The Hyderabad Connection: Malayali Stores Bringing Home to the City
In different corners of Hyderabad, there are approximately 80 Kerala stores that are more than just grocery shops. They are a slice of home for over five lakh Malayalis living in the city. Walking into one of these stores, you are greeted with familiar sights like banana chips, tapioca, coconut oil, and pappadam. These simple items hold a special place in the hearts of many Malayalis in Hyderabad, reminding them of family, festivals, and meals from their childhood.
Meet Raghunathan, the owner of ‘New Kerala Stores’ in Uppal, who moved to Hyderabad from Thiruvananthapuram in 1985. Originally coming to the city in search of a job, he ended up establishing a store with his wife that has been running for five years now. They take pride in making their own banana chips, which according to them, taste just like the ones back home. It’s not just about the food for Raghunathan; it’s about the emotions and memories that come with it.
Wholesale supplier Pradeep, hailing from Kannur, Kerala, is the man behind the Kerala products found in most stores in Hyderabad. Starting from a small shop in Monda Market in Secunderabad, he has expanded his business to cater to over 50 Kerala stores, hotels, and supermarkets in the city. Malayalis flock to these stores for their favorite chips, pappadam, tapioca, pickles, and other items that transport them back to their roots. It’s not just a transaction for Pradeep; it’s a way of preserving Malayali culture and traditions in a bustling city like Hyderabad.
Pushpachandran and Santhosh, owners of two of the oldest Kerala stores in Hyderabad, have their own stories of how they found their place in the city’s market. Pushpachandran, who opened his store in Fateh Nagar in 1997, initially struggled to attract customers. However, with time, more Malayalis started frequenting his shop, leading to an increase in sales. On the other hand, Santhosh, running ‘Devi Kerala Stores’ in Safilguda since 2000, has been a one-man show, serving the community with tapioca and banana, among other essentials.
For Binoy, a Hyderabad native with roots in Kozhikode, these Kerala stores are a lifeline to his culture. His regular purchases of nendran banana, coconut oil, chips, and pickles not only keep him connected to his heritage but also introduce his non-Malayali friends to Kerala’s flavors. It’s not just about the products for Binoy; it’s about sharing a piece of his identity with others.
In Picket, Secunderabad, ‘Achoos’ stands out as a modern Kerala store run by Parthasarathy from Thrissur. After a stint in multinational companies, he decided to start his own business in 2009, bringing a taste of Kerala to Hyderabad. With products sourced from Kodungallur and online delivery services, ‘Achoos’ caters to a diverse customer base, from Malayalis looking for a taste of home to curious locals eager to try Kerala snacks.
Despite their varied backgrounds and journeys, these store owners share a common goal: to keep Kerala’s essence alive in a bustling city like Hyderabad. For the Malayali community, these stores offer more than just products; they offer a sense of belonging, a space to converse in Malayalam, and a gentle reminder that home is never too far away, even in a metropolitan setting.
