Punjab Grill, Mumbai

Punjab Grill, Phoenix Market City

This wasn't our first option on the day, I was in the mood for some continental, but it being a Saturday, there was a waiting time every where of almost 40 minutes and I wasn't really in the mood for that. Punjab Grill were kind enough to accommodate us within 10 minutes and how glad we were.

One of the reasons why I don't always prefer having Indian outside is because for some peculiar reason I find myself full too soon. However, if the same food is provided to me in the comforts of my own home, I can eat quite a lot. Told you, peculiar. 

This place is a classic fine dine, the one thing I did like a little more about the place were the chandeliers placed. I for some reason have always been in awe of chandeliers. It just adds grandeur to the place, don't you think so?! 

The service here I have mixed feelings for. There seemed to be shortage of staff so this could be one reason why it may have taken time to grab attention from the attendants. But one particular incident which was not to our liking was that we had kept trying for almost 10 minutes to call for service from one of the attendants who was a girl and it almost seemed like she was ignoring us on purpose, then when we did finally manage to make her look our way, she signed saying I will be right back and then she didn't. Might seem like a small incident, but when you are sitting there and trying to make some one pay attention to you and you are met with such odd behavior, you wonder what kind of training has been departed. My friend actually brought this to the attention of the manager because we almost felt insulted after a point as she seemed to be very highhanded. And that we cannot take. I can only hope that the Manager did something about it as we didn't intend to raise a complaint but rather just let some training be given.

The food, I must say I enjoyed and I wouldn't mind going back for. We started off with some Bharwan Khumb Peshwari and Veg Kurkuri. My favorite among the two would be the Kurkuri, which is like spring rolls, only wanton skin is used instead which adds extra crispiness. Stuffed with generous amount of cheese and minced mushrooms, olives etc. Served piping hot and I actually have to give points to presentation here. Little vodka type glassed with sweet chili sauce at the bottom and then the roll. Appealing to the eyes. The Mushrooms were big in size and was stuffed with minced paneer and some more minced mushrooms. If you are a mushrooms fan or have difficulty choosing between mushroom and paneer. Then well, this is the dish you were waiting for. 

For the mains I ordered a mutton dish and my two friends who are pure vegetarians (Alas!) ordered a mixed vegetable dish named Sabziyan di Milniyan. I couldn't even bring myself to  pronounce it. I ordered the Raarhya meat with butter naan and I was completely taken by it. This is one dish, I wouldn't mind ordering and eating at home as well, like it's delicacy and comfort food all at the same time. The mutton pieces were just done right. They hadn't been stingy in the pieces either and it was cooked in a minced mutton gravy. So it was beautiful in a way that I can't put in words. BEAUTIFUL! I would actually want to meet the chef and tell him you have won my heart with this creation. My friends enjoyed their vegetarian gravy equally. It had a distinct taste which I have never had before, I would say Jaipuri but not exactly. Even though I had tried it, I felt I couldn't be the right person to judge it as I was too preoccupied in enjoying my mutton curry. The Naan that we had however, was kind of average and I would have expected to it to be a little more soft. Also, after my recent trip to Jaipur I have realized that mutton pairs better with rice in comparison.

Would I be back here? YES! or I would just order in. At least the mutton Raarhya.

WHAT WE HAD - Veg Kurkuri (Yumness Personified)
                           Bharwan Khumb Peshwari(Yumness)

                           Sabziya di Milniyan (Yumness)

                           Mutton Raarhya (Heaven)

                           Butter Naan (Yum)

                           Mix Raita (Yumness)

                           7-Up

                           Lemon Soda (Refreshing)

DAMAGES - Rs 3400/- (Approx)

WHERE - Punjab Grill.,  Shop 81/82, 1st Floor, Kamai Junction, Kurla, Mumbai      

                    

Urban Tadka, Mumbai

URBAN TADKA, Ghatkopar

You know what is the USP of places like PopTates and Urban Tadka? (They come from the same chain) Their pricing. They are not as cheap as the dhabas and the local restaurants but the ambiance, service and food they offer, it is as reasonable as reasonable can be. Paisa Vasool in short. 

I was initially vary of going here, because family and even though my family is not traditional by its definitions, they are a little guarded and I still remember my mom's reactions, the last time I had taken her to a place where you see young couples and crowd, her reactions were to laugh at. But, I know she didn't approve or enjoy the experience which makes you realize this city has a shortage of real family type fine dines. Since then I have always avoided stepping in such places with family. Urban Tadka though serves Indian Food, it is supposed to be a place which attracts the young crowd and their music, ambiance, serving alcohol, all might make my family wince. However, I took the risk as my mom or dad were not accompanying us and it was a comparatively younger crowd. (The double life of this Bombay girl might make for an interesting read! :P)

Music improves everything and I am desi at heart, and I would always find myself swaying to Bollywood more than the Hollywood Pop. Listening to the music as we stepped in I knew that the rest of them were okay with it too. Hurrah! The place has an urban Dhaba feel. My fascination for lights makes me admire the chandelier made of bangles placed overhead. If only one could do this in our homes. We can, but imagine the electricity bills if we places so much fancy lights. The bar which is inspired and set like the road side Gola stalls was my nephew's favorite and also mine. Bravo to the interior decorator as restaurants around the city are now even pressurized to offer hatke ambiances, which this place does, yet keeping the Indianess alive. 

You know another thing I have learnt today? It matters how you treat and speak to the waiting staff as well. Courtesy My brother In Law. The waiting staff here were attentive but not intrusive or extra friendly. However, my brother in law made conversation with them, speaking to them in their lingo, pulling their leg even, all in friendly banter. The learning I got here was if you pay a little attention and are a little friendly they will give it 10 folds back.

