I have a lot of friends who are of Telugu origin and I will never forget the first time I ate at my best friend’s house. There I was, a five year old child and I had always been amused by the food my friend would bring for lunch and being from a Tamil speaking household, I didn’t know what spicy meant till I ate lunch at my friend’s place. You have to keep in mind that I was only a child and my palette hadn’t developed completely, but It definitely set the tone for my preference in choice of food, which is spicy. So, imagine a 5 year-old child innocently attempting to try a new cuisine and she is alarmed at the spice level in the food that is served. I still remember vividly how I ran to the tap and poured water on my tongue to cool off, I’m not kidding, this is a true story and my best friend was literally rolling on the floor and laughing. The culprit that was responsible for that reaction is Avakkai annam( avakkai pickle mixed with hot rice and oodles of ghee).

Fast forward to a couple of decades later, as an adult, my palette for Andhra cuisine has mellowed. Once in a while I truly want that spicefest to bring me tears of joy and contentment. The rustic aroma that comes along with this unique style of cooking is something only those who have grown up with this cuisine will know or have been shocked into experiencing it and it’s either love at first taste or for a few like me, it becomes acquired taste. The symphony of spices that hits your brain and makes a mark that is undeniable must be experienced by one and all. In Indian cuisine, the flavours of Andhra play an important role as they have a niche for themselves. Imagine having gun powder( andhra paruppu podi), stuffed brinjal, super spicy avakkai all with piping hot rice and generous spoons of ghee, it is truly one way to get at a piece of heaven. While Andhra Biriyani is world famous it is the pleasure that comes from the simple daily, pastes, powders and pickles that are truly magical. 

Aha Bazaar is truly committed to bringing home closer and we are very proud to bring you a quaint brand directly from the land of spices called Andhra Delicacy that specializes in bringing you podis and pickles with that authentic taste and flavour of Andhra. Podis such as Andhra Paruppu Podi, Andhra Garlic Podi, Andhra Karuveypila Podi, Andhra Nalakaram Podi( the real deal idli podi, Andhra style) which will transport you back to food that was lovingly made at home. A wonderful list of Andhra pickles have started their journey towards you and it is braving all that comes its way, but we will ensure you get your dose of that Andhra spice at your homes in the UK. Aha Bazaar is very proud of being associated with Andhra Delicacy that has helped us connect with so many of our customers who have been craving for this cuisine in the UK and we are absolutely honored to be involved in making this craving a reality. Take a chance like me, give the Andhra flavours a try and we are certain there will be love in the air and maybe a few weary tears from that spice hit, but it is a given that you will fall in love with this amazing cuisine in good time.