Archive | FOOD & BEV

Reviews of HANGLA’S

Reviews of HANGLA’S

Hangla is a Bengali slang word that’s used playfully to express gluttony. The owner Mr. Ghosh says that the name represents Bengali street fare.
Mr. U. Dasgupta, former chef, Taj President, has joined forces with Hangla’s. They have recruited chefs that are direct descendents of the cooks who used to whip up meals for the royal families of Calcutta.The must-try takeaways here are the kati rolls, biryani, kasa, Moghlai parathas and caramel custard. Mr. Ghosh also tells me that Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar termed the biryani as ‘lip-smacking good’. This takeaway joint has a fan following in the suburbs.

Extracted from wherecity.com

Mr. Ghosh staffs his restaurants with descendants of families who cooked for the Mughals. They turn out tender mutton and chicken rolls, spiced with fresh lime juice, red onion, finely chopped green chili, and salt (60 to 70 rupees, about $1.30 to $1.50) –- add an egg to your parantha (flatbread) for another five rupees. Or try the aromatic, saffron-tinged biryani — a rice dish with chicken or mutton — served Kolkata-style with potatoes and a boiled egg (70 to 80 rupees for a half-portion, easily enough for one person).

(Courtsey New York times)

One of the best of its kind in Mumbai, it’s a great substitute for a Frankie when you are lusting for a quick snack. This chain of stalls that specialises in Bong street food has opened shop in the suburb that, until now, had homesick Bengali residents driving down to Lokhandwala to sample its fare. The Mutton Roll ( Rs 70) is tops with the Double Chicken Roll ( Rs 95) coming in second; it had at least 10 pieces of chicken plus veggies! Vegetarians should ask for a Paneer Roll ( Rs 65) or the plain and simple Egg version ( Rs 30).
The Bengali slang word for “ glutton”, Hangla’s stays true to its name. The sparse menu makes up in substance with reasonably priced kebabs, momos, chops, biryani, parathas, kasha ( mutton) and combo meals.

The soft Lachcha Paratha ( Rs 20) was a great accompaniment to the spicy Kasha ( Rs 150).

Chicken Biryani ( full at Rs 125 and half at Rs 70) is the picture of authenticity.

Aromatic rice topped with a large chicken piece, potato and a boiled egg; it’s served and tasted exactly like the real stuff.

The momos were competent but they could have tenderised the meat a little more. Don’t miss the Fish Chop ( prepared from Bhetki fish), fresh and soft. It comes with a special mustard sauce that is hard to find in our city.

Favorite Dish: Lachcha Paratha ,Chicken Biryani ,Bhetki fish,Paneer Roll ,Mutton Roll ,Double Chicken Roll

(Extracted from Virtual tourist )

Not at par for a Burrp certification! Avoid it.

Hangla’s @ Powai is not meant for the Bengalis of Mumbai. Anyone who has had Kolkata street food will agree with this fact. Well, whether the problem lies with just its Powai outlet or the rest I really wouldn’t know. But since I have tasted the so called Kolkata street food in Hangla’s @ Powai, here is what I have to say – pathetic!

Hangla’s-Powai opened to a lot of fanfare, pretty discounts and rumors of serpentine queue on its day one. Armed with huge expectations and an ample appetite to match we decided to try it out but were in for great disappointment. As we were to find out almost all the food stuff is pre made & frozen.

Let me start with the Momos (chicken). The filing of the momos was strictly ok but the covering was dry and hard. The accompanied sauce felt that it was a hurry mixture of the commercial tomato sauce mixed with chilly flakes. Next was the Fish Chop which was hot from outside but ice cold inside, I guess they had not thawed it. Though big in size the filling was very sweet, so much so that half way through it we just had to give it up.

The Moghlai paratha is a large serving but tasteless & very oily, served with stale onion rings & an equally stale potato veggie. Now for the world famous Kolkata rolls, the covering of the roll was hard & crispy, long hours in the freezer then re-cooked does that to it perhaps. The chicken filling was too sour and was filled with too much of cabbage unlike the lovely thinly sliced salad that is the norm.

(Extracted from mumbai.burrp.com )

You can find Hangla’s at

  • 1st Floor, Food Court, Galleria Mall, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai, Mumbai
  • Phone: 9833287064

Pictures courtsey mid-day.com

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Posted in CONTINENTAL/INDIAN CUISINE, FAST FOOD, FOOD & BEV0 Comments

Tiffins in Hiranandani or Powai? Recommendations??

