Some of the places I remember most fondly from my childhood were not landmarks. They were small shops, familiar stops on the way home and places that sent something delicious back to the family.
They belonged to our everyday Mangalore. We knew them by the people who ran them, what we bought there and the memories we carried home.
Sanjeevanna na Angadi
This little shop at the intersection was our bonda stop on the way home. That is how I remember it: not by a formal address, but by its place in our journey.
Johnny na Angadi
Near my brothers’ home at KPT was Johnny na Angadi, run by the most joyful Johnny and his family.
I remember picking up ready-made sannas to go with Babuli aunty’s delicious chicken or mutton curry. Johnny would generously offer us a “cold”, which are basically sodas. My favourite was the orange “Joy”. Sometimes my brothers would buy us or sometimes Johnny would offer it for free. Precious moments of my life
Bread da angadi
At Amma’s Bejai home, those half, uncut loaves from City Bakery were a Sunday special. They were meant to be torn into and used to mop up chicken or mutton curry. The shop was down the slope at the back of Pais Gardens. It was run by Shekaranna who would sell these loaves and other essentials.
Mama Mia
Mama Mia, the bar and restaurant in Bejai, was a popular spot with the uncles and one of my dad’s favourite hangouts.
For the women and children back home, the part we looked forward to was the food that came back packed: chicken 65 and kebabs.
A different kind of hidden gem
These are not places I can send you to on your next visit. This is a little walk through the Mangalore I grew up with.
The city changes. Shops disappear, buildings take their place and familiar corners look different. But a bonda stop, Johnny’s joyful welcome, Sunday bread at Amma’s and a parcel from Dad can stay with you for years.
That is the thing about home. Part of it is where we return to. Part of it is what we remember.