Kebabs and Kurries...best lamb biryani in Mumbai

I am Bohri Muslim, that should say it all about how i cherish and understand what is a good Lamb Biryani. Having grown up in the queen of suburbs Bandra of Mumbai and attended several functions where biryani was served. I am aware of the details that make for a good biryani. Why did i include Bandra is because it represents the famous 'Hotel Lucky Biryani', then there are small places like Jeff etc which churn out decent briyani's.
All said and done i have been brought up on eating biryani's be it with plain rice or the colored one. Over the years Mumbaikars have started appreciating chicken biryani for various reasons--cost effective, easy to cook, ease of availability.
My quest for good lamb biryani took me to the most talked about place, Kebab's & Kurries---in short KK. This is a restaurant housed inside the ITC Central-Parel a five star, in Central Mumbai. Online they boast of cooking in Brass handi's and on charcoal fire etc. The description made me curious to visit the place. So me and my partner headed to KK on November 17, it was my birthday. I had one thing in mind either i will spoil the evening or make it.

As soon as we entered we made it clear to the attendant Mr Gupta that we are here to have the lamb biryani. He was very pleased about it and said that is one of our specialities, though everything on a limited menus is good this is one of our signature dishes. So we said bring it on.
To start the rendezvous we ordered Chicken Angara, large chunk of chicken pieces marinated and cooked in a tan door and dipped in Pure Ghee and Butter. The plate has six large pieces and we could eat only four. Pheww it was heavy. I HAD SKIPPED LUNCH THAT AFTERNOON.
Then came the Lamb Dum Biryani, in a ceramic bowl with dough all around the rim to ensure the freshness does not fizzle out. For the detailing part---It is basmati rice with very few masalas added, good quantity of lamb, no dry fruits or spices likes elaichi, clove added separately. But the taste of all the flavours is evident in the food. The lamb has bone marrow pieces...Big thumbs up. No potato pieces as is put in Bohri, Bengali and Lucknow style of biryani making. But the richness of the biryani is clearly seen when you realise that your fingers are laced with Pure Ghee. The quantity is sufficient for two persons. It is served with raita which i don't think you should take.
Since it was my birthday we had a complimentary cake as dessert but if it is not yours then go for the Shahi Tukda or the Firni. If your eating like a Nawab then dessert cannot be a sizzling hot brownie.
Well coming to Indian standards the price is on the upper side but if your a food connoisseur then you wont mind. Or else its like the Maruti add..Kitna Deti hai..
As for the ambiance well all star hotels have some what similar ambiance and decors. As for me at some places the food makes the ambiance irrelevant. Service at KK should match up to Taj standards they are a bit weak on personalization with the guest.

PS: Chicken Biryani is rice with a leg piece and cannot be called Biryani.

The Jewel Box by the Koshy's

Bangalore now Bengaluru, the city which was once upon a time a sleepy little village, in the state of Karnataka, has grown out itself over a decade now. People situated in Electronic City, Yelahanka, Hossur road, White Field, hardly come to the Central Business District (CBD) of the city---MG road or Commercial Street. Extended suburbs of the city have malls and gated communities, which is a factor in dissuading them from coming to CBD, add traffic chaos and work in progress on roads.

However, over the years what has stayed in the city for which its locals vouch for is the Jewel Box by the Koshy's situated on the South End of M G Road. The quaint place is divided into an AC/ Non AC section. A place most visited by city based journalist's, advocate's and other professionals who can take an hour out of their busy schedule to enjoy the savories offered by the Koshy's. 

