FAQs for Intercon Impex

Below is an excerpt of the conversations with the founder of Intercon Impex, Mr Vinod Jhunjhunwala to give you answers for the most frequently asked questions.

1. What is the inspiration that has led you to the formation of Intercon Impex? What has helped you to develop throughout your journey to become one of the most renowned exporters of dried flowers and dried plant products?

~ Intercon was started in the year 1992 with a vision to strive to offer the finest selection of quality natural products at the right prices and a high level of service to our esteemed clientele. Our love for natural products & decorative have always been a driving force in the journey. We constantly want to innovate and come up with new ideas & designs for our customers. Since our inception we have moved step by step further to reach our vision and we still believe, every day we learn something new about the industry and our customers. We have had an excellent team to support us through this journey. The coming year we will complete 25 years in the industry and we plan to introduce some major developments by end of next year.

2. You are one of the most experienced and well-known exporters of dried flowers in India, how do you think the dried flower export industry has evolved?

~ The industry is much more competitive now, when we started 25 years ago the products and competition were limited. The industry on the whole has evolved in terms of designs, packaging and customization. In our organization, our product range has evolved through the time. Our product range now includes exclusive dried flower bouquets, wreaths, potpourri mixes, candles, aluminium vases, iron baskets, jute bags, accessories etc. all available in customized packing as per the requirement of the customer. There are much more color options that we provide now than we did some years back, we are also trying some unique customized color shades. Packaging is the future and now customers usually are wanting all items in custom packing solutions with branding etc. 

3. In today’s world, when machines are used to do almost everything, you are changing the scene with adding human touch to the process. Why do you prefer that?

~ Each product we offer has a human touch to it. We believe this adds a personal aspect to the product. Every bouquet/wreath made is handmade by carefully picked elements by each of our skilled designers. Our designers understand the international standards and tastes to implement on the various products. We provide a variety of 2000 plus items of Indian origin, gathering raw materials locally from all over India. Our product categories include: Dried flowers, potpourris & bouquets, parts of plants, floral accessories, LED Candles, Iron Products, Picture frames, jute products and terra-cotta products. We work closely with our selected team of growers to supervise quality control. Our in-house bleaching, coloring, and bouquet production team takes special care to meet superior quality requirements. We have a reputation for outstanding customer service, competitive pricing and timely delivery. Packing is of good quality and can be customized.

4. Which countries are the major importers of your product?

~ Intercon currently exports majorly in the North American & European Markets. We are currently exporting to over 20 countries across the globe including USA, Netherlands, Spain, UK & more. We plan to expand our customers across 30 countries by end of next year to sell our product range of over 2000 products. 

5. What are the new developments that are coming up?

~ There’s a lot happening on the field and we are working on new ideas for our customers. Firstly, we have begun our production & shipment from South India early this year to cater to our increase in production capacity and product line up. Secondly, we are increasing our products line up to finished products like bouquets, wreaths etc. and various accessories for décor like vases, candles etc. You will soon be able to see these products on our company website. Most orders ship within 2 to 4 weeks subject to seasonal availability. We plan and carry sufficient inventory to avoid disruption in service that may occur due to poor weather and crop failures.We are expanding rapidly with new designs of Sola Flowers, which is one of our largest segments of business. 

6. So, you have started operations from South India. Why you have chosen that location?

~ Intercon Impex has grown its production capacity in the last 4 years. There are a couple
of reasons for us to start operations in south India. Firstly, We have many products in our mix that are essentially products of South India. Hence, it gives us the localisation advantage to start production in South India which help save us costs & decrease the turnaround time. Secondly, the weather conditions in south India are very favorable for our line of products. A combination of these advantages and our increasing need for capacity makes it ideal for us and our customers that we operate over 40% operations & productions from South India. This would enable us to reduce production time, improve quality, reduce costs and complete our shipments faster.

7.What can your clients expect from the new developments?

~ We believe in building long term relationships with our client & we understand that
the need of the hour post the corona pandemic is availability of products at the right time & right price. Our clients will very soon have a host of new products that we can offer them in customized options. Faster shipments will now be possible as a result of our team working on making seamless operations. Our clients from the USA & Canada can also now directly call us on our dedicated local United States number +1 213 814 322. It will surely improve our communication with them. 

