In the bustling streets near the Meenakshi Amman Temple, a small shop continues to draw crowds, just as it has done for generations. The Aathi Kalathu Original Nei Mittai Kadai, which is more than 130 years old, is easy to spot near Pudumandapam thanks to its red board. Inside, shelves and the trays are filled with sweets and savouries that have been sold here for decades.
People buying and tasting halwa at Aathi Kalathu Nei Mittai Kadai near Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple in Madurai.
| Photo Credit:
R. ASHOK
S Narasiman Sundaresan, who currently runs the shop, says the place was started by his forefather, G Muthuswamy Chettiar. It was later run by his son, M Rajamanickam, and, in the 1950s, by N Sundaresan, a close relative and Narasiman’s father. Over the years, the family has kept one aspect unchanged — the taste. “We have not added new items just because they are popular now,” says Narasiman.
