Kochi's 'Hot Kulfi' girl secures premier campus placement right after graduation

KOCHI: In a remarkable testament to grit and hard work, Meenakshi—a student entrepreneur who went viral for selling unique "hot kulfis" at a roadside eatery—has secured a lucrative corporate job immediately upon graduating. Starting June 1, she will take charge as a Production Executive in the quality control department of a premier seafood exporting firm in Kochi.

The campus placement offer features a highly competitive salary package and complimentary accommodation. Demonstrating the same work ethic that defined her college years, Meenakshi has announced she has no intention of abandoning her culinary roots; she plans to balance her corporate career with her entrepreneurial venture.

Viral Phenomenon

Located at Thekkumbhagom on the Tripunithura-Vaikom Road, Meenakshi’s food stall became an overnight sensation after its unique offerings were spotlighted by Kerala Kaumudi. Breaking away from traditional desserts, the stall specialises in savoury, ice-pop-shaped "Chicken Kulfi" and "Egg Kulfi." Alongside her maternal grandmother, Mayamma, Meenakshi transformed the modest eatery into a local hotspot.

Balancing Books and Business

Meenakshi recently completed her degree in Industrial Fisheries at St. Albert’s College, Ernakulam. Her daily routine was gruelling: attending lectures by day and managing the food stall by evening. Her specialised academic background and sharp practical skills paid off during recent campus recruitment drives, where she emerged as the sole candidate selected by the exporting giant for the prestigious role.

Born into a hardworking family—to Shaiju, a carpenter, and Bindu, a construction firm employee—Meenakshi's success is a proud moment for her household.

Recipe for Success

The stall’s signature dishes are prepared using a specialised gas-operated machine. Priced accessibly at ₹50 for the egg variant and ₹70 for the chicken, the dishes owe their immense popularity to a closely guarded, proprietary spice blend that delivers an exceptional flavour profile.

Despite her impending transition into the corporate world, the continuity of the business remains secure.

"My younger brothers, Aswath and Sreerag, will be stepping in to assist our grandmother at the stall," Meenakshi said, speaking on her future plans. "As for me, I’ll be right back at the counter on my days off."