I visited the fifth metro of India, in September, my first visit, my host a couple having stayed there for over eight years was kind enough to take me around the city. I insisted that we go out for lunch to a local eatery and be introduced to the culinary excellence of Karnataka. So we three were standing outside the door of Koshy's after a small struggle to find a parking place in the busy streets. Right, we enter the A/c section, of the Jewel Box mostly for family crowd and for those who want to have a meal. On the left is the non a/c section with steel chairs and wooden tables where the professionals with an hour to spare go, either to sip on chai or eat kheema pav or a pint of beer. 
The right side is more of a proper restaurant with cushion sofa, wooden tables with glass tops a bar and side bar chairs for all kind of patrons. We were greeted by an old attendant who seemed to be associated with Koshy's for a long time. The first question he asked me seeing my condition which was a bit here and there due to the long car journey was "Will you have a beer or something cold to drink" That made me so relaxed and homely, after placing the order for drinks we moved to starters. Fish and chips and chicken dish was superb. Then the main course included daal fry jeera rice for me. The fillings are large and food is of high quality. I know i haven't shared anything on the food but this time i am saying....GO AND CHECK IT OUT FOR YOURSELF AND WRITE BACK TO ME WITH YOUR EXPERIENCE. highly recommended place for any meals of the day at a reasonable cost.          

'Happiness Deli' at fort strictly avoid

The excitement to eat at a place named Happiness Deli, soon went away after the first order came on the table The should have been thick cheesy pasta turned out to be watery. Then the second order another pasta  in red sauce tasted as if we were having uncooked pasta in tomato puree. The jumbo sandwich was dud with a burnt patty stuffed inside lot of cabbage and no tomato or onion slices.
Add to it bad service of getting ketchup, drinking water on your own as there was only one attendant serving to at least three tables. Four of us who visited with an intent to hog were left hungry. As a last dig before we promised not to return to be fleeced, HAPPILY, we tried the deserts, they were decent. The place is small with an attached kitchen, so when our order of chili fries was being cooked we were left coughing.
Before we friends could promise to never return back, we heard a woman on an adjoining table loudly complaining, how she was not given a dip to go with her pasta. The attendant instead of politely replying raised her voice, saying that she could get it provided she was willing to pay extra. Left with no choice as the pasta had arrived at her table she took it. The other complain from the woman was related to Hygiene, there were flies biting her and eating conditions were not good.As the disgruntled customer was raising her concerns and wanting to speak to the manager/owner, the attendant simply told her we will look into the matter. As we left the place we heard her saying, i am very hesitant to pay my bill for the service and conditions through which i have been today.
I hope the management of Happiness Deli a pure veg joint realises that to survive in a cut throat competitive market like fort where innovation in food is a key, sub standard service and food eating conditions wont take them anywhere. Pull up your socks or else there will be more such reviews from others to deal with.  

Khyber for Authentic Indian Food

It started in 1958 with a small place, which presently is the ground floor section of 'Khyber' but over the years it expanded to accommodate 200 seating at a time. The only Indian cuisine serving restaurant at Kala Ghoda among the bee line of restaurants that have come up in nearby buildings, Khyber has become a brand in itself with no other branches anywhere.

As you stand outside a wooden door frame, the real sense of the quality of the resto is hardly forthcoming. But as you enter the marble flooring, exclusive paintings by late M F Hussain and Anjolie Ela Menon take you into a new world of 'experience'.

Climb up the stairs and the open seating as well as corner seating for larger groups with huge tables welcomes every dinner. In 1986 the restaurant was engulfed in fire and had to be shut for three years, after that the owner decided to keep the rustic look of the walls as it is, then it would have been a decision very hard to take but the vision has paid off now. As the look with bright lighting brings warmth to the area.

This was my second visit to Khyber, first one was in 2006 when we celebrated a friends birthday party. Recently three of us decided to have a feast, before the Ganpati visarjan, long holiday for the high court began. Two of us were non-veg and one vegan. So we started with Tandoori chicken.

My vegan friend Urvi, ordered a mix pakora, it took eternity to come as the chef overcooked them in the oil, (a confession which only a good restaurant does to hold on to their customers) but when it arrived we all loved every bit of it. For main course we called for Panner Makhnwala, the quantity was sufficient for three of us, to go with Roti, Nans etc. We ended with a malai kulfi which was perfect.  

The experience of enjoying a meal was complete to add to it was an over attentive staff many of whom have been with the resto for years, we were told one staff was due for retirement after serving for over two decades. The staff was also very forthcoming to gives us a peek into the history of the entire property which not only houses Khyber, but a continental restaurant and pub (now shut). 

Of course there will be a lot of food recommended by the staff and of your personal choice. As for me i can say have anything at Khyber and be rest assured that it will be top quality. As for the prices, it is a little on the higher side, but an experience is always priceless, Isn't it? 




