Ooty Varkey, a crispy, layered tea-time snack, has deep cultural roots in the Nilgiri region of Tamil Nadu, especially Ooty. While its exact origins are unclear, it’s thought to have been inspired by British colonial-era biscuits, which were adapted by local bakers to suit regional tastes. Ooty Varkey is crafted with ingredients like wheat flour, mava (a blend including banana and sugar), ghee, and vegetable shortening, and baked slowly to achieve its signature crunch. The distinct climate and water quality in Ooty are believed to add to its unique flavor, making it a cherished local delicacy.
To protect this specialty, Ooty Varkey received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, which safeguards its authenticity and supports local bakers by ensuring that the snack can only be marketed as “Ooty Varkey” if it originates from the Nilgiris.
