It’s Farakh’s wedding day and I’ve been invited to share in his final feast as a single man. The meal is breakfast, but this is no ordinary egg and toast affair. Farakh’s parents are throwing him a traditional groom’s breakfast, featuring his most favorite Southern Indian dishes. Knowing Farakh and his outspoken affinity for sheep offal, this was going to be good.

An incredible spread awaited us at Farakh’s family’s home. Prepared and delivered to the house by a local cook, we watched with growling stomachs as each homemade platter was unwrapped and carefully arranged on the dining table.

If these were all of Farakh’s faves, I was totally onboard. Deep fried mutton rolls, freshly made flatbreads, mincemeat, seviyan (a type of wheat vermicelli), samosas, cakes and cookies littered the table. For the more adventurous AM appetite (i.e. Farakh and myself), platters of both sheep’s brain and feet rounded out the meal.

Stacks of paratha (pan-fried flatbread) – both wheat and white bread were served.

All of the dishes, like these crisp samosas (both vegetarian and meat) are flecked with silver leaf in honor of the wedding.

From the moment the traditional groom’s breakfast came into play, Farakh couldn’t stop talking about his love for sheep’s brains. This is not an episode of “Fear Factor,” in Southern India, this dish is legit. Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it, kids. The flavor is fantastic.

I chow down with Farakh’s friends, enjoying every bite. We’re taking a break from sorting the piles of place cards at our knees. It is the universal rule of matrimony (particularly applying to destination weddings) that all good friends of the betrothed are put to work. The morning’s task was to help Farakh’s family address and adorn the 300+ place cards for the following evening’s seated reception dinner.

I absolutely loved this savory, spicy Indian breakfast. Farakh clearly has great taste. It’s so exciting when I have the opportunity to try something completely new and different. Sheep’s trotters and brains were undoubtedly a breakfast first for me, but then again, so was the seviyan.  Another “Breakfast of Champions” for the books.

Video below: I get the full rundown on the delicious Bangalorean breakfast from Farakh’s mother.