  

Rain Tree only if you get over Coorgi food

If your in Coorg and staying in Madekeri or nearby areas of Siddapur, Dubare and not feasting on Coorgi food. Then I pity you if you really find this place and not tasting the awesome food the warrior clan (Kodavas). Be it Chicken, Pork (they can have it in all of their meals), then as an alternative a better one than those available, step into, Rain Tree.
Seriously why would you want to eat at a hotel, when you should be eating at Coffee Estates of Coorgi's in their ceramic plate and bowls, surrounded by coffee plantation sitting in gazebos with kingfisher and mainas picking on the flowers surrounding the plants nearby.
Anyways this is an alternative to those souls, who are missing on a heavenly experience. Rain tree is situated in Madekeri town, near the town hall. The two year old place has a very limited menu it boast of catering to all taste buds. Be it Chinese Indian and Manglorean dishes, both for the vegans and non.
I was recommended to this place by a Kodaval because we were going to be in the town area, away from his hospitality. So we started with a hot and sour soup, as the weather demanded it. Continuous rains, and little bit of foggy made us have a one by two. Then it was time for a veg starter Corn Kebabs, a delicacy i came to like very much.

The main course had to be Manglorean Chicken curry and Kerala Parotha. The hotel which is open for lunch and dinner with no alcohol served is house inside an old bungalow. It has four areas, the porch, two rooms for large groups, one inside and a coffee house. The staff is courteous and welcoming, though they do ask for you to order all at once but don't mind it, go ahead and do it as food is served late.
An overall a good experience but i still pity you to be there and not savoring the Coorgi food.

Modak-Bappa's favourite Sweet

If modaks could talk they would say don't make me in one more flavour please. The 11-day ganpati season is when you get to enjoy these delicacies, but the sweet shops across Mumbai sell Modaks which are made of Mawa. Unlike the original home made yummy ones made of rice, jaggery, coconut, elaichi which are either steamed or fried. The one that is steamed will be white in colour while the one that is fried will be in brown. These dumpling look alike are to be crushed from the top, add a bit of pure ghee and savour the taste of these mind blowing sweet. Stopping at one wont be easy but having more than two will make you sleep immediately.
In the marketplace this time there are N number of flavoured modaks. A visit to the sweet shop on Saturday was a horrible experience. There was a time when the famous Gauri Shanker in Parel would only sell the three standard falvours---Kesar, Mawa, Coconut. Among the three the first two would run out of stock quickly. Now days, you think of a flavour and you shall get---Butter scotch, chocolate, Anjeer, Kaju, Kandi, Strawberry. Some restaurants even serve, Carrot modak. For those who are witnessing Ganpati festival for the first time and want to taste the original sweet, i suggest head for a maharashtrian house, restaurant or the nearest Kutum Sakhi joint to taste the Bappa favourite Sweet.

My list of places to visit in Mumbai during Ramzan

Its a must visit during ramzan for food lovers, Mohammedali road here i give a run down on what should tasters must have when there, mind my space as am not limiting it to one lane behind the Minara masjid. Tasters will surely appreciate and understand that not everything can be got at one place.

Bara Handi----Housed in Nagdevi street this place does not have a name but its famous enough to do without it. The Nalli Nihari, Bhel, Sukha Ghost, Paya its too good to resist.

Rajdhani Malpua---Hotel Sahara, at LBS marg in Kurla is a hotel which serves the most delicious malpua---the Rajdhani malpua is made of four eggs, mawa and dry fruits.

Chooten Kebab---This you get at Mohammedali road, Hotel Hindustan serving the excellent mince kebabs...The small ones are irresistible...They serve by the plate or dozen and the later one is the right quantity for one person.

Naan Sandwich---Indian Resturant at Bohri Mohalla off bhendi bazaar gives Chicken, Mutton Naan sandwich, an egg and chicken rolls.

Chicken Triple Shezwan rice---Try the chinese cuisine, limit yourself to only one dish at Cafe Firdaus.

Chicken soup or tongue soup----Try this at Bademiya restaurant on Mohammedali road.

