Byju's Shop in Kottayam Gains Popularity for Its Lime Juice

Located near Kottayam town, a small grocery store once endured decades of regular thefts. This led to the nickname 'Thazilla Kada', or the 'Lockless Shop', as it seemed thieves could effortlessly make off with produce and goods. The shop was originally opened by a man named Kutty, who found items missing every morning despite locking the shop securely at night.

Kutty's son, Byju, who now runs the shop with his wife Bindhu, revealed that moving the shop to a different side of the Kaduvakkulam junction 20 years ago ended the long-standing problem of theft. Despite this change, Byju admits he has no definitive explanation for why the robberies ceased at the new location.

Today, the shop is a local attraction not just for everyday groceries but increasingly for its remarkable lime juice. Made with what Byju describes as the best lemons, sugar, and soda available, the beverage has become a highlight for patrons, though Byju insists there is no secret ingredient. Bindhu adds that they serve the drink with love and attention to quality, which they believe draws people back repeatedly.

The shop, a vital source of livelihood for Byju and Bindhu, used to operate from early morning until midnight but now closes earlier at 10 p.m., due to Byju citing age-related fatigue.