Hungry in Bangalore: Sattvam, Sadashiv Nagar

The starters roll in

Sattvam is a buffet only vegetarian restaurant which focuses on Sattvic food - sattvic meaning good for the body and soul. Located in Seshadri puram, it is a very unique restaurant experience with one of the best tasting food in Bangalore. In a nutshell, the food is excellent, the service great and you really don't feel heavy after the meal - which my Family unanimously felt makes it a good restaurant.

Buffets almost always evoke a groan in my house. Same old tired concepts of the usual starter+roti sabzi+rice+gulab jamun with ice cream which were perhaps from the wedding hall down street or the barbecue Non veg buffet which doenst work in my household rule by majority vegetarians.

But Sattvam creates a unique twist to the buffet experience with a very tasty, wide and impressive spread. The several starters are just superb, the masala puri with tiny bottles of pani to start with comes with a dry ice presentation. The buffet spread is huge covering a lot of Indian salads, starters, sabzis and rice dishes. All of them great. The few chinese are continental dishes were above average. The deserts were numerous and extremely well made. Plus there was a live cold stone ice cream counter and a live pasta counter. The Pizza slices were really good!

For Rs.630 per person on weekend for Dinner, this is a very satisfying restaurant.

Great presentation

Hungry in Bangalore: Madras Central JP Nagar

Jitain vs food

Its Saturday evening in super cool Bangalore and it can mean only one thing. Temple Hopping! Terribly short on cash and tremendously large on pot bellies, we roomies decided the evening was perfect to pay homage to the gods and try out some great vegetarian food. I read an article somewhere that Indian IT males are aging prematurely, I feel that's nonsense.

So we headed to the beautiful Balaji temple in JP Nagar which was decked up in all its electrical finery. As with most Balaji temples, this one too is opulent, beautiful and attracts a lot of devotees. I dont have much patience for standing in lines, but the darshan took hardly 5 minutes in all.

Photo captured with a potato

Right opposite the temple is the Madras Central which is very unlike a lot of South Indian eating joints at least in the evenings. We could sit down a welcome change unlike the usual eating grub standing up like horses. The waiter quickly took our orders which were for this place obviously Pongal Vade.

Pongal is a kind of Khichadi (kedgeree) spiced with peppercorns and  soaked in Ghee. A nice comfort food from Tamil Nadu which is light, filling and also curative. So I learnt today. All these years I have been having an insult to this dish. As Jitain, who hails from Tamil Nadu, explained Madras Central served a good example of a Pongal. Served with different kinds of Sambars and Chutneys and in our order a crispy Vada to make things more interesting. The Vada nice crisp and fluffy went like a duet with the white coconut chutney. The entire combination of Pongal Vada makes an excellent breakfast choice which I was very happy having at 7 PM.

So often we fail to acknowledge some dishes just because we have been eating the wrong versions. Now I feel the need to seek out great renditions of everyday food to make everyday a great day.

Jitain as usual knew the fellows at this joint, who were warm attentive and really enthused to serve their customers. I was shocked. In Bangalore getting a smiling service is truly rare.

Coffee the right way

 
A Madrasi restaurant worth its salt should have good coffee and this place does a killer coffee. Served in the traditional 2 tumbler system, with sugar at the bottom, this coffee is fueling this blogging fury. Doctor Jitain showed me how to deftly decant and drink this coffee which would make even 007 have his Martini decanted not stirred.

Hungry in Bangalore: Variety Dosa at Koramanagala Park

This weekend also turned out to be fortuitous. After another great session at Writer's club, the ride back to my end of Bangalore is usually pretty painful in Saturday evenings given that people head out all at once to Carpe Diem the weekend. It took a small accident to stop and smell the dosas.

I wrote a big paragraph to explain how an idiot on a Honda Dio (no surprise at the choice of vehicle) executed a minor hit and run on my bike ironically right in front of the Koramangala police station. I think this should suffice. Good thing we have gun control in India, otherwise guys like these would get lit like Diwali.

I stopped near the Koramangala park to asses the damage on my left foot, which was negligible since I was wearing some sturdy shoes. The park was full of evening walkers, kids and few conscious couples - supposedly a prosaic sight but hardly acknowledged by me or most of us. I dont remember the last time I went to a park like this, choosing the confines of my cold apartment. Partly because of the lack of good parks my side of town.

But what enthralled was the food. It was 6 pm and the vendors had just started to gear up for the weekend evening rush. I remembered I was hungry all of a sudden. I had had a brunch which was long digested. I was thinking of mounting up and going home, my stomach didnt let me.

I had heard a lot of this place, Koramangala Park for its amazing street food, but majorly for its variety dosas (not dosa varieties). Basically dosa varieties, simple. But this here was special, this stuff I havent found in the tens of restaurants I have been in Bangalore. But surprisingly last in Mumbai. I can guess back in 2000 in Borivali, we have a varieties dosa guy who gets swamped with customers to try out his chinese, pav bhaji and other tasty varieties.

Fortuitous, as I mentioned I parked right in front of the 99 varieties lip smacking dosas. They have 6 charcoal fired tavas to craft the dosas which were fired up in anticipation for the rush. I remembered I had attempted eating here but the rush was unbelievable and had quit.

'Chinese, Mushroom, Paneer, Masala, Mysore Masala...' , definitely not 99 man. More like a figure of speech. But the offerings exceeded more I could remember, which I didnt care cause I was ravenous. The aroma, oh man. Imagine a smorgasbord of aromas from chineese, south indian, pav bhaji, spicy and savory.  'I dont care just give me anything' I said. Still he demanded' 'no choose we have chinese, mysore masala, paneer..'. 'Aah Paneer and make it quick'.

I found a plastic stool and with my back against the park boundary I observed the two cooks work deftly with the dosas. Its a modified rickshaw with a long cargo bed decked with charcoal stoves, containers and cubby holes for condiments. A boy was constantly shredding veggies and ingredients on the foot path and I saw Paneer getting grated for my dosas. 'Is it clean' I asked the boy. He just smiled at me. Good enough.

