No rap, nor hip-hop here. Instead, let’s talk beef! It’s the season of spirits and meaty stuff. Jiving up the moment and dishing out zanily-worded stuff is Gangsta Wrap, the latest hotspot of foodies on Thevara Ferry Road in Kochi.
Perhaps, meat loaf could have been a better name for the Gangsta Wrap hole where you are offered Veerappan Vindaloo and Nutella Devi shake…both deadly delicious, but unfortunately named after deadly real-life characters. While the latter wrap reminds one of the outlawed brigand’s mustache, the shake is dedicated to dacoit queen Phoolan Devi. More items tumble out: Billy the Beef, Pablo Oreobar, pistol beef, Jimmy the Gent and Tomy the Prawn. These are but a few of the weird names the rolls, wraps and shakes whipped up here, share.
Billy the beef is the chef’s special. The now-famous wrap is a mixture of Kerala’s own beef fry mixed with European ingredients and dressings and rolled into paranthas. This mix is also rolled into ordinary Malabar parathas. The sinfully delicious wrap is eaten to the accompaniment of salted vegetables, cheese and a “mystery” sauce.
Let’s meet chef Ashwin Chiramel, a native of Thrissur and proud owner of Gangsta Wrap. An engineering graduate from Manipal, Ashwin left home to train himself in what he loved best…cookery. After perfecting his culinary skills in France and New Zealand, Ashwin decided to head back home and set up his food joint in Kochi, where he has been treating foodies to a combo of native and western tastes.
Music buffs who would love to recall Gangsta rap’s hip-hop style may well wonder what a rap-style jig’s got to do with food.
Ah, here lies Ashwin’s secret. He is out to WRAP foodies with the tastiest bites. Happy Easter! Bite into the wraps. Try out Gangsta Wrap.
