Johnson's Hotel in Pala - Food N Travel

A few weeks before, we made an attempt to make a list of hotels in Kerala where we get the tastiest beef recipes in the state. So, when you think of the foot spots, these were the ones I was fortunate enough to visit. The list is not yet complete as surely there would be numerous hotels around us that we haven’t explored yet. That was so true as one of our followers informed us about a small budget-friendly restaurant in Pala which serves you delicious beef recipes. That’s what bought us to the Johnson’s Hotel in Pala by the main roadside, opposite to the St. Thomas school.

When we got to the hotel entrance, we have been greeted with the tempting aroma of beef dishes. An enthusiastic lady with grey hair welcomed us with a great smile. When we informed her about our intentions to have delicious beef curry and parotta, she was so happy to inform us that the beef recipes were getting ready and Parotta is in its final stages of preparation. She was having a cup of tea and her name is Saly, in fact, she is the owner of the restaurant. She has even allowed us to have a look at the kitchen where the breakfast dishes are getting ready.

Our vlog at Johnson’s Hotel in Pala

When we got to the kitchen we saw a person named Shaji who was busy making Parotta. He was also in charge of making dosa in between. A big pan of beef curry was on the stove and it was getting ferociously boiled to make the lips-smacking spicy dish. We then have a close look at the long list of breakfast recipes on show. Some of these items were Idiyappam, Dosa, Appam and Idly. A medium pan of boiled eggs and Kadala curry was also available for selection. Unlike in many other restaurants, we have seen Sambar and Onion curry which is available to be served with any of these breakfast items according to our choice. On the side, we have seen Murali who is the one tirelessly making tea and coffee. Hot and spicy breakfast dishes demand a cup of sweet tea or coffee and it would be a unique feeling to have these from Kerala’s traditional restaurants.

As I had in my mind, I ordered Parotta and spicy hot beef curry. Saubin who is with me had gone for tapioca and fish curry. In fact, this breakfast recipe would be ready very early at 6.30 in the morning. But Parotta and beef would take one more hour to be available for the customers as these will be made towards the end. Apparently, the restaurant will be open from 4.30 in the morning. Students from St. Thomas School would have surely had many nostalgic memories of having yummy beef curry and parotta from this food spot.

I remembered my good old days when I was at school, I had beef gravy as we haven’t had the luxury to order a beef curry. Many people also love another famous recipe combination of Parotta and sambar. Saubin has recollected his nostalgic moments when he had Parotta, Sambar and boiled egg in his early childhood days when he was with NCC. This shows that if we are having food with a nostalgic taste would surely bring out our good memories of the past. The fish curry was really good and the grounded coconut used in the dish reduced the spiciness and increased the flavour. That’s when Saubin asked me to try out the Onion recipe and I found it really good with Idiyappam. Johnson’s Hotel in Pala is easily accessible for all as it’s located by the side of the main road. It would prove to be a nice choice to visit this restaurant if you happen to be at Pala for delicious breakfast dishes.