I got served within minutes. I tried to dig in, but my fingers got burnt. Burnt meaning painful for the next 2 hours burned, it was that hot. The filling seemed tomato curry based , with a load of veggies and paneer added to it. They were using bricks of Amul butter and generously at that. I have noticed many a times people add cheese, or butter or 'chinese' up any dish the flavors dont gel, dont harmonize. This dosa got it just right. The flavors were synchronized perfectly and yet you could taste everything. The Paneer was nicely distributed, the veggie base perfectly spicy and the butter was like a great bass player in a rock concert. A green coconut chutney and a mint chutney were good. However a red sweet and savory Hyderabad style chutney could have been a better accompaniment for this particular dosa, but since it was my first variety I am not the expert.

The sweet spot is when the dosa cools down just enough for you to access its masala innards. It took me merely a minute or so to finish the rest.

At the start I thought I would eat 2 varieties, but it was very filling. For 50 bucks, it was more than worth it. And looking at the crowd that had suddenly assembled, I was lucky I came in at the right time.

Darjeeling style Momos were next stall which I heard were pretty decent. So were chaat, fruit salads, ice creams and juice. But enough for today since I had to a waiting matters.

All this and not a drop of sweat, enjoyed in the shade of a park tree in a relatively clean place. I think Bangalore scores really well in these aspects as compared to other cities. Street food is more enjoyable with the weather being so great and city being clean in many places. I wish it stays the same or gets better if possible.

Hungry in Bangalore: Lunch at Mavalli Tiffin Room (MTR)

It took me 5 years, a cracked motorcycle fiberglass cowl and the magic of technology to enjoy the hallowed MTR meal. And one does not simply walk into MTR, one has to go through the arduous task of waiting in serpentine queues which could take up atleast an hour in the crowded portal of MTR. I have tried thrice previously and having exhausted patience had their sandwiches and desserts to satiate my hunger, which were pretty decent. Not worth the wait I decided, this place and Maiyas Jayanagar which are managed by the same family, I wouldn't eat at all.

I had to get a replacement for a part for my motorbike. A fiber glass cowling which wraps around the headlight, useless vanity and over engineering at work, but nevertheless required for a neat looking vehicle. The only place to procure this was JC road. Dusty and extremely confusing with its one way roads and multitudes of auto shops, I spent all noon getting the part and finding a decent service centre to install it for me. I was famished. The Mechanic told me it will take them 2 hours to get to start work on the bike and another 1 to finish. I had to kill 3 hours at a minimum.

Thank god for google maps. The search nearby function showed up Urvashi theatre and MTR. MTR impossible, lets head for the movie - Life of Pi. Looking at the crowds at the theatre I had a better chance at a ticket there than the MTR lunch.

It was 3.30 pm and haven't eaten since 11 am had made me super tired, hungry no more. MTR was the nearest source of nourishment and so sandwiches and ice cream it is. But there was no line at the coupon counter! Note  there are 2 stages of lines, one at the counter the other at the dining hall.

180 Rupees and dining hall waiting 30 mins, I couldnt believe my ears. I was afraid I would lose my appetite by the time I get served. And so I stood in line. 15 minutes later I was sitting in the old style dining hall sharing a table with a couple and their little daughter who weren't interested in small talk.

The fare is typical Kannada Udupi Brahmin style which is light vegetarian and closer to the 'sattvic' principles. Its healthy and when prepared well with the best ingredients is very delicious. Served in several courses, having lived in the south so long and having eaten this particular style of cooking several times, I knew exactly what to expect.

Round one

Steel plates instead of plantain leaves was disappointing but made sense given the ongoing garbage fiasco in Bangalore. And the onslaught begins - round one - puris with potato curry, mint and coconut chutney, crunchy carrot and lentils, thin payasam of coconut milk with cinnamon and cloves and a beans gojju. Great great taste. The food was really fresh and well prepared. Very less oil, simply prepared and everything rightly balanced. Oblivious while eating, I was served a super milk halwa dish I had for the first time, lovely semi caramelized dish of which I had two helpings.

Next came the star of the show - Bisibelle bhaat. This is the second best I have ever had which is a high compliment cause I have had this dish many times before, this here was a masterpiece. Really nice and thick with the correct spice balance - people mess the spice balance badly but this was on the dot. Served with a thin raitha and some crunchy mini papads. This Bisibelle bhaat was the high point of the meal.


Rice Sambar, Rice Rasam followed which were textbook dishes. Usual, but the quality of rice and preparation were top notch.

At this point, people around me were very stuffed. Still the food didnt feel so heavy at all. Louis CK said 'The meal is not over when I'm full. The meal is over when I hate myself'. There is no hating here, just the feeling of contentment.

Almost, I still have to try out their breakfast...

Hungry in Bangalore: Kakori Kababs and Curries JP Nagar

The life of Bangalore restaurants usually goes something like this:

1.      New eating joint on the Bangalore eating block so all out efforts. Good food, reasonable prices, excellent service and the good reviews come pouring in – lasts about a year max
2. .       Now that all the nearby IT offices have had their lunches and far off ones tried and gone, service is strictly OK, prices jacked up and the food doesn’t quite hit the spot – lasts a long time say 3 years
3.        Patrons just want to get drunk, change in management, all the good furniture sold off, staff is  basically all the street egg roll vendors in bigger kitchen and– 6 months tops and then a new restaurant or shady local liquor den in place.

But the very few good ones last. Although business seems great in Bangalore, its probably tough to compete in this city with the steady inflation and fickle eating interests of patrons. 5 years in Bangalore (A term I will now use more frequently) I have seen this life cycle and happy that my favorites have stuck around.

Kakori Kabab is probably at stage 1. New on the map, a good addition to South Bangalore. A bit inconveniently located in JP Nagar but that’s good. Fewer crowd in the joint hence more attention for us.

So like almost all big eating events it was my teams jaunt for a Birthday celebration. After having tried and tired of all the nearby restaurants we decided to go for this. Kakori Kabab is a specialty of the Nawabs cuisine from UP state in India. It’s a rich soft lamb kabab composed of a special secret mixture of lamb meat, paneer and spices.

Though I don’t think we had any of that. We had the Kabab platter which costed around 900 rupees but was total bang for the buck. An assortment of really really good fish, chicken and lamb kababs. I couldn’t make out which was which but the fish and chicken kababs were off the hook. I feel sorry that I didn’t take a pic, cause I would have hung it on my wall. The kababs were that good. The name suits the game.

