City Hotel — Restaurant in Kerala

THE BEST MUTTON CURRY IN MY HOMETOWN I relearnt a lesson again.

The lesson was – Do not search for the ‘Perfect Beef Fry’, Curry or Roast in Kollam, my hometown. Back in the days, Kollam was a quaint town and called Quilon. Later upgraded to a city and renamed Kollam, my search for the ‘Perfect Beef Fry’ here sadly came to an end. There never was the perfect beef fry ever in town. Back in the ‘70’s or even today. This morning (9.11.2019), just as the Supreme Court ended one of the oldest cases in the Indian Law annals and courts – The controversial Ram Janmabhoomi case in Ayodhya, with a verdict from a 5 member bench of Judges, I personally decided on my verdict on the long debated, meaty issue of Kollam Town’s go-to Beef spot.. Kollam or Quilon (as it was known earlier) is definitely a Mutton town. Always was and still is. My search for the ‘Perfect Beef Fry’ had just screeched to a stop.

But that would not put me down, as I focused my search on which Hotel or Restaurant serves the ‘Best Mutton Curry’ in Town. Back in the seventies was when Quilon Hotels turned into food institutions. The iconic names then were SALIM HOTEL, Sheriff’s RAMEES HOTEL, Mohammed Kunju’s FAYALVAN HOTEL and a few 8 km out of Kollam - CITY HOTEL. Back then all famous for their versions of Mutton Curry and Parottas. Beef was never on their agenda. Not only did we frequent all of them, we knew their owners too.

Sheriff, the owner of RAMEES HOTEL was more than a friend, philosopher and culinary advisor. I still remember him playing a vinyl of Carlos Santana’s Greatest Hits album for us on Tower speakers placed outside the Hotel. As the sun set that night on the town, Sheriff opened up his speakers. Almost inviting folks in with this salsa, soul beat. Santana’s wailing guitar almost gave a perfectly synchronized soundtrack to the aroma of mutton wafting out of Sheriff’s Hotel.) Sheriff, the showman had turned eating ‘Parotta and Mutton Curry’ at his hotel into an event. Soundtrack, table cloth and all.

SALIM HOTEL, bang on Main Street served up a thicker, gooey version of Mutton Curry.

FAYALVAN HOTEL, complete with Black ‘n’ White portraits of muscled wrestler’s framed up on the wall silently spread the message ‘Strong Wrestlers swear by Mutton’. This Hotel is where we ate with Head – Load workers who gorged into their famous mutton curry and biriyani rubbing shoulders with other merchants and shopkeepers of the Kollam Market area.

CITY HOTEL was out of Kollam at the 2nd Milestone. Yes, we cycled it then and later graduated to pillions on motorbikes and later inside comfortable, air-conditioned cars. This 8 km ride was always worth it. All for their Parottas and Mutton curry. Now, when I experiment and eat stuff at most of the ‘NEW’ Restaurants and Hotels in Kollam, I am yet to cherish any Mutton Dish that I would relish and repeatedly come back for. Sad. But, believe me or not here is my verdict. The Best Mutton Curry you can eat in Kollam is not exactly in Kollam town. It is still 8 km away at the 2nd Milestone. The very same CITY HOTEL we cycled to all those years ago. I declare it the Best Mutton Curry and Parottas I have enjoyed in Kollam this trip, along with friends.

So the award goes to… CITY HOTEL, 2nd Milestone, Kilikollur, Kollam. A light, juicy mutton curry with just the right spicing. And every bite of mutton as flavoursome as the rest. Opened in 1960, I hear they used to sell fresh mutton too. Be it the meat or the masala mix, they serve the best Mutton in...

City Hotel, a renowned establishment in the heart of the city, is a culinary gem that promises an unforgettable dining experience. Renowned for its exquisite blend of flavors and aromas, City Hotel never fails to impress its patrons. One of their standout dishes is the classic combination of Porotta and Mutton Curry, a local favorite that truly showcases the chef's expertise.

The Porotta, a layered flatbread, is a perfect balance of softness and flakiness, with each layer delicately crafted to perfection. Its texture provides the ideal canvas for the rich and flavorful Mutton Curry. The curry, a tantalizing blend of tender mutton pieces and aromatic spices, is a testament to the chef's skill and dedication to authenticity.

What sets City Hotel apart is not just the quality of their food, but also the warmth and hospitality of their staff. The ambiance is inviting, with a charming blend of modernity and tradition, making it an ideal place for a casual meal or a special celebration.

In conclusion, City Hotel is a culinary destination that should not be missed. Whether you're a local looking for a taste of home or a traveler seeking an authentic experience, City Hotel's Porotta and Mutton Curry will surely leave a...

City Hotel in Kollam is a true gem for food lovers, especially for those seeking authentic mutton dishes. Known for serving some of the best mutton delicacies in the city, the restaurant has a well-earned reputation for quality and taste. Their approach to food is “fresh is best”—they only use fresh chicken and meat each day, and once the stock is finished, there are no alternatives until the next day, ensuring that what you get is always top-notch.

The restaurant has an old-world charm, with a "like old is gold" atmosphere, evoking nostalgia in its regular customers. Despite being located in Kollam, a cool and calm city, City Hotel is always buzzing with activity. The crowd, however, isn’t a sign of chaos but rather a testament to the management’s dedication to service and quality. For them, customer happiness is the real success, and that focus on delivering a great experience shines through in every meal.

While the restaurant can get quite crowded, it’s worth the wait. The warmth and hospitality of the staff make you feel welcomed, and the food never disappoints. If you’re in Kollam and crave authentic, fresh mutton or chicken dishes, City Hotel should be at the top...