Potpourris: Some commonly asked questions

Home Decoration products from Intercon Impex

Potpourri is one of the greatest ways to beautify and add a dash of color to the stark mundane reality of our everyday lives. To define the term which might sound a bit complex to certain people on first hearing; ‘potpourri’ is a mix of various dried flower and plant parts which might also include dried barks and spices. Dried petals, leaves, seeds, cloves, cumin, nutmeg, lavender oil, jasmine essence etc. are some of the most common ingredients of most potpourris. They not only cheer you up and infuse new life into you after a hard day’s work, but also freshen up the atmosphere of the house and add fragrance to the wind. There are several FAQs (frequently asked questions) related to potpourris, some of which are described below:

Botanical Mixes in Gift Box

How should potpourri be used ? 

The most common method of using potpourri is placing them in bowls and jars at different points of the room, and make sure that they’re at a place where they can be well visible to whoever enters the room. You can co-ordinate the colour of the container with the colour scheme of the room to make it seem brighter and livelier. A lot can be saved by substituting naphthalene with bags and satchels of dried flower petals or shrivelled cloves. You can also experiment with scents; some particular scents go more well with certain environments in comparison to others.

The Duration of the Scent—How Long would it Last?

This largely depends upon the ingredients chosen for the potpourri concoction. Scents can last from 2 months to year after year. Some scents are stronger than others and the whiff of those linger longer than the ones which quickly wear off. If one wants to keep the smell fresh and alive, then the best way to do is to use refresher oils with scents that match the scent of the particular potpourri in question. Also, it’s advisable to keep it away from sunlight and strong wind.

Potpourri Mix in Gift Boxes

How to Keep Potpourri from Getting Soiled?

Most potpourri is preserved in a bone dry state. Some use scented water, but those are quite high- maintenance and require changing periodically to stop them from getting infected by fungi. The better and more economical option, therefore, would be to maintain potpourri in a strictly dry, and if possible, in a vacuumed container. The reason behind this is, if the plant parts are kept in an air-free container, then it would be difficult for them to contact moisture, and hence, no fungi would be formed over them.

What are Some of the Best Ingredients for Potpourri?

The answer is large and vast. Cotton Chips, Bakuli, Luffa Slices, Sola flowers bulk, lavender oil, jasmine extract, sandalwood, cinnamon, bell cups, lilies, hibiscus pods, pine cones, cedar base etc. are all suited to the purpose of making potpourri. Spices such as clove, cinnamon and cumin can also be of great use as they’d add to the durability and scent strength of the concoction. Overall, anything and everything is good for potpourri as long as it is of strict organic variety.

Intercon Impex provides the widest range of quality natural & organic potpourri shipped all across the globe to over 100+ brands. Place your orders now at www.interconimpex.com or sales@interconimpex.com. 

Create Magic with Dried Flowers

Fresh flowers & plants are one of the best gifts that nature has given to mankind. From soothing fragrance to vivid colors, flowers touch our mind and senses on a deeper level. Flowers are dried so that their cheerful & aesthetic appeal is preserved. Dehydrated flowers are used for various purposes, from home decoration to gifts. One can create magic with these preserved bounties of nature. 

Here are a few ways you can use dried flowers:

Home decoration
If you love to create DIY home decorations or if you want to beautify your house for any special occasion, preserved flowers can serve as your helping hand. Decorating your home with dried blooms is easy and the effects achieved are breathtakingly beautiful. You can create a dried flower backdrop by arranging dried flowers on the wall. This not only attracts attention but also adds a spring-like feel to your house. For those who want to plan a warm and romantic Valentine’s Day celebration at home, walls decorated with dry flowers combined with proper lighting, can be the perfect background for the Valentine’s Day selfie. You and your special one will remember the fragrant valentine date for years to come.

One way could be to arrange dried flowers inside the clear or colored glass bottles or jars; and then place them in your room or other places in your house as decoration. These are alluring and give a fairy-tale look to your house. You can also get creative and add fairy lights inside that jar or bottle as well. You can place lace or gossamer fabric with dried flowers in order to make the decorative jars more feminine.