The veg starters were disappointing.  So that was a big let down. I didn’t have any so no complaints from me.

But it got better again after that. Up next Dal Makhni, Nargis Kofta and Nawabi Haandi along with rotis, kulchas and phulkas. Dal Makhni so good. Nargis Kofta so so so good. Nawabi Handi meh.

The portions average. The ambiance comforting and pleasing and the price was a bit above average. We returned back to office super full and happy and ready to nap with our eyes open.

Hungry in Bangalore: Ayda Persian Kitchen & Ibaco Ice Cream

 OK before I start, I had written down all the things below nice and fine and wasnt going to add this part cause its not pleasant or nice, but I need to warn people of this place. 15 mins after reaching home for dinner, I had to answer natures calls which gradually turned to screams.Ditto for Chandu. Thank god we have 2 loos in the house. We suspect it was the 'Doogh' which we had- which is a spiced minty thick buttermilk very nice and refreshing AND a potent drain cleaner. Heres a pic of us having it and my expression displays the strong taste of that stuff.

Last week I was pleasantly surprised to see this new restaurant called Ayda Persian Kitchen in BDA complex Banashankari. The place has becoming a truly happening place for South Bangalore. With many new places, many of them ice cream shops, having a foreign cuisine opened up in this part of town is exciting.

From the outside it just looks like it dosent want to be found. Almost as if it wants to exclusively cater to Iranians. A faded board declares the location but black tinted windows and nothing else going on in the attract customers department. So its easy to miss.

But if its new and different I cant wait to try. As soon as we enter the waiter informs me in Kannada - Its not spicy. Whatever dude. Its me, Chandu and Uma for this dinner. The interior is all wooden, yellow lighting and Irani TV showing Ajay Devgan movie - Hindustan Ki Kasam dubbed in Farsi. The walls have posters of erstwhile Irani movie posters, judging by the skimpy clothes in the posters seemed to be pre-revolution. Place is not crowded, just a few customers who were all Iranis or seemed like Iranis.

We started with Hummus and Naan. I had Hummus twice before but this was way way better. Nice and creamy with nice balance of garlic which went well with the Naan. We ordered the Joojeh Kabab basically chicken kabab served with saffron rice, butter and some vegetables. The chicken is mildly spiced (for us Indians atleast) and the rice is just wonderful. The portions are massive so expect huge quantities. The Hummus is deceptively filling so after a few bites assess your situation.

Its a nice place to taste some variety in stuff, but really things arent that different from the usual Mughlai fare. Its easy to get confused and disappointed, but there is more stuff to try. So we called it quits for then and had the 'Doogh' which is a nice thick minty buttermilk. I have mentioned it in the starting Para.

For desert we had to try one of the many new Ice Cream shops in the area. We headed to Ibaco which is a nice new concept for an ice cream parlour. You pay 50 bucks per 100 grams. So you can go crazy with ice cream, toppings and sauce combos all within your price range. And the ice creams are really really good. Wonderful flavors which are very different from the original. Even the Vanilla is different and really nice and we had a tough time to decide which ones to have from amongst all the samples they let me have. I had the peach and strawberry with mango sauce and it was just super. Not too sweet and very flavorful. The textures and flavors are beautifully balanced. I am definitely coming back for more from this place.

Hungry in Bangalore: Halli Tindi Darshini

Its always breakfast time in Bangalore. Idli vadas are to Bangalore (and many many places in South India) what corn flakes are to the whole world. I practically lived solely on the combo my entire 1st year in Bangalore. There is a good chance one will get tired of this stuff, variety is the key. So you basically eat the same stuff at different places.

After climbing and descending a hill, its small but a hill, in Banashankari Bangalore to visit Ganapati at Banagiri, the best way to satiate your hunger is just opposite the steps. Head to Halli Tindi darshini. Recently opened, this place is an instant hit. It goes a bit beyond the usual Darshnini fare and serves you some variety in your everyday breakfast. The signature dish here - The Peserottu Dosa. Featured in many Bangalore newspapers, this dosa is healthy , tasty, fulfilling and as the proprietor scowls it - dilisius. Also must have the Jumbo Tindi, translating into Jumbo Meals. Not too Jumbo but the breakfast platter you were always looking for with idli, vada, dosa, upma and sheera.

Location - Banashankari 3rd stage on Ring Road. You can spot it by the crowd. The tea coffee is passable, you can have some real nice and exotic varieties at the 'Tea Shop' close by.

Whats new - Art @ Black Design

On my way back home, everyday I notice a shop very apart from the usual rash of shops. If I can define it properly, a boutique shop selling assorted Art with similar theme. Black design - a small neat shop selling artsy articles which are in use everyday. Photo frames, weird coat hanger hanger (yes the second hanger is necessary), Belt holders, showpieces and some nick nacks. I really liked the coffee table made of wood, glass sheet and bottles. Very artsy and has class. Much of the work is wooden, kind of rough and dark shaded, so everything probably wont work universally in someones house.

What I liked about this shop, the first one of its kind I stepped into, is its unique offering of practical articles which you can use everyday. Why the praise? I guess thats the way all the boutique shops work, but probably because I dont get to see a lot of variety in peoples house or workplaces. Apart from the potted plants and colorful flowers and stones in water bowls, there really isnt much to look at. What can work is 'Art' ing up everyday stuff. Functional and aesthetics, although subjective, an attempt can be made. Subjective being the main word to look at, of course. One mans trash is another mans art. Put that trash together and its that sells.

Have a looksie if you are around Jayanagar, straight down from KFC towards Ring Road. Worth your time.

Hungry in Bangalore: Shree Krishna Cafe Koramangala

The usual dilemma strikes again, you are at some hip locality and you wonder where do we have lunch? This thought has befuddled and repeatedly caused me and my pals to end up in KFC/MC or a very tried/tired and tested eatout for food not worth the price. So the next time you have a thought like and you happen to be in Koramangala, head straight to this place.



