At the launch of Coorg the Cookbook at The Coorg Wilderness Resort near Madikeri, the Editor of the Upper Crust magazine who had flown down from Mumbai for the event, quietly remarked that she receives dozens of cook books for review. The quality of most books is mediocre, the content very ordinary – but the moment she set her eyes on this book, she knew that she had a CLASSIC – a true world class book. Speaking for myself, there are many cook books in my collection, each promising flavour and finesse. But “Coorg the Cookbook” stands apart – one of its kind. This is well beyond a collection of recipes, it is a cultural document, written with care, conscience and deep respect for Kodava heritage.
What touched me instantly was the book’s first chapter, an introduction to paddy. Rice was not just food for our ancestors – it was life itself. It was the staple diet from time immemorial, grown with reverence in the precious wetlands. Rice is central to our cuisine and to dedicate the first chapter in this manner, the book reminds us that Kodava cuisine does not begin in the kitchen, but in the precious cultivation of our paddy fields and in the rhythm of agrarian life that shaped our people. It is extremely worrisome that paddy cultivation has reduced by half in the district in just two decades – the reasons provided are many, but the implications are far reaching and devastating.
Kaveri Ponnapa’s work is the result of years of dedication and patient research. For decades, she has painstakingly collected and curated recipes from across Kodagu, earning the trust of elderly Kodava women and persuading them to share their closely guarded inheritance – old family recipes. This was not an easy task, for these recipes were never written down – they lived in memory, practice and instinct. The book honours that oral tradition without diluting its authenticity.
The ingredients themselves speak of a time when food was seasonal, local and deeply connected to the land – Bamboo shoots, kaad mange, Mushrooms, madde thoppu, and forest produce that once defined everyday Kodava kitchens. These elements do more than flavour the dishes, they narrate stories of forests, paddy fields and self-sustaining village life. I am glad to see that vegetarian food is correctly given a lot of prominence, as quite frankly the emphasis on pork dishes these days is over done when the world at large talks about Kodava cuisine. Even the best cookbooks in the world have at best 50 recipes. Kaveri has meticulously documented, tested, styled, photographed 130+ recipes before finding its place in the book. I’m told there are more, but that will hopefully appear in her future writings at her hugely popular blog The Coorg Table.
Equally moving is the quiet recognition of women – the understated custodians of Kodava culinary heritage. The release of the book in Bangalore by Mrs. Lalu Uthappa, a retired teacher and exceptional home cook was deeply symbolic. She represented countless women whose knowledge and expertise shaped by generations, but never found a platform or applause. In giving them voice, the book restores pride of place and much deserved dignity to their hard work and wisdom.
The design and photography deserve special mention. Thoughtfully executed and elegant, they complement the narrative without overpowering it. Every page reflects restraint, care and respect for the culture it documents. The design of the cover is outstanding.
At its core, ‘Coorg the cookbook” is about memory. It carries the scent of wet paddy fields, the warmth of wood-fired kitchens, and the quiet pride of a community deeply rooted in its land. In an age of fast food and fading traditions, this book serves as a reminder of who we are, where we come from, and what we stand to lose if we forget. Thamoo Poovaiah of AinMane fame recounted his childhood memories of time spent during the weeklong Puthari festival at his Naad, crabs and koile meen being caught in the paddy fields and the sheer joy of shared community cooked meals.
Care for the environment and the ill effects of irresponsible tourism-based foraging is covered in the book. Depletion of forest cover and related climate change induced drought is of major concern. Kumar Kuttappa, a dyed-in-the-wool tree lover who has preserved all the native trees on his plantation, was quick to acknowledge the integrity of every word penned by the author.
More than a cookbook, this is a heritage archive – one that belongs not just in kitchens, but on the bookshelves of anyone who values Culture, History and Heritage. Every home in Kodagu should have a copy of the book. Foremost amongst food vloggers Kripal Amanna sums up the book by stating… I would use the analogy of a grandma speaking to her granddaughter about the golden land (Pommale Kodagu), that is Coorg – stories about its history, traditions, people, ingredients, food and so much more. This is what the book encapsulates in a manner that is just as captivating and comforting as a grandma’s warm embrace.
Renowned Chef Barianda Naren Thimmaiah rightly says “This is a book to cook from, read and cherish for years.” I wholeheartedly endorse his views. Get your copy before it runs out. Those who dithered in acquiring the author’s masterpiece The Vanishing Kodavas are now rueing the lost opportunity as the book is selling at 10 times its original price. As only Jammada Ganesh Aiyanna from my village at Kaikeri can put it – The Vanishing Kodavas and Coorg the Cookbook have pride of place in our home.
