There's something compelling about Eranhipalam. Walk around and it's life in its myriad moods that you see. There's history around and of course, small stories to tell. As you walk along the wide road to the civil station, there's a large canvas of shops and small eateries spread out. To the left of the road are several shops.
Nestling next to the Palayam Mart super store stands a small thattukada. Look closer and you realize it's in fact a small room. There are plants aplenty by the sides. The insides are so small, cramped, in fact, where just about one person can find elbow space.
The interior is fetching. It's a combination of wood and metal with the black of the wood merging with the brown of the metal. There's something fresh about the place and up above stands the name of the shop in bold… Kode Box.
Suraj, the lad inside comes out. On being asked about the cool drinks served in the Box, he rattles out a string of names, mostly incomprehensible… Tropical Collins, Carnival Colada, Passion for Life… and what not!
He's back in a jiffy with a glass of apple juice, green apple pieces mixed with thinly sliced pieces of ice. Along comes Falafel, hot and crispy. Surely this isn't our parippu vadas, as they look quite like them. Suraj waxes eloquent on Falafel. It's an Arabian delicacy, from across the seas, he enlightens all. It's a nice combination of parsley, chickpea and large onion. The garlic mayonnaise dips completes it.
Kode Box is owned by Najeeb who also happens to own the Medora Hotel near the Chest Hospital. All the snacks served in the big hotel are also available here. The tiny joint is open till 1 am to feed all who jaunt along for a bite or a bit of moonlight.
