Chef Manu Nair
Bonsouth
What is Chettinad cuisine all about?
Chettinad cuisine is a cuisine from the Chettiar community of Karaikkudi Tamil Nadu. They were traditionally spice merchants who travelled all around the world trading for spices. What makes this cuisine so unique compared to others is that it make use of very special spices which unlike are never used in Tamil Cuisine. The Chettiars used their wisdom of unique spices from their trade and included it in cooking.
Chettinad cuisine is known for their flavour and spice content in the food. A simplest of dish, Chicken chettinad itself has more than 25 species in its recipe.
What are some specials from the menu?
Karaikudi Khushka, Urulai Roast, Muttai mamsam Mamsam Kola Urandai, Chettinad Kodi Roast, Vazhakkai Thandu Varuval, Masala Vada.
What makes BonSouth stand out as a restaurant in Bangalore?
Bonsouth specialises in ethnic cuisines of South Indian states like Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra all served under one roof. We also specialise in Sri Lankan food. We have carefully planned menus which takes a guest through a culinary journey of south India . The menu serving is unlimited, thus allows a guest to choose and eat whatever he or she likes. We have 10 cyclic menus which change every two days and apart from that Bonsouth also organises food festival for various communities.
What is your comfort food?
For a chef there is no comfort food. when it comes to food and cooking, it's my passion. Each and every type of cuisine excites me. The more difficult the cooking process the more interesting it becomes. But being a south Indian, I do have a more soft corner towards the food of the region.
How did you get started in this career?
As said before, I have had a passion for cooking since a very young age, so when time came to choose my career, it was very clear that I wanted to become a chef. My folks at home motivated me a lot which helped me in the starting phase of my career. I also had a chance to work with a many of my role model chefs and teachers who helped me shape my career and helped me reach where I am today.
Bonsouth hosts the Chettinad Festival
March 18th to 27th, 2016
Bonsouth, #131,1st Cross, Koramangla 5th Block, Jyoti Nivas College Road, Bengaluru