Tiffins in Hiranandani or Powai? Recommendations??

When in doubt ask the crowd, here we tried to crowd source the answer to the perennial question, how to find good, cheap, healthy affordable homemade khanna delivered to you fresh out of the kitchens of Powai. Though the answers are not really impressive, but at least its a start to a good happy meal.
Rahul Rai

Rahul Rai one is there in powai plaza but not sure abt the name…

07 July at 13:04 ·
Paritosh PantParitosh Pant ohh… i have a better one…. sai tiffin services PH no. 25770542,25788628……. i recommend it u……. they are brilliant….

07 July at 13:19
Neeta Singh BhatnagarNeeta Singh Bhatnagar There is one at Oberoi estates on chandivali road . It’s a gujju thali kind of food.

07 July at 13:22 ·
Sharell Maya MaharanaSharell Maya Maharana The one in Powai Plaza I think is Swad… but they say they only deliver meal boxes not tiffins. It costs 75 rupees a day! Tried calling Sai but first number didn’t work and the second one wasn’t answered. Will try again tomorrow! Otherwise it’s on to the Gujju thali. :-)

07 July at 21:29 ·
Tanmay BahulekarTanmay Bahulekar I feel discriminated against, the last time i scouted for a number.. ah well anyway :) Tiffins eh, sounds promising. Swad is run of the mill. Gujju thali is good, once a year. Will try calling Sai the next time around!

07 July at 21:56 ·
Sharell Maya MaharanaSharell Maya Maharana Sai sounds excellent. 35-45 rupees only, they say. Am going to give them a try. Thanks for the recommendation!

08 July at 15:05 ·
Preeti Aruna KalluriPreeti Aruna Kalluri Mayura Tai cooks awesome food, she resides @ panch kutir , here is her contact no. 9920157776

08 July at 21:55 ·
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Posted in TIFFINS, TOP 51 Comment

Kosho: Small is Beautiful and Delicious Too

Kosho is a hidden gem of a restaurant. Once you discover it, you’ll want to tell all your friends and family about it, and return again and again. Opened in early 2010, the family owned and operated Kosho serves outstanding Chinese, Indian, and Italian cuisine. It’s the creation of a dedicated brother and sister team who have put their heart and soul into it, as well as financed it themselves.

As you enter the mock Tudor premises and are led upstairs to be seated, you’ll realize that you’re about to have an intimate dining experience that is rare to come across. Kosho is small. But it’s small in a welcoming and appealing way.

The dining area, tastefully and contemporarily decorated in warm tones, has just six tables. This ensures that you won’t have to contend with a large room full of noisy customers. Those who’d like more privacy will appreciate the inviting cushioned alcove, separated from the main room by a beaded curtain.

For such a small restaurant, the menu is surprisingly vast. It contains all the popular Indian and Chinese dishes, an authentic selection of pastas, plus some unique items that you’re unlikely to have come across before.

One of these items is the Lakhnawi Aloo – hollowed out potato stuffed with vegetables and coated in sesame seeds. I sampled it with a mixture of other starters, including the Talumain Clear Soup, Cheese Spinach Tikki, an assortment of chicken items (plain Chicken Tikka, Chicken Kali Mirch Tikka, and Chicken Malai Kebab), and the Prawns Koliwada.

All were superb, but two things really stood out. The fried Cheese Spinach Tikki, crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, pleasingly wasn’t the slightest bit oily. The Chicken Kali Mirch Tikka was also a taste sensation, with its peppery flavour exploding in my mouth.

Next came the pasta. A penne pasta in basil pesto and cream, which is an all time favourite dish of mine. I have eaten many. Again, I was very impressed. The pasta wasn’t drowning in cream. Instead, the sauce was light but tasty, and very nicely balanced.

Somehow, I found room in my stomach for the main course. Prawns Masala, Veg Lajawab, and an item not on the menu – Paneer Hariyali (paneer in a spinach gravy with a dose of mint). Normally, I avoid paneer due to its unappealing, spongy consistency. However, this paneer was an exception and the gravy was also very refreshing.