Mawa Jaleebi---This you will get only during Ramzaan, Burhanpur jalebi is on Mohammedali road.

Matka Rabdi---Hotel Shalimar, at Dongri serves a good matka rabdi, and kulfi falooda.

Dal Ghosh---Moghul Flavours in Kurla is a good option for the handi dal ghost

Idli House

I have been an idli eater every Sunday for breakfast and now it has become a habit that i will carry it to my grave. The whole idea of eating idli started because the sellers from Dharavi who come with their pom poms used to deliver at home. It was also very cheap, five pieces for Rs 5, now its Rs 10. But apart from the money part its was more about giving a break to the regular breakfast items which were available on week days---Poha, Bread Butter, Eggs, Upma, Malpua, Mince...Soon it became that idli went well with hot jaleebi and the story continues with Dhokla, green peas samosa....Seriously but constant was idli..
Recently i was introduced to a tiny place in Matunga (Central), Rama Nayak's Idli House. I know it has been since decades but it was my first visit. The visit started with Mudho a rolled idli in Kevda leaves. Then came the masala idli, my friends munched on Pepper idli. The two pieces of idlis that i had was filling enough for an equivalent to a dinner.
The other regular type of idlis are also available there be it ---rava idli, kanchipuram idli etc. The kafee in a dabbra is also available. While leaving i took two pieces parcel of everything and trust me the Sunday breakfast was too healthy and filling....Add Molgapudi chutni to it to have the taste of an authentic South Indian idli.
To everyone many more Idli House visits soon...

German Bakery Bread Blasted

This is a piece by my friend Partha Biswas, who lives in Pune and is a regular visitor to the bakery...


More than an eatery, Pune’s German Bakery of late has achieved an iconic status, due to the bomb blast that had ripped apart the Bakery a few years back. Renovated and reopened, the new Bakery is but a shadow of its former self.
Although, the location remains the same, much has changed in way of ambiance and the spread on offer. Rather than the pseudo psychedelic interiors , the resurrected Bakery is done in pristine white and blue. Blue chequered tables under beach umbrellas have replaced the wooden benches while colourful hangings have become a thing of the past. With only portions of the Bakery reopened, be prepared to wait before you are allowed to occupy a table. On weekends, the waiting time can range from anything between 15-45 minutes depending on the time of the day. Thanks to the security concerns, which would be permanently associated with the Bakery metal detectors and security guards have replaced the otherwise,free world aura associated with the Bakery in days of yore.

Once you have managed  to  get inside be prepared for shoddy service, and if your lucky, the blackberry yielding usher would be kind enough to get you the menu card soon.  Apple pie, german cakes and organic salads seems to have disappeared from the menu along with new age food associated with the place. Newer  and more conventional dishes have crept in the menu card, which some old times might find it difficult to digest. The service, which was known to be quick and snappy unfortunately have become slow. Also, the parcel services are not operational yet.
On the whole, go if you want to see some of your dreams wasted. If you want some place to hang around with nothing much to do, then the new GB might be the place for you. May be you would miss the old world charms but change as they say is the only constant

lunch hour : Irani Cafe in South Indian den at Matunga

lunch hour : Irani Cafe in South Indian den at Matunga: Among the few holding Irani cafes in the city, is Koolar&Co. Situated near the matunga circle is this small cafe. As you enter you see p...

Irani Cafe in South Indian den at Matunga

Among the few holding Irani cafes in the city, is Koolar&Co. Situated near the matunga circle is this small cafe. As you enter you see pictures of newspaper clippings of New York times informing about the sinking of the Titanic Ship. Then there is a big poster of Samantha Fox and the lead pair of the film Titanic, Leonardo and Kate. It seems the owner is a big fan of the film.

Kheema Paav

The typical irani cafe rules---don't sit for too long, order will be served in 15 minutes, once order is placed will not be cancelled and a TABLE RESERVED FOR LADIES AND FAMILY are all up there. The now short staff cafe serves dishes like Irani Wrestler Sandwich, Keema Pav, Irani Honey Bun muska. The best is kheema pav and bhurji, if the hunger pangs are not bursting then there is the 2-minute Maggi noodles which is one of the USP and great runner among college students, who often are the only customers at Koolar. 
After meals for tea totlers there is strong Istanbul Tea or the pani cum chai. But how can you not have the caramel custard in a parsi resto it would be cruel on the parsi community, which feels they discovered the dish. Here the custard is small in size but good, go for it. My friend Dilnaz who introduced the place to me said "Nallu custard chee". Finally here the bill is given at the table but payments to be made only at the cash counter.
 

