SUFRA, MUMBAI
I had across this while shopping in Colaba and was actually heading to Theobroma which is in the same lane. The cafe looked interesting and upon seeing that it was by Moshes and that it served Arabian Cuisine, perked up my interest in it. Next I knew, as soon as I reached home I did a search and my joy to know they serve Kabsa! I have not heard Kabsa in a really long time. So my joy didn'tknow any boundaries and well, it was decided I just have to head here.
Though I had first laid sight on the place on Colaba, they had one in Bandra as well and since it would be more convenient to head here I went here rather than the Colaba one. Though now I wish, I had gone to the Colaba one. It seemed more comfortable. Reason being, as soon as we entered here, we couldn't spot any seating and were told we would have to first place our orders and pay for our meals and only then we can go upstairs. I wish I had seen the upstairs. The upstairs is basically big enough to fit one single bed with chairs on either sides. That Tiny and also with what so ever no ventilation, forget an air conditioner and as you know the weather is taking a turn. A turn where its dry and humid at the same time. There is just one wall fan which is actually a table fan but you won't even feel the air if you are sitting at the other end which we were. And Icing on the cake will be when in this cramped space there is a loud group occupying the space near to you. I have no issue with the loudness. It happens when you are with your close buddies. But in this little space, it gets to be annoying because it feels like you can-not make any conversation. What I mean to say is they need to improve on this aspect. No Ventilation + Cramped Up Seating + Loud People does not make a great combination. Who Knew that right?!
I can't really talk much about the service since their part I believe is to only take orders and ensure it reaches the guests. The upstairs is more like a Balcony I would say. My Balcony might be bigger than that. But we had already places our orders and I did actually want t eat some authentic Arabian Cuisine, so we concentrated on just that. So we placed order for Hummus with Chicken, Kabsa and Roast Chicken. The Hummus is a fine paste as it should be and honestly the best hummus I have had in Mumbai. I have had at varied places but this has to be the best of the lot. This is a very signature and staple dish found in the gulf and not so easy to remake. Yet, full points to them as I was literally licking my fingers off. Word of Caution though - Hummus requires acquired taste, because in my experience I have found that the friends that I have made in India do not like it much. If you do, I love you already. :) Next was the Kabsa, which came with a cauliflower paste (sauce) and Arabian style chilies that were pickled. Again Full Points and this is one dish that my friend who had accompanied us and who has not had Arabian cuisine before liked. More than just liked. she devoured it. Her first reaction was that this looks like an ordinary biryani, but the moment she had her first bite, her reaction told me that it is not like a Biryani. A Biryani and Kabsa are as different as a frankie and a Shawarma. While both have their own distinct flavors, it is just not the same. Finally, the Roast Chicken. This was love at first bite. I have not had such good chicken in a really really and I mean really long time. It was slow cooked and you can just feel that when the flavors mingle in your mouth. Like it was roasted slowly letting all the spices sink in and exactly tot he right extent. Many a times I find that when you say Roast Chicken, it is assumed to be bland and without any flavour. This was not the case here. So if I had to rate them on the Food. It would be Full Marks because I can still feel the taste lingering in my mouth and the craving to go back. We had it with coke because no authentic Arabian meal is complete without one Habibi! Okay, I went over a little over board there but you understand my sentiments.
Word of Advice - Go HERE! Just That, and if like me you mind the cramped up seating, order for a Take-Away. But do not miss this place. Arabian Cuisine at its best.
WHAT WE HAD - Hummus With Chicken Topping (To Die For!)
Kabsa ( I just Died and Went to heaven)
Roast Chicken (Seventh Heaven!)
DAMAGES - Rs 750/- (Approx including 2 soft drinks)
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