Revered for its wonderful Tamil - particularly Tanjavur veg cuisine, Shree Krishna cafe is a favorite of many from all over the country. Its in a street full of fancy restaurants like China pearl (), Oye Amritsar and many more. Blink and you miss, its above Kairali, announced by a modest board. Lets jump right into the food - meals.

I crown this place the best place to get a South Indian meal on the Leaf, so far in Bangalore.

Serendipity brought me to this place. Hungry after a tiring seminar, 4 of us were looking for some lunch. Last on my mind was a South Indian rice meal. Whats there to eat I exclaimed. As my friend Ravi, who I had befriended that very morning said, said this is the best Southie meal you will ever have. Challenge eh? Lets go. Two simple dining halls accommodate the patrons with simple furniture. The Plantain leaf is put as soon as you sit. 95 bucks for a meal. Say yes and the parade begins. I guess 3 sabjis, variety of sambhar, dal, rasam, buttermilk kadhi, assortments, vada (to die for) some sweet and some things I just dont know the name for keep coming. This is true to the word unlimited. I never saw myself eat so much rice before. The best stuff was the authentic Ghee which they dish out by the tablespoon load. This is the good stuff man.

You need to eat to stay alive, you need to eat good to stay happy.Go to this place, I am sure you will feel happy.

Weekend warrior: Rock Climbing in Bangalore

Another weekend another shot at getting some adventure, albeit a paid safe one where even school kids are part of the group. 14th November was reserved for Rock climbing, rappelling and related activities at Ramanagara conducted by the Bangalore Mountaineering Club. I have never been on a proper Trek or some real forest outings, due to a lack of options and a fascination of becoming a quick fix spider man I signed up for this one day thingy.

http://www.bmcindia.org/ this lists all the upcoming activities by the club, after a simple e transaction which was acknowledged quickly, I simply had to show up at the pick up point with the right gear. Basically something you can afford to tear and soil and which allows you enough flexibility. Wear a full shirt, trust me all those thorns can be a real and constant pain in half tees, unless you are Arnold. I joined a group of techies, 3 pilots and 2 6th grade school girls, whose high enthused spirit I really appreciate, total 30 of us.

After a small breakfast enroute we reached Ramanagara around 10.45. It occurred to me I had been here almost 2 years ago on a company Out Bound learning session facilitated by the same Jagadeesh; the guide and coordinator. He made us go up a practice trail and up a lot of steps as a warm up, more of a cool down cause most us city slickers had enough trekking for a day in the first hour itself.

Rappelling, involves a controlled descent using rope down a cliff or a steep slope. Jagadeesh led us to a solid rock wall almost 60 - 70 feet high. Two separate rope sets were used for this exercise for 2 people at a time. This was pretty fun and easy, I tried the traditional back way down and frankly it was a bit boring.

Lunch was high on every body’s agenda, but Jagadeesh had different plans. Next up Rock Climbing. The high point of my day. We were led to another stone wall, this one wasn’t smooth and had a crack running along its face. Jagadeesh of course reached the top without a safety harness. Next up was an experienced guy who I guess made it within a minutes time. I started timing the next attempts. Next up Boris, a web designer from Boston who made it within 1.2 mins. I had to beat these guys!

Inspired by the two, many try to scramble up but easily took upwards of 4 mins and some assistance to get to the top. My Turn, I had to do it. The starting step is the trickiest and many required a boost from people helping you. I didn’t want any but someone waiting in the line volunteered to hoist my left leg, unknowingly I lunged my left leg and connected my knee with his chin. It hurt to watch too. Champ was down for 10 mins and out of the whole rock climbing event. Sorry dude. I appreciate the guy to be smiling after some time saying it happens. That’s something to take away from this. Well after some more of my own blood, my right hand was cut in many places, made it to the top roughly equaling Boris’s time. Yeah!

Lunch, and what a lunch it was! It was the best Poori Chhole and the whole usual course eaten atop a rock next to a seasonal pond on a glorious cloudy day! I stuffed my self against someones warning not to. I needed a nap. A nicely sloping stone wall was my bed, a pleasant cloudy sky the ceiling and the balmy cool breeze my blanket. Heaven! Why cant I do this everyday? I wouldn’t believe myself, I actually napped in that state for a full 15 mins till someone woke me up abruptly to gather again. It was another shot at rock climbing, my tummy didn’t agree to it, so off for another dose of Nini time.

Chimney climbing is to climb up a small gap between two vertical walls by gripping the walls with your feet and back. This is tough. Damn tough. Jagadeesh was encouraging everyone to go and do what we felt was impossible. Your legs give away at the middle of the climb, you just wana let go and trust the rope to hold you when gravity calls. But miraculously no one gave up. Scratches on the back, aching hands and cramping legs aside, up is the only way. And the scene on top is beautiful.

Happily tired, I felt a wonderful accomplishment. The escape from the urban jungle was an awesome respite. I paid 700 rupees, I gained experience worth a million, and now I am hungry for more.

Dandiya Nites in Blore

Navratri 2009!

I can’t remember the last time I had been to a Garba, perhaps it was in 2001 or 2000 in my colony Bombay. Its 2009 and I never imagined I was to attend a Garba and Dandiya again on the night of 26th in Bangalore of all places. And never ever could have imagined writing this sitting on a rooftop in Bangalore in a cool golden Bangalore evening with a cold tea cup and Sheryl Crow providing me company (acoustically). Things just fell into place for my Vacation, day -1. I needed a break. IT can get unforgiving at times, and best way to keep the steam up is to get away from it. More to come on that. Now Navratri.

As expected it was Sharayu who drove things to the end, with help from Swati this time. Gotta hand it to these two iron ladies to bully a bunch into the long forgotten art of having fun. The plan since last 2 weeks was to attend the Navrati celebrations at the Samyukta Mandal in Jayanagar which finally came through on Friday. The best plans are made last moment, and so I got a call at 5 ordering me to come for the do tonight. There were to be 4 confirmed people me, Sharayu , Swati and Kavitha. Sandy and Kamal were teetering on a go – no – go decision. What boosted our Enthu was Murli, a senior guy with equal enthu as us teenagers (mental age). I wish I could give him an award, but I guess my Dandiya sticks would have sufficed. I managed to get my tired self to this do knowing very well that I had a packed day tomorrow as Mom and Bro were to come to Blore. But since it’s a once in a decade event, I can miss my sleep for a night.