Potpourri made with dried flowers and dried plant parts can be used both as decoration and provide natural fragrance. Flowers that are dried can be used along with other dried plant parts to create exotic bunches or bouquets. Wreaths made of dry flowers and other plant parts are elegant door decorations.

Beauty
If you love to unwind in the bathtub, sprinkle some dry flower petals in the bath water and soak yourself in the aroma. Add dried petals in the water that is being used for manicure and pedicure. You can also make homemade spa soaps using dried flowers. Your homemade soap will not only be visually pleasing but would also be filled with natural fragrance. Dried flowers gently exfoliate the skin. Dry flower petals are also added as ingredients of natural homemade face, body and hair mask. It is a good way to get benefits for nature’s goodness to your beauty care routine.

Gifts
If you love to surprise friends and family with personalized gifts, then you should incorporate dried flowers to accentuate the charm of your gifts. You can use them for gift wrapping ideas or to make expressive cards. You will surely create a long-lasting impression in the minds of your loved ones.

Apart from the above mentioned points, dried flowers can be used to make candles. They are also used to make crowns, hair bands, bracelets and other jewelry to achieve fairy tale and feminine look. Sachets and potpourris made with preserved flowers are natural insect repellents and air fresheners. They are good for closets and drawers. You can use dried flowers to add a pleasant and appealing touch to your life and of those around you. Shop Now at Intercon Impex Pvt Ltd. 

Spice Up Your Potpourri

Buy Botanicals & Natural Products

 “One man’s toxic waste is another man’s potpourri”

If you want to ramp up the insides of your home in an eco-friendly and cost-effective way, then bulk potpourri is a perfect solution for you. As potpourri is 100% natural & organic, it not only makes the environment eco-friendly, but also freshens up our body and mind and enhances energy in ourselves after a day’s hard work.

Isn’t it great to invigorate your senses with a burst of fresh perfumed air as soon as you step into your room? Obviously, everyone will agree with it. There are a number of DIY recipes available on the internet. You can use the remedies to experience this awesome feeling. One can spice up their potpourri by putting some more ingredients into it. The below article is about the process and ingredients that can make potpourri more effective. If you are interested to make a different type of potpourri or you want to know more about it, all you need to do is to scroll down and read the whole article.

Mehogany Spoon 

Here are the top 5 ideas to spice up your potpourri:

1. Essential oils:
One of the best ways to rejuvenate your home environment is to use essential oils. It is amazing to take the fragrance of a tantalizing mixture of clove, lavender, peppermint and chamomile after a grueling day at the office. As soon as you open the door, a heady and flavourful essence fills up your senses and makes you feel refresh. The fragrance is enough to revitalise you from a depressed and weighed down mood. If you are planning to have a spa at home, essential oil is just perfect, as it provides your home with the aura of spa.

2. Dried fruits and nuts:
Some other ingredients that can make your potpourri awesome are dried fruits and nuts. You can put some berries and nuts in the combo. Some orange peels can be dropped into the bowl, or you can drop a handful of acorns, almonds or junipers into the mix, which can spice your potpourri up.

Potpourri Gift Boxes

3. Scented water:
It can be quite surprising for you to know that potpourri can be spiced up with scented water, while we all know that potpourri is made of bone dry things. And it is also known that the slightest of moisture can be the reason of infected potpourri. But the truth is, one can make alternative potpourri that includes nuts, pine cones, wood pieces and other paraphernalia that are soaked in scented water. In order to get the water, all one should do is to heat oils and simmer herbs extracts in low temperature.

4. Cranberry delight:
Any kind of citrus fruits, cranberry and rosemary can be put together in a pan in low heat to get the aroma that may cause your olfactory organs to go into tizzy.

5. Spices and flowers:
Dried spices and flowers are mixed together in required portion that are used as an effective remedy for deep and sound sleep. One can get dried flowers in any florist store, nursery, orchards or garden.
Our R&D team is continuously working on the latest designs for potpourri available in various packing options of loose, poly bags, PVC boxes and other gift boxes.

