A list of local recipes sure to deliver

Most homestays and resorts in Sakleshpur serve guests all meals and little snacks through the day. However, there are a few traditional eateries that are worth trekking to town for. Shree Durga Mess, near the main bus depot is a local icon, famed for its donne biryani, mutton ball, and chilli chicken. The mess is no larger than a train compartment and thanks to a chintz floral curtain at the entrance, looks like a cheap saloon from the outside. Inside, it’s brisk takeaway business. Shree Durga also cooks up Chinese, tandoori, and north-Indian fare that the cook behind the counter is especially proud of mastering. Steer clear of these culinary conquests, and ask instead for his time-tested favourites. The donne biryani is a mild version of the spicier south-Indian counterpart, the mutton ball consists of heartbreak-tender meatballs made of mildly spiced kheema in a delicate ginger-garlic-yoghurt gravy, and the chicken chilli is a flavourful, spicy preparation made with generous quantities of ginger, green chillies, and ghee. The matka chicken and akki roti (made of rice) at Gandharva restaurant on the main road, are also worth sampling. Sadly, most restaurants and eateries in Sakleshpur do not serve traditional Malnad cuisine, which is famed for its use of pork and occasionally, boar.