In the words of the author… Cuisine is as much a part of our identity as any other part of our cultural heritage, and there are some remarkable stories in this book that paint a vivid picture of how the cuisine we love evolved. I was blessed by my ancestors to be in the company of people who shared their lived experience and wisdom, and trusted me to put it all down, which I have placed in context, given perspective and put into books that I hope will be a source of knowledge and a reference point, for young people in particular.
Order your copy of the book at: https://kaveriponnapa.com/pre-order-coorg-the-cookbook/
This is a sincere opinion from an elderly reader.
It is not uncommon for scholars to write and publish various types of books and dissertations for their own satisfaction or to transfer their knowledge acquired to society at large. This happens a lot in the academic field.Some books deserve just a glance and be shelved forever. Some are written for occasional reference when the need arises. Some others are to read, digest and quietly enrich the general knowledge of the reader.
The recently published book of Kaveri Ponnapa is a special one of its kind – it combines Coorg (Kodag) history, geography, anthropology, culture, tradition, language and revival of the forgotten way of life!
The impact of modern education, steady urbanisation of the people of Coorg and the somewhat disturbing settlement of people from neighbouring states are the main reasons for forsaking the traditional food habits and way of life. Kaveri’s pioneering and painstaking new treatise is a very important link in rejuvenating the vanishing culture, traditions and food habits of our ancestors. Most of the people of Kodagu have forgotten the names of the dishes of yore – for example – Thiri Payasa, Kumbala Payasa, Berambutt, Gummate Jam, Chippli Pann Jam, etc.
The author has personally visited rural households to collect information, cross-check it for veracity, prepare each of them several times, discuss the findings with elders and write recipes in a very comprehensible manner. This is a very arduous exercise, especially in the modern era. The collection of photographs of rare edible leaves, wild mushrooms, wild fruits, village festivities…are truly praiseworthy. The author has not only visited people of the Kodava community, but also of those who speak Kodava Thakk and follow the Kodava way of life.
This book is certainly not to be kept under lock and key on the bookshelf – it must find a permanent safe place in every Kodava kitchen and as a guide for chefs who want to prepare Kodava food. I have an important suggestion to the parents of brides to give a copy of the book together with traditional vessels and clothes as part of the trousseau.
THIS BOOK WILL NEVER GROW OLD AS LONG AS THERE IS HUNGER AND HUMAN BEINGS EXIST!
Glancing through the book, shows the effort to document minute details on Coorg cuisine and its ancestry.
Coorg the cookbook is a must have book for every Kodava and those in the culinary domain.
Congratulations Kaveri Ponnapa for the meticulously curated research and the presentation of an important part of our heritage.
The book is just outstanding! Loved the layout, splendid cover, the photographs and superb recipes. Truly, a phenomenal effort by Kaveri.
We are busy going through the book. Loved the manner she acknowledges the elderly women who shared and trusted their knowledge, which she narrates with painstaking details.
I just pray that young Kodavas read the book and learn something from it. Sadly, as pointed out in her detailed interview, Coorg cuisine is only available in homes and standards in restaurants are appalling.
Our congratulations to you and the team involved in producing the book with you – world class!
I wish to convey my appreciation for “Coorg the cook book” a work that stands apart for it’s depth, integrity and cultural sensitivity. Author Kaveri Ponnappa has set a powerful and authentic tone by rooting kodava cuisine in the fields of agrarian tradition. I look forward to trying these recipes, cooking alongside my mother- where such food truly belongs. Thank You for preserving kodava heritage with such sincerity and care.
It’s not a cook book, but a slice, no, a wedge of Kodava history and culture seen through the palate. Clearly brings out Kaveri’s deep bond and connection with Kodagu. The book is a clarion call to the relatively small Kodava community (less than 150000 ?) to keep alive valuable heritage. This is an incredible follow up book to her earlier exemplary book The Vanishing Kodavas. The dedication was very apt and didn’t escape me.
Congratulations and deep appreciation for the book.
Going through this beautiful Coorg book today, and honestly, it felt like walking back home. Every page carries so much love for our land, traditions, and food.
My son also noticed something special about the way the recipes are organized. Instead of the usual starters–soups–desserts order, the book’s recipes are arranged by where the ingredients come from— field, Sea, and so on. Such a thoughtful and unique touch.
I can truly feel the effort and pride behind this book. It’s not just recipes… it’s Coorg’s heart on paper ❤️
A real gem for a cookbook collector. Ranks amongst the BEST written and published in the country.
The book has been beautifully produced and reminds me of the highest standards that was set when The Vanishing Kodavas was published. Congratulations!
