CHOWK DE INDIA!

YOU
www.bangaloremirror.com/you

BangaloreMirror

| FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012

20

No-276, 100 feet Road, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar, Bangalore 560038 Ph: 080- 40920585

Khaaja Chowk,

Manu Prasad bmfeedback@indiatimes.com

DURGESH KUMAR Y

Food Owner(s) Chef Alcohol Wine list Price range

itschy chic makes for a good oxymoron, and Id probably use the dcor of Khaaja Chowk as its poster child. Posters are exactly where well start, the ones I was caught gaping at, and then clicking away furiously. If you love Bollywood as I do, theres no way youd miss the chance to capture micro posters of Shaitan Mujrim, Pistol Wali and so on! Or, you could take a step back and walk up the last flight of stairs that lead to the restaurant on the third floor, its walls adorned with framed retro matrimonial columns, lottery tickets and matchbox covers! Theres no escape once youre inside either! Internet darlings like Child Bear and Lick-her-Shop take their rightful place alongside more to-thepoint shop hoarding graphics like Angrezi Sharab ki Dukaan. Youd also want to check out that special table with bindis, clips and nail polish sets under a glass top. The autorickshaw tables deserve a special mention, perfect for a group of 4. The person to thank for all the above is Vikram Nair, who started the chain of restaurants several years ago in Gurgaon and brought it to Bangalore a month and a half back. Interesting trivia is that his sister is Mira Nair, no, not a namesake, the filmmaker herself.

Parking Wheelchair access Service

gravy that was mildly spicy and creamy and had koftas that just smoothly slide down. The Chicken Chengezi is not as fiery as its name makes it out to be and is supposed to be only mildly spicy. It was exactly that, but had a slight tan (for a dish supposed to be made in milk and cream) and was missing the boiled egg. However, it was well cooked and quite tasty. The Rara Gosht was the least impressive the gravy was too greasy for our liking and the meat was unevenly cooked, actually mostly rubbery. The naans were standard and if you like spice, you might want to try the Rogni Naan. The Matka Biryani Chicken came late to the party but got a good response subtle flavours, not greasy and succulent chicken pieces. Khaaja and the Rocket Kulfi were the standout items in the menu, so we decided to test them. The Kulfis flowery presentation needs a special mention and it also turned out reasonably well, though quite subtle. We liked the Rabri Khaaja more though, thanks to its combination of a crunchy base and a malai-based topping.

Unabashedly Indian Vikram Nair Kailash Chand (corporate chef) Yes Not exhaustive, but sufficient options. Mocktails too A mocktail, a lassi, a non-veg starter, a couple of naans, a veg and non-veg dish for the main course, and a shareed kulfi (approx `1,200 inclusive of taxes) Valet parking available. No

Appetisers: It was difficult to get the

From top: Non-veg kabab platter; Makhmali Kofta curry; Chicken Chengezi; Rabri Khaaja

visual treat to take a backseat, but we finally managed to get down to business with a Cheese Chilli Seekh Kabab, a Khaaji ki Chaat and a nonveg Kabab Platter. The chaat turned out to be standard papdi chaat fare, save the sev, and with a cabbage signature! The chilli dominated the Cheese Chilli kabab and the cheese was relegated to the background in terms of flavour, but is highly recommended if you dont mind some spice. The non-veg platter consists of

Chicken Banno Kabab, Chicken Burrah Kabab and Mutton Seekh Kabab. The Burrah Kabab was the best of the lot, mildly spicy and juicy. The seekh lost out only because it was slightly crumbly, though its flavours were just right. The Banno Kabab was subtle to the point of being bland, and was the least favourite. We also tried a sweet lassi to wash it all down, but that was quite a disappointment, mostly thanks to the sour curd! The other drink we tried was the Virgin Mary Masala standard tomato juice and Worcestershire sauce but with green chillies and masala desi twist that made the drink special.

Friendly, but loses its efficiency as the crowd increases Sound level Bollywood music from the 80s/ 90s at the perfect sound level Hours 12pm to 3:30pm (lunch), and 7pm11.00pm (dinner). Home delivery No, though a takeaway option is available. Reservations Good idea, since it does get crowded.

BM VERDICT

10

Afters: The Rabri

Entree: The menu seems a toned

down version of the one available at other outlets of the chain. Quite surprisingly for the crowd involved, the dish that became an instant favourite was a vegetarian one the Makhmali Kofta curry, a white cashew-based

under-the-sky meal, and all the seating options even the ones inside have their own charm, in addition to the overall ambience. Add to it, the serendipity of rediscovering 90s Bollywood songs, and we have a box office winner. The only villain in the piece was the tardy service once the place got crowded. The meal started and ended well, though the main course could have been better. For all of this, you should definitely drop in. If not a chakka, at least a chauka is guaranteed.

In all: We had perfect weather for an

Bangalore Mirror reviews anonymously and pays for meals

DURGESH KUMAR Y

This paper-thin, light dosa is a delicacy that has its roots in the Tulu Nadu region of Karnataka. The Byari Muslims call it poo-pole

FIVE OF A KIND - NEER DOSA

COMPILED BY JAYANTHI MADHUKAR

ADITHYA RESTAURANT

JP Nagar, diagonally opp Ranga Shankara Price: `26 for two like neer dosas for the simple taste. They serve it with coconut chutney and sweet chutney made with jaggery. For a light breakfast, this is a good option. The good part is the dish can be eaten with chutney or curry. It is best eaten hot and fresh. T Sudarshan, engineer

3 Coles Road, Frazer Town Price: `20 for two eer dosas are my staple order here. They are authentic and tasty. They go well with any accompaniment, be it chicken or fish curry. It is a refreshing change from rice or roti. The prawn roast masala goes particularly well with the neer dosas. Suresh Menon, HR manager

MANGALORE PEARL

16, Raja Ram Mohan Roy Road Price: `50 for five usually order one plate of neer dosas with chicken curry. This is a good meal to have and the light and fluffy texture of the neer dosas makes it easier to soak in the gravy. I like to order neer dosas instead of rice or chapati. S Madhavan, graphic designer

KUDLA RESTAURANT

5th Block, Koramangala, near Jyothi Nivas Price: `34 for two his place serves light and tasty neer dosas with coconut chutney. I usually come here on a weekday for breakfast before work. The dosas are good when they are straight from the tava. I am a Mangalorean and love the authentic taste. Kavita Karpe, homemaker

UDUPI KRISHNA BHAVAN

KUBAY

110, 6th Cross, 6th Block, Koramangala Price: `50 for five eer dosa is also called panpole and I love to have it with their chicken curry. This combination is for Rs 120 only a good and fulfilling meal indeed. Lighter the texture, the better is the neer dosa. I have eaten this dish here many times. Jignesh P, businessman

Next week: Puliyogare

Do you believe you have tasted the best puliyogare in Bangalore? Then write to us about it. In 50-100 words. Mention the name of the eatery, the place, cost and why you think it is the best puliyogare in the city. We will test your choices and give our verdict next week. Send your choices to bmfeatures@indiatimes.com