Ifthar Restaurants: Let the Feast Begin!

Ifthar Restaurant Review

Muslims have incredible culinary skills and make some rather well known dishes characteristic of South India and Kerala. Their dishes constitute an important part of the traditional Kerala cuisine and have great variety too. Although the best 'Moplah' dishes may be served in their own houses, there are a few restaurants that do serve their cuisine. Ifthar is one such chain. On to the review now!

There are numerous branches of Ifthar all over Kochi. The one we visited was at Thoppumpady, after a trip to the Kochi Muziris Biennalle. It was a regular looking place with  moderate seating arrangements. Located at a busy junction, it had a good crowd. The ambiance is pretty average at best, being well lit but otherwise just ordinary.

The glass counter showcased all the items, which truly lived upto its name. There was a variety of traditional Muslim delicacies, making it difficult to limit our choice! After some deliberation, we settled for the following items: layered meat 'pathiri', kabsa, killikoodu, fried pathiri etc.

Chatti Pathiri [Steamed Savoury Rice and Chicken Cake]

The chatti pathiri is like a type of savoury cake which consists of rice pancakes layered with spiced meat filling which are then steamed together. This is then cut into wedges to be served, much like a pastry. The preparation is somewhat similar to lasagna except that it uses different ingredients and does not have cheese, nor is it baked. 'Chatti' actually means pot.

It is steamed and thus, has a soft texture throughout. The meat is not particularly noticeable as it is finely shredded but the flavour is there.

Killikoodu [Scotch Egg]

The Killikoodu, which means 'bird's nest' comes with a spiced chicken mince outer covering that encompasses a quail egg. This whole thing is dipped in beaten egg and rolled in vermicelli.

This is then fried till the vermicelli is crisp and brown, making it look like a weaver bird's nest. It is slightly spicy and is a textural treat with the crunchy vermicelli and soft egg and meat providing wonderful levels of contrast.

Fried Pathiri [Fried Flatbread]

The fried pathiri came garnished with a slice of carrot stuck onto it using a toothpick.

Fried pathiri is made with rice dough rolled out rather thick and fried. This one was well made; with a crisp light brown layer on the outside and was soft on the inside.

Kabsa [Rice Dish with Chicken]

The kabsa however, was rather disappointing as some of us tried it for the first time and had a lot of expectations. It tasted like an overcooked pulao at best, with chicken pieces. My dad had tried it from a few other places and could confirm that the one served to us was really not up to the mark.

There were plenty of other snacks like puffs, beef, chicken or mutton fried items, rolls etc. A juice counter was also there with plenty of fresh juices on offer. They also had biryani, porotta, curries and other dishes. Prices were reasonable, targeting the normal population. Great place for experiencing local Muslim cuisine with good quality snacks and great variety.

Type of Cuisine: South Indian Muslim/Moplah Dishes
Location(s)

Opposite Chennatt Electricals, Thoppumbady.

Near Airtel Store, Edappally Toll, Edappally.

Parking: Few cars in front, should be sufficient.

Ambience: Average, adequate spacing between tables, well lit. Reasonably clean

Service: Good.

What we liked/Recommended for:

• Well made Muslim delicacies. 
• Good selection of items. 
• Edappally branch open late into the night. 
• Decent pricing.

Potential Shortcomings: 
Kabsa was disappointing that day. Unsure about cleanliness: Will update after next visit. 

Taxes: Included in price, no fat tax applicable.
Phone Number: +91 85898 71451 [Edappally Branch]
Timings: Edappally: 08:00 - 02:00 [Not a typo, 2:00AM the next day!], Thoppumbady: 08:00 - 23:00

On Zomato:
       

Have you had a feast at Ifthar? How was your experience? Tell us in the comments below!