The Pantry, By Woodside Inn

This review is written by a friend, Sunanda 
As you enter the small side walk cafe at Kala Ghoda in south Mumbai you are greeted by over courteous waiters welcoming you to The Pantry. The lazy ambience lulls you to put your feet up and relax. The menu is attached to a wooden writing board taking you back to childhood memories of appearing for examinations.
While the cafe does not offer much variety for the vegetarians the non vegetarians have a better option at food variety. The cafe offers soups, pastas, salads, lasagna, sandwiches, desserts and beverages.  Your offered water in a jug with a cucumber slice in it to retain the freshness.
While the cafe looses points for over pricing and less quantity of food the taste of the dish is the only respite.Although the desserts look mouth watering in the display fridge the Cinnamon Roll was stale and not as soft as one would expect it to be.
The lasagna (veg) was tasty but could have been enjoyd better if served in a covered dish plate instead of a flat plate. The Champion sandwich (non-veg) was good except for quantity. The size of the bread could have been bigger considering it is priced at Rs 235 (approx). The saving grace is that the bread is multi-grain. The eatery which promotes the 'go local' idea of bringing food from its source is a sure shot hit with the patrons who seek local taste at a place closer to them.
As for the ambience the resto has a retro look, with its walls painted white and bar stools at corner tables, or sitting areas in windows, gives a cozy feeling.As for the patrons its mostly the professsionals who attend the resto including Foreigners.
PS: If you have a lot of time then do visit the place for its free wi-fi or just spend some chillax time with friends.

Dada Kondkes restaurant

It was a trip not planned on my way to Mumbai from Pune via the Old Highway, i took a stop at a restaurant named "Dada Kondke's" Bhagyashree restaurant. It like any other highway restaurant but the name intrigued me to take a closer look plus it had a ac section and i was feeling too hot ridding my Papu (Motorcycle).
As i tried to enter the non-ac section the attendant said ''Boss yahan aajaon', reason i was with my wife and he wanted us to sit in the family section which had AC. On being presented the big menu card, i enquired whether it was the marathi film actor who charmed his audience with his double meaning dialogues in movies who owned it. The attendant who was not from Maharashtra replied, yes it is of Late Dada Kondke, it was started 25 years ago and just 10 years back we have got liquor license. Only last year we started this ac section. Earlier all the private buses used to stop here but after the the construction of the Mumbai-Pune expressway business is low. Our guest are mostly locals or you people who by chance drop in but we mostly cater to large parties now. Just yesterday we had a group of 25 people enjoying a birthday party he said.
The resto is run by the actors sister now. It serves mainly cuisines, like Moghlai, Chinese, snacks. Since we were not in a mood to have a three course meal we ordered batata vada and to our surprise it was lovely. Stuffed with a lot of meethi and well cooked the vada melted in the mouth. Tea was too sweet but very milky the kind i like and the one my partner hates. Overall the place has good ambiance has kept ducks in the courtyard, small play area for children and ample parking space. But on a highway near Khopoli, this is a restaurant not going to be visited by outsiders only for food. It will only cater to locals.

PS: The expressway gave and took away employment for many.  

