Bajji Bites
I have consciously avoided writing about bajjis or bondas in any of my columns for the simple reason that Chennai has not just around hundred but over a thousand vendors who sell these quick bites. Also, all of us know that the preparation of these snacks are less time-consuming and require no great lessons in cookery. However, what I dread about bajjis is that most of them leave an unpleasant residue in your throat and can cause a stomach upset easily. I don’t recommend many of the bajji stalls dotting our beaches as the oil is cleverly recycled. Moreover, the quality of food coloring used is poor and we can’t exactly detect old vegetables when they are fried and served piping hot. Heart burn is one of the first symptoms you may experience with any of the three defects that I have pointed out.
If you are a resident of Mylapore, you are sure to know the lady who sells bajjis by the side of the temple chariot. She has been around for more than a decade. Raw banana (vaazhakka), bell pepper (capsicum), onion, potato and chilli bajjis are made in batches and served immediately to the swarm of customers who push and pull to get hold of the aluminum foil plate. I had a taste of the crispy, onion bajjis which were mildly colored and had a faint fragrance of gram and rice flour. The delicious taste is due to the thin batter and minimal use of soda salt and asafoetida. The lady grinds the chilli powder at home and also picks and chooses only fresh vegetables for the bajjis. The potato skin is peeled, onion and the raw banana are thinly sliced, and capsicum is cut in rectangular shapes. The chilli is slit length wise before being dipped in the batter and fried in clear, refined oil and served with thin coconut chutney. Nothing is covered, hidden or stored for more than a day at this place. You will not suffer from any aftereffects and I attribute this to the lady washing her hands often. The only drawback is that since she makes the bajjis very quickly, there is not enough time for the oil to drain so I recommend you use a tissue or newspaper to blot the excess oil. These quick bites should be had hot, since they tend to become soggy if packed. Bajjis sure taste best when someone else makes them for you and serves them along with chai!
Avg cost for two: Rs 40
Bajji Stall
Near the Temple Chariot,
Mylapore