According to the owner, other popular dishes are:

  • Starters — Fish Fingers, Fish Rawa, Paneer Yakitori, Paneer Papdi Tikka.
  • Main course — Nargis Kofta, Veg Ujala, Dal Makhani, Chicken Lababdar, Chicken Musallam, Chicken Joshila, Mutton Rogan Josh, Fish Curry.

It’s not surprising that the food at Kosho has the high quality of a renowned restaurant, as the head chef and his team come from a large establishment. However, what is surprising is that it certainly doesn’t have the price tag to match. The average cost of a non-veg main dish is 150-160 rupees. Simple dishes, such as Aloo Muttar, cost only 75 rupees. The most expensive item on the menu is the non-veg Tandoori Dawat, at a little over 500 rupees. However, for that price you’ll get an assortment of 32 different starter items — enough to feed a whole family!

The only drawback? Kosho is not licensed to serve alcohol. However, that problem can easily be solved by making use of their handy home delivery service. They also cater for birthdays, kitty parties, and other special occasions.

You’ll find Kosho at D-1 Nahar Shopping Plaza, Nahar Amrit Shakti, Chandivali, Powai. Phone: 2857 8391/92.

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Posted in ADVERTORIAL, FEATURED, RESTAURANT REVIEWS, RESTAURANTS1 Comment

Where is the Best Vada Pav in Powai?

Where is the Best Vada Pav in Powai?

Lets face it, we are not Bandra or Dadar, and most of the vadapavs made in Powai are for drivers and office goers. But that doesn’t mean we don’t like vadapav, as this Mumbai snack is a great leveler. So when Sudha Kanago asked on twitter, “where is the best vadapav in Powai? ” we let our friends on facebook take this question. Below are some of the responses on facebook and twitter, it seems like after Anju’s home made vadapavs, the best place for vadapav  is one at Powai Vihar or next to Lucky stores.

@SudhaKanago: Where is the best vada pav in powai? #powai”

Anju Kohli

Anju Kohli

my house…u are welcome
24 June at 19:20

Akshat Chaurasia

Akshat Chaurasia

just outside our skool
24 June at 19:31 ·

Miheer Prabhu

Miheer Prabhu

thrs a small vada-pav store just besides Lucky Stores…its the best i had in powai…
24 June at 19:34 ·

Juhi Verma

Juhi Verma

uphar in iit!!
24 June at 19:45 ·

Sumi Sethi

Sumi Sethi

janta bakery vp is not bad!
24 June at 20:35 ·

Raj Patangia

Raj Patangia

i guess near lucky stores!!
24 June at 20:35 ·

Agnivesh V Singh

Agnivesh V Singh

guys try out the canteen of hakon
it when u enter gal to the right basement
best in powai as of i know and also the panchkuter ones also good
24 June at 21:15 ·

Tanmay Bahulekar

Tanmay Bahulekar

Finally some food talk :) Powai Vihar has some of the best Samosa Pao! A small place bang opposite a restaurant called “Maple”?
24 June at 21:30 ·

Taru Kapoor Talwar

Taru Kapoor Talwar

powai vihar
24 June at 21:52 ·

Dimple Virginker Wagle

Dimple Virginker Wagle

Thanks a million to the one who started this discussion:)
24 June at 22:19 ·

Sudha Kanago

Sudha Kanago

Wow what a list! Can’t wait to try out! Thank you so much, all of you!

@Anju, you are most gracious!will take you up on it!:-)

24 June at 23:19 ·

Anju Kohli

Anju Kohli

u most welcome anytime Sudha :)
25 June at 00:00 ·

Gaurav Sharma

Gaurav Sharma

Powai Vihar is anyday a nice option, the same fellow opposite MAPLE!!
25 June at 00:54 ·

Anju Kohli

Anju Kohli

Shiv Sagar…powai vihar
25 June at 00:55
Some responses on Twitter

@powaiinfo – Sorry,,Powai being Powai,, does not have a ‘good’ vada pav place !!!less than a minute ago via Chromed Bird

@powaiinfo Tap your drivers for this info! On issues of best street food, no one knows better than them…less than a minute ago via Twitter for BlackBerry®

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Posted in FAST FOOD, NEWS, TOP 55 Comments

5 of the Best Indian Restaurants in Powai

Whether you feel like fine dining a la carte, or just a simple no-frills thali, Powai has some of the best Indian cuisine restaurants in Mumbai. Many of them serve buffets at lunch time too, so you can feast until you slumber (unless of course, you have to head back to the office).

