New Indian Express
Just about four months old and already Murugan Idli Shop is the talk of T Nagar. Walk in any time and you are likely to wait at least for five minutes before you can seat yourself.
But those fluffy idlies, crisply fried onion uthappams, ghee-dripping sweet pongal and lip-smacking coffee are worth every minute you wait.
The story of how Murugan Idli Shop came about is the kind that will inspire many aspiring entrepreneurs. Thirty five years ago, Nayagam from Eluvangkottal, a small village near Devakkotai, started a pavement idli shop in West Masi Street in Madurai, to help her husband out. Her initial investment was one padi rice (approximately two kgs). “Within an hour, she sold out all the idlies,” says S Manoharan, who now looks after the business. There was no looking back for the family after that, Murugan Idli Shop became famous and soon the business expanded three Idli Shops in Madurai and now one in Chennai. Though new dishes were added to the menu over the years, it’s the special mother’s recipe for idlies and four different kinds of chutneys-malli, pudina, coconut and tomato that made Murugan a popular name among foodies. Now before you ask how different idlies can be, we suggest you taste the Idlies-and the chutneys-first. “The malli chutney is typical Eluvangkottai chutney,” says Manoharan. Distinct in taste and texture, Murugan Idli Shop’s idlies and chutneys justify the premium pricing Rs 4.50 for each idli.
Manoharan says he stayed in Chennai for two months before the launch of the restaurant doing a market survey. “Initially, everyone tried telling me that Chennai is a cosmopolitan city and that idlies are too traditional for their taste. But after living here for a week, I was starved for good idlies, which reinforced my initial instincts to open the restaurant here.”
Manoharan has loads of plans for the Murugan Idli Shop chain. In two months, he will be introducing jigarthanda-a Madurai special concoction consisting of ice-cream, milk, badam jelly and nannari. Pretty soon, Manoharan also has plans to open shop in Delhi and Singapore.
We recommend: When you visit the restaurant, don’t just stop with idlies. Do check out the delicious sweet pongal (Rs 13). Murugan Idli Shop is situated at 77, IA GN Chetty Road, T Nagar. For details, 28155462/52025076
