Onam and Chips

Onam is not Onam without chips. Onam and banana chips are synonymous ! That's how we thought of buying some chips (banana and jack fruit). Yesterday, while we were shopping in the streets of EastFort, we came across "Fort Chips". This is a small shop .... one among the row of shops in the front of Padmanabhaswamy temple.
We were received with loud "varoo...varoo...fresh chips.. " calls. The young salesman gave us samples.. two three chips each of both the variety.. Oh.. tasting very good, and very crisp.. good flavour.. OK, we decided to buy. We took half a kilo each and went home.
At home, we put the chips into containers. And, then we ate a few pieces.. Oh.. God, chips of rock ? They were so hard.. not tasty... and we're lost !
I decided not to buy any more from this shop, or this row of shops.

Malabar Avil Milk

Heard of 'Malabar Avil Milk' ? If not, please come to EastFort, Trivandrum.
Meet Mr. Abdul Hakkim. He runs the only shop in Trivandrum, serving you 'Malabar' special "Avil Milk". Hakkim has his 'Mobile shop", currently positioned at the Onam fair (Putharikkandam maidaan, EastFort, Trivandrum).
Avil Milk is a blend of many things. Avil (rice flakes), cherry, cashew nut powder, plaintains, and some more additives ( I don't get all those !) and milk. The creamy drink is not a liquid.. it's like paaayasam ! This tastes fantastic.. Just 200 ml, Hakkim charges you just Rs. 10/-. The drink is a good relief for your thirst and hunger.

Want to try one ?

Alukkas Gold

I am not very rich. I can't buy gold anymore. However, I had the opportunity to visit a Jewellery shop (Gold shop) yesterday. My wife had one or two of her jewellery requiring repairs. So, on her suggestion, we went to the famous "Alukkas" at East Fort. This is located at an excellant location, in front of the Padmanabhaswamy temple.
We went in the shop (I don't like to call it a shop... it's a palace !) and one of the sales persons received us and asked for our requirements. I thought, when we say the repair needs, they may ignore us. But, I was surprised at the way they treated us. A boy (salesman) got us a seat. He took the items requiring repairs, assessed the needs, and gave us a receipt. He told us very politely, that this will be done and delivered in 20 minutes time. So, we decided to roam around the streets.. and come back after some time.
We did that, and after about 40 minutes, we returned to the shop. The items were ready, and they delivered it , nicely packed. I've asked for the bill, and they said it's FREE ! No bills to be paid.. and so we thanked them and walked away.

I realised that this fellows are extremely nice. So, I would like all of you, who needs to do something with gold, to go to Alukkas. They'll treat you well.. and they are very reasonable.. and extremely nice.

The above photograph of the shop (near the Padmanabhaswamy temple) shows the majestic look .

Mattresses - Sleepwell

I wanted to buy a new matress. I thought of my earlier brand, "Sleepwell". We are a 'Sleepwell' family. That product is very good. And, so I thought my next bed also should be 'Sleepwell'.
My wife told me that there is a shop near Bakery Junction. Thus, yesterday, I went round and located that shop. "Karnataka Bed Emporium" , who sells beds, cushions, .. all 'Sleepwell' brand. ( I don't know it's Karnataka connection !)
And I bought one mattress. It's very good. What impressed me more is the way the sales persons treat their customers. Extremely good. The shop is well stocked. But all the range of products are NOT available. They say, you order, and will be ready in 2 weeks ! Who wants to wait for two weeks.. for a mattress. All those should be available off the shelf. I had hinted this to the Manager. So, he must be acting smart !

Big Bazaar

'Big Bazzar' is really a big one. I had been to this place only three times earlier. However, I went there for Onam purchase, last day.
Big bazaar is located at East Fort (near Paarthas). The building looks grand and colourful. Everything is available inside. The rates are very reasonable. Sales assistants are plenty. Billing is quick. Elavators are nice. But, for people (like me) who don't prefer to use them finds it difficult. Stairways are not convienient. Ok.. lifts are reasonable.
But, I feel the personal touch is missing ! It's too crowded (may be that's how it should be !).
Shopping at BigBazaar is a pleasant experience.

I find the following problems with Big Bazzar.
1. Parking is a problem. Even 2wheeler packing. It's only the main road to park. (may be, BigBazaar can't help it ).
2. The stair ways are jammed. Loads of rice, flour, and the like are stacked ; it's very difficult to use the stair ways. (Big Bazaar can certainly do something about it).

Shopping in Kerala

Welcome to Shopping in Kerala, the "God's own Country".
Kerala, known for its unique characteristics, is said to be a sellers' paradise. It's an exclusive society of consumers, and not of producers.

This blog is a place where you'll know more about shopping in Kerala. What's available Where ; and the Good and Bad of shops (markets), products, and services. This'll also have the shopping experiences (of me and my associates) as well.

If you are a buyer (of something) , probably you'll get some useful information and knowledge.
If you are a seller, you are sure to get a lot of feedback - the views, opinions, experiences, and feel of a lot of buyers.

So, welcome to all buyers and sellers ...... ; Please keep coming to this place regularly. Please bookmark this link :
http://shopskerala.blogspot.com



വരൂ, ദൈവത്തിന്റെ സ്വന്തം നാട്ടിലേക്ക് ! വരൂ, " ഷോപ്പിങ്ങ് ഇന്‍ കേരള " എന്ന ഈ ബ്ലോഗിലേക്ക്.


.