Pal Kova – Best you can find

Pal Kova or Palkhoa (Pronounced Paal Goa) brings to mind Srivilliputhur to those who have tasted this culinary masterpiece from this tiny place in Southern Tamil Nadu. Situated in Virudhunagar District on the way to Tenkasi, Srivilliputhur is a temple town, famous for its Andal Temple.

But for foodies, its much more famous for the famous Pal Kova. The Pal Kova is a sweet dish made from milk, sugar & ghee. Surprisingly its cheap. If you buy it in Srivilliputhur that is.
The milk from the region is of very high quality & this contributes to the taste.

The Pal Kova is usually slightly yellowish in colour & is semi solid in texture. It is usually sold wrapped in tiny packets. A lot of businesses in Srivilliputhur make their living from selling the Pal Kova. The Pal Kova is so famous across Tamil Nadu, that when Five Star hotels are working on a Tamil Nadu theme, the Pal Kova finds its place among the Tirunelveli halwa, Virudhunagar Kothu Parotta & the Madurai Jigarthanda to name a few.

Of course, it would be cheaper to travel to Srivilliputhur & taste the authentic Pal Kova than to have it from a Five Star Hotel. The Pal Kova is ubiquitous in Srivilliputhur. Be it the bus stand, the market or on the roadside, you are bound to find hawkers selling packets of various sizes. Its prized reasonably from about Rs.2 depending on the quantity. In fact, enterprising hawkers even board trains passing through Srivilliputhur and sell the Pal Kova. The sweet is also available in most towns neighbouring Srivilliputhur.

A characteristic shared by the Pal Kova with the Tirunelveli Halwa is that it melts in the mouth. The texture is slightly grainy but it is splendid nonetheless. However, as with all good things, its fattening and its best taken occasionally.

If you ever happen to be passing through Srivilliputhur, don’t forget to buy a packet of Pal Kova. It makes a terrific dessert after a heavy meal.

Cheers!