Text by: Tanya Munshi
This is not a place you will find easily, Bamboo Fresh is a popular family restaurant in Thaliparamba, around 45 minutes drive from Ezhimala. En route Pariyaram Medical College, Bamboo Fresh comes as a pleasant surprise as you drive through winding roads and traffic and it appears just in time when the hunger pangs start driving you crazy.
I have been told that Beef Ulliyathu, is best had at Bamboo Fresh, and when I see my friends drool with the very mention of this spicy Keralite beef preparation, I believe them. But otherwise, the food at Bamboo Fresh is nothing really that great. But yes, they make their Keralite cuisine quite well, but one shouldn't expect anything out of the ordinary when it comes to Chinese, Continental and to some extent Indian.
Most of the times that we have gone (i.e. twice out of three) - prawns, fish pollichathu (usually, a whole Red Snapper marinated with spices, wrapped in coconut leaf and steamed - I have tasted better in Fort Kochi) - are not available. If at all they serve you here, its one piece of Kingfish (enough for per person only), and the price does not do justice to the quantity.
We remember, on our first visit to Bamboo Fresh, we tried out Chinese! The Chilly Prawns had hardly 3-4 small prawns and the small bowl was only loaded with masalas. I know you must be thinking how silly of us to try Chinese at these places, but come on! Spending so much time in God's Own Country, makes you want to give your taste buds a break from the usual coconut and curry leaf flavoured dishes.
Even the Chinese seemed to have a Keralite touch to it, so we try and stay away from experimenting with Chinese (even when we pine for it once in a while.) In Kerala, beef and rice dishes are usually a little cheaper than other dishes. So a small portion of Beef Ulliyathu cost us Rs. 60/- only, yeah that cheap! So if you dig beef (buffalo) then go right ahead.
More so, they are usually understaffed and don't take peak times such as weekends too well. We had a waiter tick us off because we asked him to bring the main course after the starter and not together; because in all the rush, he got everything together - soup, starter and main course. He did come later to apologize though, but I guess, human nature is such we only tend to remember the negatives.
I don't blame them as lack of heavy duty competition does result in slack behaviour, not up to the mark quality and quantity of food and less professionalism. It hurts more when you drive so far only to get small portions of food. And since the people there don't seem to have much of a problem, Bamboo Fresh has clearly not made any efforts to improve the quality of food and match the quantity with the pricing. They have a swanky reception and seating area, an ample parking space - but that won't save me from my hunger pangs, would it?
I may like to add one thing however, they call themselves the 'Eco Friendly' Restaurant and I am yet to find out how. The decor is very well done, where they have recreated a huge Banyan tree with coir and it appears as though we are sitting under a Banyan tree enjoying our meal.
If its called 'Bamboo Fresh' - I wonder why they have a Banyan tree decor? Shouldn't it have Bamboos? Maybe they could have called it the 'Banyan Tree' Restaurant! The only thing that is 'Eco Friendly' about them is that they give you parceled food in cloth bags and not plastic bags, but food comes in plastic containers! There hasn't been the need for an air conditioner, especially since we have visited Bamboo Fresh in the evenings, so I can't say about the day time use of air conditioners.
While you eat, a small LCD TV will display the delicacies on offer at Bamboo Fresh with classical music playing as background music. While eating the small portions if you look at the TV, your stomach will fill up fast, as the quantity shown on the screen is more than it appears on the plate. It's good to try it out once, who knows, you may find something that suits your palate, taste and size of tummy.
*Pricing:
Sweet Corn Chicken - Rs. 50/-
Beef Ulliyathu - Rs. 60/-
Chicken Fried Rice - Rs. 80/-
Chilli Prawns - 120/-
Dragon Chicken - Rs. 100/-
Overall Rating:
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Location:
Bamboo Fresh Restaurant
Thaliparamba
Phone: 0460 - 2200755
*Please Note - Pricing may change/ vary according to location and time.
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