We reached at a very proper 9 pm to the venue which is just off the parallel road to KFC jayanagar. We could see the energy to be involved in the revelry, outside the venue with the colorful traditional Garba costumes people were coming in. Our group was one of the fairly well dressed I felt what with the ladies in great Punjabi suits and us guys in Kurtas. Swanky cars displayed the economic achievement that the Gujrati community has become synonymous with. The venue was a large school indoor audi which we entered for a ticket fee of 200 per person, pretty decent given that the big mandals charge as much as 500. The scene inside the audi struck us like a car. Packed with people already dancing in the circle, the whole place had a festive energy like none other. A professional navratri band was playing and almost every body was up on their feet and dancing and singing, the best way to worship the Goddess.

Immediately Sharayu, Swati, Kavitha and Me joined the circle absolutely clueless on how to dance the Garba. Never the less improvisation and a few mini disasters later we all managed to pick up the steps which are pretty easy once you get the hang of it. Sandy and Murli jumped in after a few rotations. The star of the show was Kamal! The shy fellow was replaced by a guy who truly danced, as the saying goes, as no one is seeing you dance. He was thoroughly into the groove and enjoying himself as were the rest of us. The tempo kept varying and we learnt some variations in steps to the Garba, basically a 4 step combo with claps.

We took a well deserved snacks break which was a cool surprise in itself. A great spread of Bombay theme dishes like Vada Pav, Pav Bhaj, Dhabeli (this stuff is awesome in Bombay) which was kinda OK and Gujarati dishes like Dhokla, Khaman chivda etc. We had some of everything and ended it with multiple Golas. Refreshed, we were looking forward to the Dandiya round.

Dandiya Raas is played with sticks (Dandiya in Gujarati) in two counter rotating circles where two people, or solo sometimes, are involved at a time. It requires some practice or Gujarati genes to kick it off the first time, but once to many I ended almost hurting people around me. People who knew how to play did so brilliantly. I was dazzled at times and stopped to see them but each person had a step on every beat and so had to keep on playing to avoid disappointing the partner who switches after every 4 steps. I played with Kids, teens and the seniors alike. Especially the seniors played splendidly with their ease and grace. Also present were the flashy young guys and girls with fancy costumes, steps, makeup and funky Dandiyas (one guy had a cool pair of rotating silver colored dandiyas ).

We ended the experience at 3 am, but because of the amount of the festive fun we had; I am sure no one slept for atleast another hour. Now I need to find out where to get those silver colored rotating dandiyas for next year…

Bowled out by inSwing

"Doctor I can only see Ducks"
Doctor - "Have you seen an Optometrist?"
"No, only Ducks".

These and other cricket themed rib ticklers and trivia adorn the table mats on this quaint eatery. Blink and you miss, situated in a nook on the first floor above Overhaul accessories in Banashankari BDA complex in Bangalore, this place has been a favorite for many people for different reasons. Firstly the theme - cricket. Cricket greats are remembered in many Black and white photos, their anecdotes and feats captured in frames which cover the walls. They enthrall me everytime that I come here. You have to spend a minute checking out the painting of Ganapati in 8 forms with Bats and cricket pads, the ambiance will catch you with a surprise! The food - is homely North Indian; affordable and very tasty. You can find some new thing to like when you come here. Today I discovered the Onion rings, superb stuff. The Chaas here never bores me. Highly recommend the Palak based dishes as the palak gravy is too good. Dont expect a mughlai feast, this is homely food so its made the usual down to earth, moderate style - which I love.

Cost comes down to the strictly moderate slab - 3 Thaalis with starters and drinks comes to about 300 bucks, super score. Watch out for the sly waiter, he will count your orders twice on purpose (experienced this on two outings), but you wont regret the extra helping. I am sure you would want to play more Innings with inSwing..

Bangla in Bengalore - Bengali food at Bangliana

Heres a cool place to try some authentic Bengali food in Bangalore. These guys make it the authentic way, vouched for by a semi-Bong and a full Oriya, right from the ambiance which takes you to a cramped Kolkata eatery decorated with Bangla curios. No ac, no cushion seats, Bangla music and a real high pitched owner makes you feel right at home.

Ok Food. The Vekthi(or Bekthi) is to die for ( I dont know how its supposed to taste and since this is my first encounter with Bangla food I will let Sandhya and Ashu to judge on that). And it was superb. Its a fish preparation wrapped in a leaf with spices and fried in the typical Mustard oil. The flavor hits you like a truck so be careful digging into it like tandoori chicken. This is the first time I had a leaf cooked fish or anything and it tastes quite good. Thats not quite the best thing here though.

The fish curry and mutton curry were nice. I notice the good dose of mustard oil makes the dishes a bit getting used to initially. So dont get spurned away at the first bite. They also serve some tasty fish heads chutney. This is sure to drive away all Veg readership.

Now the best stuff. Bengali Sweets. The magical originals were present in their true forms competed to win our taste buds. Rossogolla - super soft and sweet just to perfection. The Mishti Doi was awesome. Its like a Shrikhand only a bit more runny. Then the Payash, synonym for the south Indian 'Paysa' was the super star. Sweet Mango chutney was delightful. The winner hand down was the Payash. If not the main courses or the usual stuff - the desserts will have you running back to this place.

Csst - Rs.1050 for 6 hungry people and 1 non participant who did eat later on for a fully satisfying belt loosening Bangla experience.

Bite into great Desi Chinese cuisine - Beijing Bites, Jayanagar

Food - Bite into great Desi Chinese cuisine - Beijing Bites, Jayanagar

K, V and S giving a great colgate moment.
Bachelorhood. Married guys envy, bachelors pride. Yet another weekend spent postponing studying for the imminent competency exam. But no regrets. Yesterday, 29th, was one of the most enjoyable nights I have had in Bangalore. Dinner with good friends always ranks among top of my favorite activities.

So it was me, Ashu, Sandhya, Victor, Sandy and Kavita trying something other than loitering at BTM or Forum; we decided we would loiter around Jayanagar , except for Kavita who had better things to do, and then end it with dinner at Beijing Bites.