Ms Mamatha Subbaiah has been astute in pointing out that the author has respected the guardians/custodians of our culinary traditions – our rural households and matriarchs. The stories are deeply insightful, full of respect and interpreted by the author in a very special manner. Recipes have been crafted, tested, measured and obviously tested and presented in a very professional and easy to follow manner.
The chapters have been structured in a very innovative manner – never done before. This is a true “keepsake” for every Kodava home or for that matter a cookbook collector!
I am a writer and poet in Tulu and have followed Kaver Ma’am writings post her outstanding treatise The Vanishing Kodavas. We had further interactions post her publication of A Place Apart – a collection of translated Kodava poems – truly brilliant in its simplicity and content – very hard to achieve.
I am not at all surprised with the content and quality of publication of Coorg the cookbook – it is marvellous. Lots of similarities with Tulu cuisine but the text and stories are very unique – as only she can write. Kaveri wrote her first article on Coorg cuisine in 1989 for The India Magazine, a prominent publication on the culture and heritage of India. Later, in 2009, she wrote an article titled Coorg Modern, for the very popular Food Lovers Magazine, in Bangalore, about the relevance of Coorg cuisine in the modern world, where she also shared several recipes. That was a game changer for the recognition of Coorg food for the world at large.
This quality of cookbook is rare to find for any regional cookbook and ranks with among the best in the world. Every Kodava home should have a copy and also by those who have been exposed to Kodava cuisine.
Reading between the lines, the author has been writing about food and many other topics especially relating to Kodagu for a very long time…..over 35 years. To develop any form of expertise takes time.
We have too many “experts” who either “borrow” or merely repeat what has been written before, without bringing out any new perspective. We also have a number of collators, who publish books based on putting together articles or stories written by others. More often than naught, without acknowledging the source. That is unacceptable, to say the least.
A True Masterpiece on Coorg Cuisine.
This is truly a “must-possess” book for every household and restaurant that loves and serves Coorg cuisine. Even those who believe they have mastered Coorg cooking should revisit their knowledge through this book — it gently challenges and refines one’s understanding of authenticity. I have even told my wife we must cross-check our own recipes!
What makes this book exceptional is its thoughtful blend of socio-anthropology and cuisine, beautifully presented through vibrant, picturesque pages. The production quality is outstanding, designed to endure and crafted with visible passion.
I sincerely thank the author for creating a work that will stand as a definitive reference — perhaps even the rule book — for Coorg cuisine for generations to come.
Mamatha Subbaiah finds timely subjects to write about and executes her plans well. Good book review and sound advice for every Kodava family to buy a book.
We have to thank Kaveri and her team for having left a legacy of such great work and value for all times and forever. Thank you once again.
Through this book, you’ve done far more than document cuisine-you’ve safeguarded memory, ritual, landscape, and lineage. Your scholarship gives Kodava food its rightful place as history on a plate, layered with lived experience, oral tradition, and rigorous research. The literary world is richer for it, and so is our understanding of how deeply culture is carried through kitchens and hearths. This is not just a book to be read, but one to be preserved.
Truly grateful for your work.
Haven’t read the COORG THE COOKBOOK fully, but have given it a cursory glance many times. I was among the few lucky ones to attend both the launches in Bangalore as well as In Kodagu. Going through the wonderful review of the book by Mamtha I am tempted to read this without wasting much time.
Well like the author’s famous first book, THE VANISHING KODAVAS, COORG THE COOKBOOK at first glance comes out as an extremely painstaking and thoroughly researched book with an eye for every minute detail for which KAVERI PONNAPA is very well known for. Like in THE VANISHING KODAVAS, Kaveri has invested humongously in ensuring beautiful photographs are taken which stand apart in the book. The dishes look so enticing mainly because of some brilliant Food Photography.
Well I heard there are more than 130 recepies in the book and some very exclusive ones which over a period of time we shall definitely try at our home. Thanks to Kaveri for chronicling, writing, recording, researching and producing this great book which shall ensure that our gen next shall not miss out some of the very unique and rare recipes from COORG.
This article fills one with immense pride. In an era where regional cuisines are often simplified or stereotyped, it is heartening to see Kodava heritage presented with such depth and dignity. Kaveri Ponnapa has clearly gifted the community something far more valuable than a recipe collection — she has preserved a way of life. Every Kodagu home should indeed own a copy.
Lovely write up by Kodandera Mamatha Subbaiah,
As she mentioned in her article ‘Every home in Kodagu should have a copy of the book’ I agree with her this can be a gift from working kids to their parents, which will take the parents to their childhood days..
I too repeat Get your copy before it runs out..