Cukkad Spice

Working out of Sundar Industrial Estate in Malad West has its own rhythm. We are at Shop 11 in the Ashok Enclave building. Since it’s an industrial area, most of our customers are people working in the nearby units and offices. They come in for a heavy lunch to get through their shift. The kitchen gets going really early, around 7 AM, because there is a lot of chopping and grinding to do. We use a lot of spices here, hence the name. The air always smells like roasted cumin and chilies. It’s a tough spot sometimes because of all the trucks moving around the 1st Main Road, but we’ve been here long enough that it feels like home. The walls are a bit scuffed and the floor is old stone, but it stays cool in the summer heat. We don't have any waiters in uniforms; it's just a few of us running around making sure everyone gets their plate. On rainy days, the water collects a bit near the entrance, but we just put down some cardboard and keep going. It’s a practical place for people who just want a decent meal without any drama. We’ve seen the neighborhood change over the years, but our little corner remains pretty much the same. We just serve the food and keep the stove burning.