We first hit another avatar of Cafe coffee day, Kalamane koffee ( or something similarly named) to sample some fresh brewed south Indian coffee while waiting for Sandy to grace us with his ever delayed presence. Great place to chill with some really interesting kaapis. Worth checking out for its uniqueness and the price. The crowd was as usual youthful but I did notice an elderly gent with I guess more discerning taste present there. I wouldn’t mind visiting Kalmane kofee to seriously try some more.

After some more dilly dallying and delaying Kavita further, we managed to move into Beijing Bites a full hour later than schedule. No need for reservation, there was enough place for many diners. The décor was great. Grades better than the Beijing Bites at Banshankari which looks like an over glorified Chinese tapri compared to this place. The crowd was a good mixture of young and sophisticated. Again scoring above the Banshankari place.

Victor, luckily or un luckily, for him was seated between Sandhya and Kavita causing the young couple seated next table much pain. The gentleman then, I guess was forced to shield his ladyship from Victor’s charm by sticking real close to her. We provided them further engagement in their uncomfort by gesturing and speaking in obvious hushed tones at them. The entertainment was superb.

Trying to reform back to vegetarianism, albeit for a full 10 minutes, I made Kavita agree to Veg Koithio , a Malaysian noodle dish, and crispy chili vegetables. Veg Koithio I should mention is a must try at B B’s because of the unique flat noodle make and the spice. It’s a great welcome break from the usual fare. The veggies were great, better than some of the non veg stuff. Well that’s what I can say about the veg.

Many more fowls lost their lives when we asked for Manchow soup and Hot and sour Chicken soup. The Manchow was reliably good, but the hot and sour was just too bad. Sandhya and Ashu had a hard time gulping it down. Then we asked for the all time favorite at BB - lemon basil chicken which did not disappoint us. Must mention another connoisseur friend Samrat whose extensive research in non veg dishes at many eateries results in reliable recommendations. One more dish was passable. For the main course was noodles and fried rice. The spice was provided by pickle chicken curry. Frankly the main course wasn’t a great experience, it was just as expected. I was expecting a surprise. It seems the food dosent change much between branches of the same chain of restaurants.

The bill for such a big quantity of food came to INR 750. Shared among six that’s a great deal! The service was better than average similarly the food. Much better than the Banshankari outlet.

We continued chatting till we reached our steeds, strolling in the beautiful Bangalore night. For a guy from Bombay, which I love, the weather was simply wonderful. Bidding everyone a safe ride back home, I ended yet another enjoyable Bangalore experience.

Banjara

Food - Banjara

Bit difficult to write after what has happened in Bombay.

Chandu finally decided to generously host us for lunch for his belated Birthday at Banjara at Jayanagar 4th block after repeated reminders on Sunday 23rd Nov. At 253 INR for the buffet, yeah those 3 rupees are for the toothpicks, we intended to attack the buffet table for every last paise that Chandu paid. Me and Advait know that there is a similar financial ‘correction’ in store at our Birthdays.

Kavita had tipped me off about this place and I have to really appreciate her choice. The décor was surprisingly very good inside. Huge dining hall with capacity to seat almost 250 people comfortably I guess. We were led to a comfy corner by a hostess, waited by a head waiter and served with the usual cutlery and stuff by another guy. Great presentation must say.

After Chandu confirmed his financial situation and the fact that they do take tax saving meal cards, we voted for the buffet. Not a very wide spread, we started with three kinds of salads and pasta salads. But it’s the starters we made a bee line for. The vegetable manchuri ( mind you they call it manchuri intentionally ) , chicken ajwain, peanut chicken and tawa chicken were good. Ok the peanut chicken was great. Almost full, we were determined not to give up at this instant.

Next up main course of some really fancy phulkas made on a unique wire framed roti maker which made for a nice show every time the phulkas went into the flames naked. I went for my healthy compensate of palak paneer, dal fry, spl gujurathi sabzi –actually undhhio ,dakshin fish curry and chicken labadar. Full points for the veggies. But the non vegetarian fare was passable. I didn’t care , it was very difficult eating anything after the starters. I managed to try few more grains of pulao of the rice varieties offered which was pretty decently spiced, just for formality sake.

I strangled the last breath out of my attempt at eating healthy that weekend by the next onslaught. Gulab jamoon, gajar halwa, vanilla mousse, ice cream and some dish I don’t know what to call. I had it all. Gajar halwa was toooooo good. The mousse was excellent. Gulab Jamoon was ok. Ice cream..ho hum. Please call for a fork lift.

How was it? Totally totally worth the money. The extra 3 rupees too.

Yo Andhra! - Dinner at Mandara

Food - Yo Andhra!- Dinner at Mandaara

After a day of hard work (sic) four of us decided to have dinner at a place we had dined at recently. Mandaara’s which lies upslope of Katriguppe Junction towards Mysore road, is another miss if you blink eatery on the first floor. More visible on the exterior is the billboard announcing the Bar on the second level. Enter the decent well lit dining hall and you will find a sparse crowd of family and young diners. I am to be puzzled why. Not yet though.

We sit on very comfortable sofas seating 3 at a time and six on the marble table with folded plantain leaves. All this looks very inviting. The whole atmosphere is just right. Not posh not bad just decent and comfortable.

My fellow diners were Jason, Samrat and Ashutosh. All seasoned non vegetarians. And today Jason and Ashu are gonna test the Biryani. So shall we. Although we ordered the mini meal – which is not mini in any sense. “And we shall also have the kalmi kabab” says Jason matter of factly. One thing to mention is Jason is a thin guy for an Indian software engineer who eats meat twice a day, skips most of the veggies and feels chapathis are no match for parathas which he religiously eats with ofcourse chicken curry and lots of it while at it. Ashu agrees to the kababs, though a little doubtful whether he will be able to eat that much.

Me and Samrat wash the plantain leaves with water and the waiter ladles delicious thick dal, spicy brinjal and the unique chutney (what is its? Gram dal or peanuts or a combination?) .Then comes a plate of white rice, small bowls of rasam, curry, kadi and thick creamy curd. A sad excuse for a papad is also provided. The fragrant biryani comes in a brass serving kadhai. The Kalmi Kabab will take time. We start with the rice in front of us which is the main course of an Andhra Dinner. The dal is just right. The spicy brinjal is surprisingly well made, cause I detest brinjals. The chutney as usual is great but what took the cake was the kadi.I don’t know if what we had was kadi, but similar to that – it was just great.