For inquiries & orders please contact sales@interconimpex.com or visit www.interconimpex.com. 

sLOVEnia | The calm in chaos

Lake Bled | "Its all about finding the calm in chaos !!"

This one comes in the middle of one of the most chaotic times in modern days. These are unprecedented times where the world struggles to fight the novel Covid 19, Coronavirus, with chaos everywhere in health, finances, personal lives & much more. In the midst of the lockdown imposed around the world in various countries and such challenging times I believe at the end, its about finding the calm in this chaos. Only our calmness & patience can help us fight this disease and come out stronger. People find their calm through various things like music, movies, books, work etc etc. For me one way of getting calm is when I am travelling (quite a paradox in these times). So, amidst the travel restrictions around the world, today I want to write about one such place which makes you find the calm in chaos - Slovenia.

I visited Slovenia a couple of years back and fell in love with it instantly. The gorgeous weather, snow, yummy pizzas, good wine, skiing, everything that you can ask for.

How to arrive: Slovenia is well connected by air, rail & road. It is in the Southern part of Europe. You can arrive at the capital, Ljubljana or in the city of Maribor via flights available from all major airports in Europe. Alternately, you can travel by rail or road from Austria or Italy. Its just 4-8 hours drive depending on how far you are staying, the drive is beautiful amidst the mountains, lakes & snow.

Where to Stay: Well we stayed in the Avio Apartments, it is a Air BNB style guest house/hotel very close to the Airport and had a terrific time. Our host was super friendly, the cottage styled fully equipped rooms were in the middle of snow clad valleys and the location is very close to the airport. If you want to stay at the centre of Ljubljana you can try any of the hotels out there all are pretty good and reasonable. You can also chose to stay in Maribor also which is the second largest city in Slovenia.


Eating Places: The foodie experience in Slovenia was extremely satisfying. Due to its proximity to Italy, you can sense the great pizzas and Italian food every restaurant and cafe has to offer. If you are a fan of Indian food like my father, you should definitely try the Taj Mahal Restaurant at the centre of Ljubljana. It offers finger licking selection of assorted kababs & breads. A must try here were the tasty mango lassis, very popular amongst the locals as well it is a uniform blend of yoghurt, Water, spices and mangoes. Another excellent, place to eat was the La Pizzeria in Maribor. It serves the yummiest pizzas, pastas and salads. Keep some room for the                                                                  tiramisu dessert at the end.

One interesting experience I had here was that they gave scissors along with the pizzas to cut your own portions, it was a very satisfying lunch indeed. Slovenia is also known for its aromatic wines. In Maribor, we visited an interesting wine tasting experience, Vinag. Located right at the center, a very intimate and cosy place, it takes you through the wine experience of Slovenia for over 60 mins. Amidst the Internet world today, the most interesting quote we spotted on the walls were “We do not have WIFI, talk to each other”. You will definitely leave this place a little more educated about wine and cravings for a little more.                                                                                                           



Another place we had eaten in Ljubljana was at Cafe Belvedere in Lake Bled, it

gives you a gorgeous view of the lake bled while you sip into a rejuvenating cup of coffee along with the must try cream cakes and cheese cakes, its definitely a serene experience. Lastly, another influence in Slovenian food culture is German and we got to have the golden crispy fried chicken called Schnitzel. You can get it most cafes and restaurants usually served with lime and tartar sauce, every bite is blissful. You can explore many such dishes along side the centre of both Ljubljana and Maribor.

Things to do: The beauty of Slovenia is serene. The picturesque locations, snow clad alps and beautiful weather make this country right out of a painting. Lots of interesting things to do in Slovenia, the first and foremost is lake bled. Approximately, 30-40 mins from the airport, lake bled is the definition of calmness in chaos. It can easily be classified as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, it is so picture worthy that you can take a picture from any angle and you will still be left mesmerised ( coming from a below average photographer :) ). You can walk around the lake, visit the famous cathedral, relax at the cafes around the lake.