Great experience at the Kumarakom lake resort

On trip advisor among the top 5 resorts at Kumarakom in Kerala is the Kumarakom lake resort. The New York times and other international publications have reviewed the resort in detail. The property is a five star and next to the Taj Vivanta but still it manages to make a brisk business.
The resort spread over acres of land is architecturally well made. With small bridges over the backwaters, houses well built around the back waters allowed inside the property. The resort has a dense plantation which keeps the temperature pleasant even when its 36 degrees in Cochin. The resort is Managed by Paul Hotels which has a boutique hotel in Bangalore also.
On arrival your greeted with the coconut water. Resort has three categories of room, standard, heritage villas and deluxe rooms with a pool. We had booked the Heritage villa with a plunge pool and Jacuzzi. The room no 1234 is the last room facing the infinity pool and the backwaters. The rooms are well built and spacious and the management ensures that a importance is given on cleanliness and hygiene. They clean the room twice a day.
The resort has few indoor activities, like fishing in the backwaters, pottery and mat weaving. All were a fun thing and especially when your with a loved one the experience just heightens. My wife was also able to catch a fish in the hook.
The resort is managed by very hospitable attendants who keep giving you instructions on many things and everything that can be done in and around the area. The major attraction among Indian's is the sunset cruise but among the foreigners its the lunch or over-nigth cruise rides. The price may be a bit high but it worth every penny.
The two restaurants vembanad (Sea food restaurant on the lake) and the multi cuisine restaurant serve good food. Their in-house wine Big Banyan a premium international wine is superb. The chef rolls out lovely cuisines but avoid Indian ones as they are not well made. The complimentary breakfast a treat to see and have. Variety the word might prove to be small seeing the spread. Must have is the quail egg omelet. The overall experience at Kumarakom lake resort is awesome. Wife and me went there with the only agenda of relaxing and we did achieve it.

Old harbour in Fort Kochi

FORT Kochi all throughout i kept thinking there would be some fort but to my surprise there was none. It is just a place filled with heritage house and huge properties bought by people from other parts of India and who have set up uber cool restaurants to please mostly foreign tourist.
Among the various properties that stand there the OLD Harbour stands out ---reason there is an old Mercedes car (Impala) parked outside the main entrance which raised quiet a bit of curiosity. As you enter into the huge porch your greeted with happy looking attendants. Either you can sit in the open veranda without fans or in the rooms. The place also has 14 rooms for lodging.
Mr Shafi the master chef is not the person to monitor his beauties being dolled out from inside the kitchen. He takes rounds of each table connecting with his guest on whether they are comfortable with the food they are eating. To a sardar he speaks in punjabi, to foreigners in English and to Mumbaikar's like us he says kaise ho.
As we sit outside to enjoy our candle night dinner a friend of ours who is a regular visitor to the place and who introduced us to Old Harbour said you must have tiger prawns. An averse to sea food, with a lot of hesitation i eat one and it simply melted, more important no smell. It goes well with red wine (call for rose` wine, its chilled). The bruscheta which is only three pieces of bread has a filling topping. As we move to the main course we as the chef to prepare for us the most authentic kerala mutton curry with appams and there it is lovely lovely curry. The mutton is juicy and soft as it has to be and the appams just slip down your throat with the curry. Add to it a bit of mint chutney and you have stomach full.  For desserts don't miss the carrot cake with ice cream it will the one you have not had elsewhere.
The old harbour hotel is owned by Edgar Pinto an original of Kochi who studied in Fr Agnel school in Mumbai and has a passion for art is also a Salman Khan fan which immediately served as an ice-breaker between us.

PS: As is with all heritage hotels this place may be on the higher side but its surely better than its neighbouring competitors.

Indigo Deli

IT has not been a long time for the SOBO joint Indigo Deli to open its branch in Bandra at the premise which earlier housed Da-Vinci. The interiors of the place are quiet like the Big boss house, with round tables and to reach a table you might have to go around a few but its a good design. Comfortable seating and spacious and complete privacy is offered at the resto.
When it comes to food my friend Arun with whom we had been for a Christmas dinner said the food is expensive but insanely delicious an it was proved right. The food portions are lovely and well marinated. The coolers are heavy, like the banana shake or the kiwi drink is too heavy it may deter you from min course. For starters its a compulsion to order their bread its superbly crispy.
At my table there was a mixed of eaters non veg, only veg, those who were veg that day and those who wanted to eat non veg that day. So we ordered one veg sandwich, roasted chicken, plain veg pasta, beef and pizza. Everyone enjoyed the food and for desserts which we normally have at least three among four ordered one chocolate burst pastry.
The one negative thing that i have to mention about the place is that it does have all the alcohol and food but there is one thing missing in the service? hospitality is not personal and is more run as a corporate food joint. Hope this changes.