Jason and Ashu seemed to applaud as soon as they had the biryani. The taste was well balanced, the spices and the flavors not overpowering, giving each other just space on the palate. The chicken portions seemed scant , but were tender and tasted great with the spice thoroughly mingling with it. The kalmi kabab appeared finally – it is a kabab made from chicken legs and is a favorite amongst chicken . So Mr.Kalmi arrived super tender and wonderfully spiced. The accompanying pudina chutney was unnecessary , the kabab tasted awesome and as Ashu said, we were just afraid of finishing it off soon.

All of this was finished off over a healthy discussion involving Multimedia. We didn’t bother with deserts cause we were just too full.

The bill came which was a very reasonable Rs.356.

Mini Meal – Rice with various curries and chutneys Rs 34 --------Great and superb value for money.
Chicken Biryani Rs84 ------------------------------------- Good but the price was above the wow zone
Kalmi Kabab Rs120 ---------------------------------------------Good and price seemed on the high side.

Bottomline – great place to have a meal. I had it the second time and will go back again.

rajasthani delights in bengalooru

Almost every weekend we have a ‘Jashan’ (celebration). Usually not for any reason. This one was for my allocation to a project, which by the way is a BIG issue.

So Roomie Ayush suggested Buffet at Dal Tadka, a rajasthani-north Indian cuisine restaurant.

“Buffet eating is an art” quotes Roomie. True. Its an artistic whim which makes you to pay for one, unlike the ones we enjoy at weddings and such food fests. You have to make good every rupee that you shell out. The more you shell out, the more the vengeance with which you attack the food. It’s a task at hand, not a meal. It requires strategy. Most importantly you have to be hungry, very hungry. Considering Rs.150 to be made accounted for.

Dal tadka, is as Indian as it sounds and rajasthani to boot. Enter into a sort of rajasthani mehfil, with the expected fabrics, paintings and seating. Not very over the top rajasthani, just right. One glance at the higher than average prices a la’ carte, we headed for the Buffet, which was gloriously waiting for us.

I guess we were the first ones to tuck in. And the first ones to be subjected to the terrible tasting fluid served in a very very ‘chindi’ plastic glass called JalJeera. If I were a gujju, trust me I would have killed someone. Plus floating dead insects. Hurrah!

But that’s where torture ends.

Starter alu tikkis were superb(4.5/5), the accompanying sauces made them interesting, best we had had.
The Naans were superbly flaky and so were the Phulkas (4/5).
Paneer sabzi ,Alu Gobi and Peas Pulav were usual(3.5/5)
Raitha was just curd blended with Hajmola anar daan, lame (2.3/5)

Dal Fry, thumbs up (4/5)

Gulab Jamoon, tired and tasted (3.5/5)

Over all, I felt it was overpriced at 150. We felt we didn’t give a tough fight since we gave up in between. Man it takes some guts to fight a Buffet.

China Pearl. No shes not my GF..unfortunately :(

China pearl, koramangala:

The occasion was a casual dinner party thrown by my roomie and some common friends. If you might have read my previous blog post, company really matters.

I don’t really fancy fancy places like this one, obviously they are supposed to be good, given that people who were hosting the party had tried or had been reccommended about it. Hence the notch goes higher this time.

My first night time in Koramangala, enjoying the sights and more sights (I was wearing a helmet) of Bangalore, the glam city. Hey this is what I came for. My earliest memories of Bangalore were a place where you could enjoy ‘american’ style food way back when there was none in Bombay and a hi tech, clean and functional city. Seems it still has it!

On a road full of similar joints, China pearl strikes no amazement into you. Enter and the décor is a bit crowded and usual. The staff were crisp ( hey I havent started tasting yet!) and very much in the ‘theme’ ! Not bad. The crowd seemed upmarket, except for us J had a good sprinkling of youngsters although it didn’t seemed like a very hip place (considering the fact that at one point they told us to pipe down, but we had our usual kind of fun). All this points to some serious dining. And. It’s Indian Chinese, not authentic.

We were 11 hungry people all from the same company. 11 different points of view, 10 great companions,7 states represented on a table and for sure 5 different languages spoken in a span of roughly 2.15 hours. I love my country.

So let’s eat.

What? The menu was huge. The sea food section was also well populated, which surprised me. The vegetarians definitely don’t lose out in this restaurant.
Heres what we ate, with an attempt at pro star rating, mind you this rating was done by 3 guys, hence I can say , this rating does good justice. Tabloids, please contact my agent.

Shaolin sticks (veg seekh Chinese style) – * * * * .5
Crispy paneer – * * * *
Momos – * * *
Lung fung soup – * * * .5
Chicken manchow soup – * * .5
Red Dragon chicken – * * *.5
Veg balls in hot garlic sauce – * * * *.5
Veg Chowmein - * * * *
Veg Schezwan fried rice (peas!) - * *
Chilly fish - * * * *
Kum Fa lamb - * * * .5
Chocolate mousse - * * * .5
Sweet lime soda - * * * *

Overall I can give it a * * * *. Lack s a full 5 because it seems a bit on the expensive side.

A meal I shall remember, for the food and the people.

Hey, I just did what many foodie columnists do; impose their judgement on the readers in metrics like numbers and stars. That’s the last thing I want to do.

Go to this place. It’s good.

The 'Good Food Guide' guide

I like food. A lot. I like to write , moderately though. Hence you will find articles religiously dedicated to food.(aneeshksh.blogspot.com). I have been blogging for more than a year. Intermittently though, every time I wrote, I was left with a feeling of satisfaction for putting my thoughts into words and for the ability to express one of lifes pleasures into letters, that of taste. My inspiration, presenter of ‘The Cook’s tour’ –Anthony Bourdain. It’s a bad practise to get inspired by TV, but his curt style and his love of food made not in a 5 star hotel, but of the kind enjoyed daily by Billions around the world. I however started on a small scale, exploring food that was served in my home in Mumbai, Vile Parle – the home of Parle-G biscuits and I was hooked.