Another first time and a very interesting experience was going to the famous ski resort very close to the airport and our apartment- Kraevec Resort. The thrill of being 3000 Mtrs above sea level, in the alps, covered in white snow was an experience to cherish for a lifetime. We were accompanied by our apartment owner and in conversations we realised that Slovenians take their Skiing very seriously. Kids as early as 4 year olds start their skiing journey, they are active in competitive skiing across the globe as well. You have to reach the resort , buy tickets and go right to the top using a cable car. When you are in the cable car you can actually see the mountains below you and there comes a point where you cross the clouds and are literally on top of the clouds, words fall short in describing this experience. I do not know how to ski, so I was a tourist looking at people skiing from even greater heights, falling on the snow, getting back up to finish their laps. There is a restaurant at the top where we had a quick black coffee before we called it a day.

At the centre of Ljubljana, there are a lot of interesting things to do, you can walk around and explore the local culture. The dragon bridge is famous with mint green color dragons at the entrance of the bridge. The Ljubljana castle is another must visit place during your trip. The 900 years old majestic castle gives an insight on the cultures & history of Ljubljana. The outlook tower in the castle gives a breathtaking view of the Ljubljana city.

The people of Slovenia are extremely warm and friendly. It’s been one of my favourite experiences so far, I assure you will fall in love with sLOVEnia. I have shared some pictures from my trip below. After things across the globe get better, I hope you will chose this as one of your holiday destinations. Till then, take care, stay safe & stay strong.

Cheers !!
Anant

Our products at 3000 Mtrs :)

Cable Car Ambulance

Ljubljana Castle

Top 5 ideas to spice up your potpourri

Buy Potpourri & Home Fragrances

If you want to ramp up the insides of your home in an eco-friendly and cost-effective way, then bulk potpourri is a perfect solution for you. As potpourri is 100% natural, it not only makes the environment eco-friendly, but also freshens up our body & mind and enhances energy in ourselves after a day’s hard work.

Isn’t it great to invigorate your senses with a burst of fresh perfumed air as soon as you step into your room? Obviously, everyone will agree with it. There are a number of DIY recipes available on the internet. You can use the remedies to experience this awesome feeling. One can spice up their potpourri by putting some more ingredients into it. The below article is about the process and ingredients that can make potpourri more effective. If you are interested to make a different type of potpourri or you want to know more about it, all you need to do is to scroll down and read the whole article.

Exotic Spices

1. Essential oils:
One of the best ways to rejuvenate your home environment is to use essential oils. It is amazing to take the fragrance of a tantalizing mixture of clove, lavender, peppermint and chamomile after a gruelling day at the office. As soon as you open the door, a heady and flavourful essence fills up your senses and makes you feel refresh. The fragrance is enough to revitalise you from a depressed and weighed down mood. If you are planning to have a spa at home, essential oil is just perfect, as it provides your home with the aura of spa.

2. Dried fruits and nuts:
Some other ingredients that can make your potpourri awesome are dried fruits and nuts. You can put some berries and nuts in the combo. Some orange peels can be dropped into the bowl, or you can drop a handful of acorns, almonds or junipers into the mix, which can spice your potpourri up.

3. Scented water:
It can be quite surprising for you to know that potpourri can be spiced up with scented water, while we all know that potpourri is made of bone dry things. And it is also known that the slightest of moisture can be the reason of infected potpourri. But the truth is, one can make alternative potpourri that includes nuts, pine cones, wood pieces and other paraphernalia that are soaked in scented water. In order to get the water, all one should do is to heat oils and simmer herbs extracts in low temperature.

Ata Slices

4. Cranberry delight:
Any kind of citrus fruits, cranberry and rosemary can be put together in a pan in low heat to get the aroma that may cause your olfactory organs to go into tizzy.

5. Spices and flowers: 
Dried spices and flowers are mixed together in required portion that are used as an effective remedy for deep and sound sleep. One can get dried flowers in any florist store, nursery, orchards or garden.

You can buy the latest collections of home fragrances, potpourri, essential oils, diffuser oils and more at www.interconimpex.com or email them at sales@interconimpex.com. 

How to use Dried Flowers to create lively work of art !!

Flowers ignite our creativity like no other object in this world. From poets to common men, flowers are praised by everyone. Fresh flowers have been used for decoration since ancient times as they up lift the mood at any time. But flowers bloom for a limited time; hobbyists and artists prefer to dry out the flowers so that they can be used for a longer period of time.

