As Chennai’s scorching summer settles, hawkers who offer summer treats are out in the market places.
We spotted in the Mandaveli Street side market, Konnurangam’s space where fresh nungus ( ice apples) are sold every morning.
He tells us he is from Madurantakam in Chengalpattu district. Every day at 4 a.m., Konnurangam begins his journey from Madurantakam, where he handpicks the fresh produce from a trusted farm in that zone.
Traveling in a Tata Ace Gold, he reaches a point on Ramakrishna Mutt Road in Mylapore by 6 a.m., setting up his roadside stall.
For Rs.100, he offers a dozen of these translucent, hydrating delights — a deal that has quickly earned him a loyal following.
In just a week of operation, his stall has become a local sensation, drawing passersby, commuters, and heat-weary residents seeking a natural cool-down.
Praised for their cooling and detoxifying properties, ice apples are a seasonal favourite in Tamil Nadu.
There are many others like Konnurangam who source nungus from areas like the ECR / OMR and Chengalppatu, bring them to the city and re-distribute the fruit to local hawkers or sell it themselves.
– Report, photo by Akshita K. / She is a Mylapore Times Journalism course student
