When the streets at Madurai come alive with iftar flavours
Evenings at Mahaboopalayam in Madurai come alive with people young and old during Ramzan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. When the sun goes down, the smell of fried vadas, crisp samosas, and spicy chicken fills the streets. There are vendors near the Mahaboobpalayam Mosque who sell iftar specials on trays, some of which are fried in hot, sizzling oil. The place is busy with people enjoying the food, and others getting parcels for home. “In the earlier days, we would break our fast with nombu kanji. It is healthy and easy to digest,” says Abuthahir, who is from the neighbourhood. “But over time, especially among the younger generation, there has been a shift towards tastier, fried snacks. That’s how these iftar stalls with a variety of items have become popular now.”
A view of Masjid Mahaboopalayam Mosque at Madurai.
| Photo Credit:
G. Moorthy
For the past five years, B Thasleema and her husband, G Batcha, have been selling kari vadas in Mahaboopalayam. As Batcha stands over a large kadai, frying batch after batch, the snacks vanish almost as quickly. He is fondly known as ‘Chicken Badsha’ for the distinct flavour he brings to his kari vadas.
G. Batcha frying crispy golden kari vadas at Mahaboopalayam, Madurai.
| Photo Credit:
G. MOORTHY
Crowd favourites
“Our day begins in the morning,” says Thasleema. “We finely grind the meat into keema consistency and then mix it with the batter for the vadas. By 4pm, we open the stall, and start frying until 6pm. We sell each piece for ₹5.”
Hot crispy chicken samosas and kari vadas kept for sale at Mahaboopalayam, Madurai.
| Photo Credit:
G. MOORTHY
Another crowd puller along the stretch is the minced chicken-stuffed samosa. K Maideel Batcha, who has been running the shop with his family for several years, prepares chicken, egg and even noodle samosas.
“My brother and his wife help in rolling the samosa sheets, and we keep the fillings ready well in advance. The noodle samosa is especially popular.”
The egg and noodle samosas are priced at ₹15 each, while a chicken samosa costs ₹20.
A little away, opposite the mosque, S Mohamad Yasin draws a steady crowd with crisp chicken varieties. Working alongside his family, he serves what he calls ‘KFC-style’ chicken, apart from hungama chicken, which is golden and crackling on the outside, while soft, juicy and spicy on the inside.
A little away, opposite the mosque, S Mohamad Yasin draws a steady crowd with his crispy chicken varieties. Working alongside his family, he serves what he calls “KFC-style” chicken, apart from his popular Hungama Chicken. Golden and crackling on the outside, while soft, juicy and spicy when having a bite.
Candy chicken made for iftar snacks at Mahaboopalayam.
| Photo Credit:
G. MOORTHY
Another favourite is candy chicken — mildly sweet at first bite, before the heat builds up with every chew. The sweetness in the candy chicken is because the chicken is first coated with breadcrumbs. “Our hungama chicken has been a big hit. We first introduced it in Chennai, where it drew huge crowds. Now that we’ve brought it to Madurai, the response has been just as encouraging,” he says.
While he marinates chicken, his brother prepares the special masala and spice mix, after which everything is fried fresh and served hot.
Golden fried chicken made by Mohamad Yasin at Mahaboopalayam, Madurai.
| Photo Credit:
G. MOORTHY
Syrup-soaked sweets and more
Ramzan Nights Food Park near Simmakkal attracts large crowds with a row of spicy, crunchy bites and syrup-soaked sweets laid out during the evening.
L Karthick Siva, who is organising the food park, says, “Iftar stalls are quite popular in Chennai and Bengaluru. Now, the same has been introduced here by Hotel President in Madurai,” he says. They have Arabic dishes, desserts and drinks.
The stalls open at 5pm and continue till 11pm with snacks priced from ₹40 onwards. Having started just two days ago, the response, he says, has been encouraging. “The two-way cheese stick is a favourite, which is colourful with two layers.”
Hot spicy seekh kebabs displayed at Ramzan Nights food Park near Simmakkal, Madurai.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Comfort food
“We also serve authentic Persian haleem,” he says. “It is prepared with mutton or chicken that is slow-cooked over a low flame until it reaches a thick, smooth consistency. The flavour is mildly sweet with a gentle spice, making it a comforting iftar dish.”
Traditional authentic haleem on display at Ramzan Food Night park near Simmakkal, Madurai.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Another highlight is the seekh kebab. “Made with minced chicken and grilled on skewers, it has that distinct West Asian touch.” For those with a sweet tooth, the popular Mughlai dessert shahi tukda rounds off the spread. He says, “It’s rich and indulgent, the perfect way to end the meal.”
Crispy and colourful two-way cheese sticks displayed at Ramzan Night Food Park near Simmakkal, Madurai.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Published – March 06, 2026 12:16 am IST
