabad. “It was in 1993 when I joined Oberoi group. Then I worked in various passenger ships in the US and UK,” he says. Before starting Little Star, he was working as the Pastry Chef in Taj Residency in Kochi. “For 13 years I was in Taj,” he adds who fills the hearts of thousands of guests at a single party. “Orders mainly come during wedding season, mainly March to June. August to December is the peak time. Also the orders for the guests differ from 50 to 2,000 guests,” explains Babu.
If one thinks that Babu who hails from Ponnani, only makes puddings then be surprised to know that his oven is always hot with delicious wedding and birthday cakes, tarts, chocolates, donuts, croissants, cookies, puffs and pastries and breads. “Either one can place order directly in the shop-cum-production unit or else there home delivery is also available,” says Babu. To place orders one can call at 8089108145 or 9847404918.