I never tasted food like I used to before. I tasted for my readers, whoever they may be. Every taste and flavor, no matter how subtle was noticed, appreciated or taunted. I realised that the texture of food, aroma and the ambience could make or break a meal. Probably this is what my mother wants of me. To eat, enjoy and share. And what better way than blogging.

So how do you start? Assuming you do know how to start a blog of your own, the following guidelines can start you off with your own foodie page.
1:Like food, all kinds: You have to be impartial, like in a cricket match, an umpire who allows the usual sporting sledges and watches out for the no balls. You should be able to appreciate not just one cuisince but must be eager to try exotic ones. At the end of the day, the umpire likes the game, or gets paid well.
2:Know food: here you need a bit of research. This is the case with acquired tastes and local varieties. Better ask someone who is from the region to give you their opinion which will matter more. And most of all, you will know what to look out for and appreciate.
3:Company matters: Sharing a meal adds to the experience immensely. Talking statistically, it normalises any imbalances in judgement and a conversation always completes a meal. Plus it benefits you monetarily, obviously. Parties are good. Especially when you are not paying :) .
4:Keep a note: what you had, where you had and how much did you pay. These factors are fast forgotten when you eat something else! Remember, you are using taste and experience as metrics, which are not standard and tend to be forgotten easily.
5:Have an iron stomach: Don’t go anywhere without it! It took me years of digestive condtioning to be ready to brace almost any kind of food. It dosent mean we compromise on hygiene, we never do. But someone, somewhere always forgets to follow procedure.

I guess with this bit, we could start appreciating food and writing about it. But I shall tell you the place to get the truly best food in the world: home.

Battle of Bangalore: hunting for food. Intro

Battle of Bangalore: hunting for food. Intro.

Leaving Bombay was like leaving a Nice juicy, crunchy bhelpuri on the table after taking a bit and digging into a fresh plate of karela salad. Its healthy for me, I don’t like it but I have to eat it.

So as before, I explore new gastronomical frontiers with my roomies, let me remind you this blog isn’t a food blog, I write what I like to.

Let me start of by saying I hate Bangalore, for now. I am part Kannadiga so I am acquainted with Kannadiga food ( if that’s what it is called). And things are not Ok for a hog like me as I have to hunt. For food which is not the same as the last meal and which you might not get bored with within 3 cycles of iterations. For places where you don’t have to consume food like horses, standing up.For a place that is not run like a military canteen cause there is no other fodder station for miles to come . For a decent functional and affordable meal.

It dosent end with Dosa and idly, it starts with it. Best so far will be MTR which I haven’t tried but with all my techie brethen swearing by it, I can give it thumbs up.
But who has time to go and eat at all these fancy places when subsitence is the matter of hour. So you eat what you get. But all along in Bangalore you will discover gems of Dosa and Idly all along. Be it the canteen of the office or some small darshini you happen to try the accompanying chutney and sambhar are unqiue and interesting. Northies and I personally like the dry chutney which they put in the parcels, be sure to get it when you eat there also. But these occasions are rare where you are delighted by the food. Far and Few. So eat the next as it might be your first.

Gobi Manchurian. How these natives like it. How the Chinese might consider this a blasphemy. These spheres of nutritionally deficient califlowers tortured with vinegar, sauces and heaps of MSG potentially cancerous, how good they are! Best place to eat, my auntys place. Commercially I can say so far I have had it best at SLV swadishta, Banshankari. Banashakari by the way is my stomping ground for my adventures. Look out for Gobi manchurian with gravy, it can just make this dish or break it completely. NOT RECCOMENDED FOR PEOPLE WITH BAD THROATS, STOMACHS, INTESTINES….

Good North indian food, dosent come cheap here. If it comes so tell my dear flatmate who happens to be such a harried Northie affected by acute deficiency of good northie food. Already angered by lack of the national language, the final straw was the ‘north indian’ meals. This is Chinese food all over again. Local versions of North Indian fare are deluding the locals, or probably easing the transition I guess. Hey who am I to say. I am from the land of cocktail foods.

So run along to Shree Sagar(jayanagar 4th block). Our new found haven for Bombayya style Northie Food which my aforesaid Punjabi flatmate gave his thumbs up. Trust me that finger dosent come up as easily as one of its neighbours when it comes to food joints. Observe- food joints. Cause there usually are no chairs to sit and the consumption happens in a standing position, not this place. Thank you.
The roti, kulcha, naan run along the expensive side (Rs12+ !!) , but are well turned out. Sabzi, yes sir. Palak Paneer and Makhanwala are better than many of the ones I tried in Bombay. Priced similarly. Great Pulav. The service was quite mentionably fast and good. The Mushroom gets a 4.5/5! Schezwan rice sucks :( Gobi MC :( North indian meal :):):):) hehe, they had ice cream in that meal :). Its in Jayanagar :) , next to Cool joint :)

Cool joint, :) I cant stop doing that. This place definitely takes the ice cream cake. Screw Baskin robins 52 times over man! Great prices, great dishes , sandwiches, sundaes, shakes , juices. Thank god for this piece of holy land. You have to experience this place. Try amazing ice cream combos like Honey crunch, my darling, spider man…… innovative, very delightful and cheap(25+) !! what more. I want my salary paid this way. Womenfolk, you will love this place, men escorting the lady, this is your lucky cheap break.

Finally for this article, the one thing that made us happy, kept our energy and morale up, juices. Omnipotent. Omnipresent. Mega size, Mini price. Max satisfaction. Since I stepped into bangalore I have been drinking like a fish, purely non alcoholic in nature. Man, water is for washing, juice is for drinking! All the prices are low and juice is made fresh. The water so far has always been clean and best way to get vitamins awfully low in bachelor food that we eat. I always ask for mice without sugar and filter. Which makes the juice dude wonder, why bother drink a juice? Just eat a fruit and drink water. But I am too lazy for that. Highly reccomended, bangalore reads fresh good cheap juice for me.

Further I invite my friends who are fighting valiantly the battle to conquer new tastes and experiences in food land. Together we shall make this world a better place to eat :) forgive my pjs :P.