A tiny rundown wooden shanty with a placard reading 'Toddy' would take any Keralite to his homeland. With its simple and rustic charm, the Toddy Shop, or Kallu Shaap in the local language, is more than just a place to enjoy a drink—it's a communal space where people gather, share stories, and build a sense of community. Just as a local pub, which is an integral part of British culture, the Toddy Shop holds a similar place in Kerala culture.
For anyone seeking to understand the rich cultural heritage of Kerala, visiting a toddy shop provides an authentic experience. It offers a glimpse into the lives of the people and their social interactions. The toddy shop not only serves toddy but also traditional cuisines of Kerala.
Here, conversations flow freely, and the shared experience of sipping toddy nurtures a sense of belonging. Enjoy this natural drink and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Kerala in the heart of the UK.
Imagine a festive celebration or a grand religious festivity in ancient Kerala, a state in the Southern region of India where an intoxicating drink was served in abundance. This refreshing beverage was not just a drink; it was a symbol of happiness and celebration, deeply cherished by different strata of society in God's Own Country.
Toddy is derived from the sap of various species of palm trees, including the coconut palm and the palmyra palm. Kerala toddy, known locally as "kallu, origins are shrouded in mystery, with no definitive records pinpointing its exact beginning. However, its consumption and production have been an integral part of the region's traditions for centuries.
But eventually with its intoxicant nature, regulations on toddy production and consumption were imposed. Despite these limitations, toddy continued to thrive, becoming an integral part of Kerala's cultural fabric.
Today, Toddy is more than just a beverage, known as natural source of energy. A simple Toddy can soothe your stomach and serve as a healthy alternative to sugary sodas.
In the early morning light where, skilled workers would ascend towering palm trees using nothing but their bare feet, hands, and a rope for support. This remarkable feat of agility and strength is where the creation of toddy truly begins.
The art of "toddy tapping" or "toddy drawing" is a tradition that has been passed down through generations. The first step in making toddy is selecting the right type of tree. Toddy tappers, upon reaching the top, carefully tap a hole into the palm tree's cut bloom, creating an anchor point to attach a bowl. This bowl is positioned to collect the precious sap as it drips from the tree. The sap is collected in earthen or wooden pots and allowed to ferment naturally.
Nature takes its course, and the sap begins to ferment spontaneously in the bowl. This fermentation process is essential, as it transforms the raw sap into the delightful beverage we know as toddy. Once the sap has sufficiently fermented, the toddy tappers return to collect it. The freshly collected toddy can be enjoyed immediately or put to use in the kitchen, adding a unique flavor to traditional dishes.
With each sip, you are not only tasting a drink, but also experiencing the magic of the time-honored tradition and generations of toddy tappers who have perfected this craft.
Hot toddy originates from the Hindi word taddy, which in 1610s British-occupied India was a drink made with fermented palm sap. By around the mid-18th century taddy had evolved into a 'beverage made of alcoholic liquor with hot water, sugar and spices'.
Blending Indian and British influences, the Hot Toddy is a warm, spiced, comforting beverage suitable for colder climates. A bridge between two cultures, as you sip this spiced drink, remember you are taking a significant sip of history that warms the body and mind.
Once perceived as a modest traditional, rustic spaces primarily for enjoying toddy, these shops are now reinventing into more modern and family-friendly establishments. The shift is driven by a desire to preserve the cultural heritage of toddy shops while making them more accessible and appealing to all.
One of the most significant changes is the traditional cuisine. Toddy shops are now becoming renowned for serving a variety of authentic Kerala dishes. The menu features a rich array of traditional meat and fish dishes, lovingly prepared with the same recipes and techniques used in Kerala households for generations. From spicy fish curry and juicy beef fry to tasty duck roast and soft mutton, these meals showcase Kerala's rich and lively food scene.
Toddy shop offers a cozy spot for families to gather, eat, and enjoy Kerala's special flavors. While keeping up with modern trends, it's a place you shouldn't miss if you want to try real Kerala food in a laid-back and friendly atmosphere.
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Toddy Shop - Taste of Kerala - Thattukada - Kallu Shappu
36 Gold St, Northampton NN1 1RS, United Kingdom
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