It is almost 6pm and there is 40 minutes to go for iftar, the evening meal to break the fast during Ramzan. Ramees Raja is frying kaima (minced meat) vadas over a gigantic iron wok at a fervent pace. He works at Kaima Kanji Shop on Eswaran Koil Street, Kottaimedu, and now is his busiest hour. Outside, a glass counter has been set up for iftar snacks such as masala vadas, onion samosas, egg bondas, and minced meat cutlets. A huge crowd has formed at the shop.
This road leading to the mosque hosts over 50 outlets and cold drink shops and comes alive towards dusk. Many of them have set up counters outside for easy access, and have cut prices for the festive season. Varna Café, for instance, sells burgers stuffed with masala-infused boiled eggs for ₹10. “This is a hit with children,” says 24-year-old Salman Tariq who owns the place.