So how are flowers dried?

There are many ways to dry the flowers so they are well preserved. Mostly people put flowers inside a heavy book and leave it undisturbed for few days. This is known as the ‘press’ method. If you choose to dry the flowers using the press method, then you should make sure that you line the page with parchment or wax paper. This protects the pages of the book from getting destroyed from the moisture that come off the flowers. Flowers can also be left in the vase till they dry.

Potpourri Mixes

Another method is to hang them upside down in a well-ventilated place away from sunlight. Flowers can be dried in microwave or using silica gel. No matter which method you choose, you have to wait for the results except for microwave method. But microwave method is fussy as you have to use cat litter to cover the flowers. Ordering dried flowers in bulk quantity is an easy way to get dried flowers for professional or other creative requirements. Companies that supply dried flowers use the right method to preserve the flowers. They use machine drying and various processes on the fresh flowers and botanicals to give them a dried and everlasting finish.

Uses of dried flowers

Dried flowers have many uses. Dried flowers are used in cooking. They add distinctive flavour to teas. Preserved beauty of nature, dried flowers are used to make potpourris that can be used as decoration or as natural air fresheners. Dried flower sachets are full of fragrance, and placing them in drawers and closets act as insect repellent. They are used as natural dyes.

Dried flower can have many creative uses. From decorating a room for celebration to create beautiful creative works of art, dried flowers add beauty to whatever they touch. In the creation of candles, papers, scrapbook and many more, hobbyists prefer to use dried flowers to create unique pieces.

3 ways to use striking beauty of dried flowers to personalize items:

If you want to gift something special to your loved one or create beautiful items for personal use, all you need is a bunch of dried flowers. 

Potpourri Gift Packs

Magical jewelry: Beautiful pendant and bracelets can be made using dried flowers. Dried flowers can be woven into headbands, crowns and bracelets. They look beautiful and go well with a dress to achieve a feminine or bohemian look. It can be a good idea for your theme outdoor party or brunch. They are easy to make. One idea could be to use small hollow glass globes or tiny DIY jars and bottles to make pendants and charms. Just fill these tiny transparent containers with beautiful dried flowers and plant parts. Adding some glitter can add a fairy touch to your charm or pendant. Seal it and it could be used as a pendant or bracelet charm. They look magical.

Nail art: Dried flowers can be used to create attractive nail art which not only enhances your beauty but which is also unique. You will get many compliments for your nail art. There are many ways to use dried flowers to decorate your nail. One simple way could be to use white nail paint as base. Now arrange the dried flowers in desired pattern with tweezers. Seal it with clear coat and let it dry. Once it is dry you can flaunt it in front of your friends. Make sure you use good quality dried flowers or else you won’t get the good effect.

Cards, letters and scrapbook: Dried flowers are used to make decorative handmade paper. Beautiful handmade paper with dried flowers petals appearing unevenly on its surface, are best medium to express your feelings. Dried flowers are used to decorate scrapbook. Scrapbook decorated with dried flowers both looks and smells beautiful. If you want to add a unique touch to your scrapbook use the magic of dried flowers. One of the most personalized gifts is cards. If you are making a card for your loved ones then decorate them with dried flowers.

For bulk queries on dried flowers you can order at sales@interconimpex.com or visit the website www.interconimpex.com

Vanakkam Kolkata !!

Vanakkam Kolkata !!

I am back with another experience to share. These are challenging times around the world, where we are fighting with probably the biggest crisis ever in modern times, the novel covid-19, Coronavirus. Since, travelling is banned across the globe and we are stuck at our homes in a lockdown, this one is not about travel, it’s about my second favorite thing to do EAT.

Sometimes I wish I could just become a food taster in a popular show like Masterchef Australia, where I just have to taste different types of food and cough out some fancy foodie words and judgements :) So some months back I did my own little food tour of one of my favorite cuisines South Indian food !! The aromatic smell of curry leaves, tangy chutney, filter coffee, South Indian for me is my comfort food, it’s my Sunday afternoon staple, it’s the meal that gets me to a peaceful afternoon siesta. My hometown Kolkata is known to be a foodie paradise and I explored my 6 favorite south Indian restaurants in Kolkata.

