Churmuri and other treats

For some reason, Mysore has earned itself formidable reputation where its churmuri is concerned. Made with puffed rice and a mix of chopped onions, tomatoes, cucumber, grated carrot, coriander, spiced peanuts and fried odd and ends, it is a bit like bhelpuri but without any liquid additives. Rather than a plate, the authentic version is served in a paper cone. Though there are little shops which sell them, it is the lone seller on a street corner who has the reputation. So find these hawkers at streets corners in Saraswathipuram, near Marimallappa’s college on what is Mysore’s own version of food street, Ashoka Road, near Town Hall and on Ramnuja Road to name a few. While you are there lookout for the Mysore bonda, a version of the urad dal vada shaped like small balls with pieces of coconut in the batter, served with fresh coconut chutney. Check out Gandhi Square at night when it turns into a foodie paradise.