I love it when I don't have to pay and then I don't even look at prices and I was specifically asked to not look at prices. So Yayy!! We ordered 4 starters - Kalimiri Paneer Tikka, because Paneer Tikka's are a mandatory order as my sister loves Paneer, Tandoori Chicken Lollipop - Tandoori Chicken on a lollipop, like is there anything more perfect??!!, Butter Garlic Prawns ( because Prawns is life), and Butter Chicken Kebab, the name itself triggers emotions. How was it all in reality? Stuff of your dreams. except for the Prawns. A long time ago, I had been to this small restaurant in Goa which served butter garlic fish and four years later, I still have not been able to find that taste anywhere and it still lingers on my tongue, so every time I read butter garlic, I give it a shot. But no, this was not it either. The Lollipop required more meat but otherwise was my favorite on the table. The Paneer Tikka was succulent, not spicy just as my sister prefers it to be. Butter Chicken made into Kebab is what real fusion is all about. For the main course we had Delhiwala Butter Chicken, Punjabi Tadka Murgh with assortment of bread - Roomali Rotis, Naans & Tandoor Roti and some super awesome Zeera Rice ( I tell you Zeera Rice makes everything better!!). The Butter Chicken was on the sweeter side and one of the most authentic versions I have had. The Punjabi Chicken was also standard fare. This place does not do some thing different for each dish. It is serving what it says, Butter Chicken is what Butter Chicken is supposed to be. Naans are soft. Paneer Tikka is well how you would want Paneer Tikka to taste like. This is what their USP lies in, they are not serving you Original things, they did't create anything extra ordinary. They serve you authentic stuff.

You want to down a drink or two with punjabi fare, because even though I have not tried it myself, its been said chicken tikka works best as chakhna when downing a peg or two! Well, you have found your place. Your teetotaler friends wouldn't mind either :D

WHAT WE HAD - Kalimiri Paneer Tikka (Yumness)

                           Tandoori Chicken Lollipop (YUM!)

                           Butter Garlic Prawns (Stick to Indian Fare)

                           Butter Chicken Kebab ( Yumnessss)

                           Punjabi Tadka Murgh (Blissfully Yum)

                           Delhi wala Butter Chicken (Yum!)

                           Butter Roti ( Dil Garden garden ho gaya)

                           Zeera Rice (Yum!)

                           Iced teas & other assorted mocktails (Refreshing)

DAMAGES - Rs 3500/- (Approx)

WHERE -  Urban Tadka., 3rd Floor, R City Mall, LBS Marg, Ghatkopar (W), MUMBAI

PAPA PANCHO DA DHABA, MUMBAI 

This place I had discovered exactly a year ago on the great Zomato. Zomato is truly a blessing for the likes of me and many other like me. This was on my search for good Punjabi food in Bombay after my hangover from all things Punjabi after my Chandigarh visit and the search finally came to this. The place looked every bit like a dhaba and that just doubled my excitement. The shocking thing was my sister readily agreed to checking this place out even though she is not a big fan of Indian Cuisine that is made in India. Funny, huh? But she has a point as most of the local restaurants though good have more content of oil than probably you will find digging up the Gulf. :P 

The place has now become a favorite stop of mine for authentic punjabi food and yes, my sister gives it a thumbs up too. In fact the only place where she doesn't mind splurging on Indian Food and would recommend it to others as well. Well, that could also have been because of the amount of Paneer they serve. Its A LOT. Trust me.

Exactly a year down, I once again arrived here during the on-going Diwali season. I should also tell you that I went to 2 other restaurants before finally heading here. And mind you, these 2 other restaurants were not even in close proximity to this one. But yet, we ended up here because the Punjabi Lassi and Paneer Butter Masala were calling out to us. :P :P

This place is set up like a fancier version of a Dhaba. With all the khaats, and tables and chairs set up to give you the feel of Dhaba. A separate Today's Spl Menu Card written on a slate. Even the Plates they use are of Copper which gives you the complete feel of the Punjab road side dhabas. It takes a place to another level when they go into such fine details. Even the servers here are dressed in similar kurtas where, I almost ended up calling out to one - Oye, khoteya, zara idhar toh aa. I didn't. But that's the point. It transports you to another place.

They take a little while in serving, so be prepared for the wait. But oh, the wait is worth it. Each time I come in here, I think maybe this time I will not be impressed, but as soon as I take the first bite, I can-not think of anything but the food in front of me. This time around, we skipped the starters and headed direct for the main course which was 2 thalis of Chicken Peshawari and Palak Paneer with extra parathas. Their parathas are made of wheat and are swadisht (Tasty). We were 3. Their Thalis include the main dish, 2 parathas, Dal Makhani & Yogurt, made in-house. Their 1 thali is good for Two. Because the quantities are not at all small. We were 3 and even after sharing two, there was quite a lot left and packed up to be taken home. 3 girls. Depending on the appetite. The Dal Makhani is the best I have had, and so is the Palak Paneer, I couldn't even make out if they had indeed used oil. The chicken they make is soft and succulent. Every time I eat from here, I fall in love with this place a little bit more. 

To finish it off we had ordered 2 Lassis, again the portion served was such that me and my sister shared one. 

Take an hr or two to completely enjoy this place and sit back and unwind and let the Dhaba feeling sink in. Because if you don't have time, you will feel too full too soon and will not be able to enjoy the delicacies they offer. 

WHAT WE HAD - Chicken Peshawari Thali

                           Palak Paneer Thali

                           3 extra Parathas

                           Lassi (2)

DAMAGES - Rs 1300/- (Approx) 

WHERE- Papa Pancho Da Dhaba, Gasper Enclave, St. John's Road, Near Rupee Bank, Pali Hill, Bandra (W) (Its in close proximity to Gold's Gym)