1. Jyoti Vihar - It’s hands down my favorite South Indian restaurant. I have been visiting the place for over 20 years now and it’s safe to say that each dish still has the same taste and flavors. They haven't played around much with there menu over the years, they stick to their favorites and are unbeatable in their best dishes. It’s amazingly simple interiors and age old serving people make this place a traditional favorite. My most treasured dish here is the brown crisp donut like rice preparation, Medu Vada. My favorite way to have it is by dipping it in hot sambhar, they serve a variety in which the vada is already dipped in sambhar for a while to soak in the flavours of the sambhar.

2. Raj - Another one of the oldest South Indian joints of Kolkata. Serving in traditional South Indian steel utensils, with the serving staff dressed in simple uniform with a small towel on the shoulder (a South Indian style) the place makes you feel the essence of southern India. The place is called homely raj , and it houses a hotel in the top floors. The place is best known for its South Indian thali, it’s sumptuous meal with favorite delicacies like rasam, buttermilk, South Indian veggies and of course pappadum. The servings are generous, specially for the Thali, they will not stop serving you unless they are confident that you are full & satisfied :) A must visit for every South Indian cuisine lover.

3. Ramakrishna Mission (Bhupendra Mansion) - Dosas , idlis and Medu vadas are one of the favorite breakfast meals for many people across the globe. This place is the best for South Indian food breakfast. It opens at 6am and shuts close to 1pm everyday, you can mostly find morning walkers and early risers. A very simple seating arrangement with an even simpler menu. You can visit the place every morning and have the same dishes every day but I am sure you still will be craving for more. The highlight in the menu is of course the idlis. The rice cakes are so soft that they will melt in your mouth. I usually prefer having the idlis with coconut chutney and molga podi (spicy powder with ghee) on the side.

4. Sankalp - Its the modern day twist to South India cuisine. Though many restaurants and brands have tried South Indian fusion but never has it been so on point. The restaurant has chains across the globe and is known for maintaining its consistency in every dish through time & geographies. A fun interior with vibrant blue and yellow furniture the place is perfect for a family lunch. The menu has interesting variants of the traditional dosa & idlis like the kanchipuram & chettinad idlis, indian bhaji dosa, nilgiri dosa and more. My favorite is the Cocktail Idlis, this one is similar to the Podi Idlis commonly found in South India. The rice cakes are wrapped in ghee and molgai podi to give it a crunchy & spicy flavor. Another 1 of my treasured items here is the military ghee roast dosa, a ghee roast is again very popular in south India, they use it to make veggies and curries in slow roasted ghee. The use of this in the dosa surely enhances the flavor of the dosa.

5. The Chutney Co. - Another modern day south India cafe at the heart of the commercial hub in Kolkata. Evident from its name the chutney company is famous for the variety of chutneys it offers. So, when you place your orders along with the regular coconut chutney the restaurant serves you with 8-10 varieties of chutneys including tamarind, beetroot chutney, tomato coconut, mysore chutney etc. Each has a distinct flavor and adds a refreshing twist to your favorite cuisines. The rawa dosa is another must have here. The mocktails and shakes are very interestingly curated. To finish a sumptuous meal do try the traditional filter coffee.

6. Rasam - For the longest time, Salt Lake area in Kolkata did not have a dedicated South Indian eatery. Finally, came along Rasam located inside the Stadel Hotel, which is part of the Salt Lake Football Stadium. Rasam is a spicy south indian soup served hot along with south Indian meals. The name of the restaurant is surely justified by the amazing tasty Rasams they offer. I usually drink it as a soup but many people like to have it with steam rice as well. The ambiance is good which servers dressed in white shirts and white lungi . It overlooks the lush greens around the football stadium. I love the buttermilk here, its a finely prepared curd with south Indian herbs, ginger & green chilly. The coriander dosa is also a very interesting preparation here, the use of coriander brings a completely new flavor to the traditional dosas.


Nothing brings people together like food does. I hope this pandemic situation resolves quickly and we can return to our favorite restaurants to indulge in the best food preparations across India. Until then, stay safe and stay indoors.

Cheers !!