Temple Stillness & a Nourishing South Indian Thali

Traditional South Indian vegetarian thali served on a banana leaf with white rice, sambar, rasam, dal, vegetable dishes, pickles, papad, and payasam in small metal bowls.
A traditional South Indian vegetarian thali served on a fresh banana leaf at Chithra Restaurant.

My visit to the Sree Adikesava Perumal Temple in Thiruvattar felt like stepping into history — the mossy stone steps, intricate wooden detailing, and calm surroundings gave the space a timeless presence.

After the darshan, my brother, sister, and I headed to Chithra Restaurant for a classic South Indian vegetarian thali. Served on a fresh banana leaf, the meal included comforting sambar, rasam, dal, avial, poriyal, pickles, crunchy papad, and a little payasam to finish.

It was a warm, homely meal — simple, nourishing, and grounding — the perfect way to complete a day rooted in devotion, connection, and quiet joy.

A Taste of Home: Sattvic Tender Coconut Pudding From Trivandrum

“Traditional tender coconut pudding topped with Panjamritham served on a banana leaf plate.”

A gentle, soul-soothing dessert made from fresh tender coconut, offering a naturally light and hydrating sweetness. Paired with Panjamritham — a traditional blend of honey, jaggery, dates, ghee, and banana — this pudding becomes a beautiful balance of nourishment and indulgence.

Soft, cooling pudding + warm, rich Panjamritham = a sattvic treat that feels comforting without being heavy.

I enjoyed this beautiful dessert at Azad Restaurant in Trivandrum, sharing a calm, happy moment with my family while visiting home. Sometimes, food isn’t just taste — it’s connection, nostalgia, and a little reminder of where we come from.