Melukote lures us for an additional reason beyond enchanting landscape and divine sanctums. It is none other than traditional food available here. As you know, Melukote is popular hub for savoring authentic puliyogare from delicacy point of view. I had opportunity to savour this local delicacy during our recent visit. Being auspicious day of Shravana Shanivara, we faced mighty queue of devotees at Yoganarasimha temple post daunting barefoot hill climb. It took nearly 45 mins to complete the Darshan of Yoganarasimha which was most soul satisfying. On normal days, yoganarasimha temple would close by 1:30PM and subsequent reopen happens only by 5PM. Gladfully, on Shravana Saturday, the temple is open throughout the day. We decelerated the ascension after ascertaining the extended temple timings.
On the way back from temple, the stomach was rumbling at 2:30PM which was beyond our lunch schedule. We stopped at this lone small restaurant situated atop. They were selling Puliyogare (tamarind rice), mosaranna (curd rice) and sakkare pongal (sweet pongal). The shop also sell Churmuri and other variety of local snacks (like Bella mithai) for sale. We bought Puliyogare and Mosaranna initially.
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| Ready to devour? |
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| The Shop |
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| Mobile payments accepted! |
The texture of Puliyogare was enough to feel its taste. That was lip-smacking puliyogare we had. For children, it may taste bit spicy but for adults, its delicious. You can feel the real aroma of tamarind, kobbari (copra) and shenga (groundnut). They serve mosaranna with sweet pongal as compliment. Its kind of business strategy shop-owners have. The Sweet pongal was marvelous in taste garnished with dry-fruits, blend with sugar, ghee and coconuts. This combinatorial is pure heaven. The taste addicts you to buy a couple more plates which attracts more business to vendors.
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| Puliyogare |
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| Churumuri |
We were nibbling the tasty Pongal to delay its extinction :-D
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| Sakkare Pongal |
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| Bella Mithai. We did not buy but texture is drooling |
You can enjoy these delicacies sitting on the rock and enjoying the wonderful overlook of landscapes with dotted ponds. Thanks to recent rains, its green everywhere. The lakes are brimming and nature is charming. Other good part is, shop members guard monkeys so that you can eat peacefully :-)
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| The monkey guard! Also taste the Churumuri, for sure you will buy it! |
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| Enjoy your meal with this charming overlook |
Costs as on 20th August 2022 (Paytm and UPI is accepted)
- Cost of 1 plate Puliyogare - Rs.50/-
- Cost of 1 plate Curd rice - Rs.50/-
- Cost of 1 plate Sweet Pongal - Rs.30/-
- They also have combo comprising all three. Not sure about the cost though.
- Cost of 1 plate Churumuri - Rs 30/-
There are numerous shops with similar menu. If you are early for lunch, I suggest you to try the ones nearby Cheluvaranaraswamy temple which should be equally good. Having hefty lunch atop and climbing down would be arduous task for many :-)
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