Here are five restaurants in Powai serving tasty Indian food.

1. The Yellow Chilli

The Yellow Chilli, Powai.
The Yellow Chilli, Central Avenue, Powai.

The Yellow Chilli, located on Central Avenue near D-Mart in Hiranandani Gardens, is the creation of celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor. Seen his food preparations on TV? Now, you can try some of them yourself at this restaurant. The menu consists of a buffet for lunch, and fine dining for dinner. The weekday buffet is priced at 275 rupees, while it’s 325 rupees on the weekend. Feedback about the buffet, such as this review is mostly positive. For a really stand-out experience, try the ChilliQ barbecue grill for 399 rupees plus taxes. Enjoy it on the restaurant’s attached open air rooftop. Prices at The Yellow Chilli are surprisingly reasonable for what you get. Phone +91 22 4015 6161 or visit their website for more information.

2. Saffron Spice

Saffron Spice, Powai.
Saffron Spice, Central Avenue (next to Pizza Hut), Powai.

Saffron Spice is another ambient fine dining restaurant that serves a variety of Indian cuisine in Hiranandani Gardens, Powai. Its interior is exotically decorated with Indian handicrafts and purple raw silk. However, the really appealing thing about this restaurant that it offers items from all over India — north, south, east and west — so there’s something for everyone! A meal for two will cost 500-1,000 rupees. Saffron Spice also has a lunch buffet, and if you feel like a drink before dinner, the Clove Bar is just next door (and there are always happy hours!). The down side? Some people have found the service at Saffron Spice to be lacking. Phone +91 22 6699 0088 or visit their website for more information. Also, read a review of Saffron Spice.

3. Nawab Saheb

Nawab Saheb.
Nawab Saheb, Renaissance Hotel, Powai.

If it’s a special occasion and you want to splurge, consider the elegant Nawab Saheb at the Renaissance Hotel. Specialising in north Indian cuisine, kebabs are a feature item on the menu and there are some appealing options for vegetarians as well. As is to be expected from a restaurant in a luxury hotel, food is on the pricey side. Expect to pay 1,500 rupees or more for a meal for two. However, the ambiance is stylish and there’s often live ghazals to entertain guests. The interactive display kitchen is also a focal point. Nawab Saheb is open for dinner only. Phone +91 22 6692 7558 or read this review of Nawab Saheb for more information.

4. Laxmi Next

Laxmi Next.
Laxmi Next, Opposite IIT Main Gate, Powai.

Let’s face it, most people can’t afford to eat out at fine dining restaurants regularly. And most Indians appreciate the value of a good thali. At Laxmi Next you’ll get quality food at an affordable price. A tasty thali (pictured in the top photo) will cost you 50 rupees. However, there are plenty more items to choose from. Laxmi Next really has the market covered because it’s actually divided into two restaurants — veg and non veg. It could perhaps even be the longest serving restaurant in the Powai area. Located opposite the IIT main gate, students have been coming there for the last 30 years. Laxmi Next is open from morning until midnight. For home delivery phone (22) 2577 0171.

5. Mantra

Mantra, Powai.
Mantra, Powai Plaza, Central Avenue, Powai.

Mantra, located in Powai Plaza, scores points for its very reasonably priced food, and menu that’s inclusive of service charges and taxes (even for drinks) — so there are no nasty surprises at the end of the night. The restaurant specialises in Mughlai, Indian and Chinese cuisine, and most menu items are under 200 rupees. It’s great value in a great environment. Mantra is open for lunch and dinner. Do make a reservation on weekends! Phone +91 22 2570 2501 or read a review of Mantra for more information.

And Then There’s….

The Great Kebab Factory
As its name suggest, the Great Kebab Factory specialises in kebabs — and it charges a lot for them. A fixed selection of six kebabs (with veg or non veg options) is priced at 999 rupees, including taxes. Read a review of the Great Kebab Factory. If you do want to give it a try, you’ll find it located on Central Avenue, opposite D-Mart.

Sankalp
Sankalp, on Central Avenue just up from The Great Kebab Factory, specialises in south Indian cuisine. It’s popular, and usually always full. The pricing, with mains below 200 rupees, is also attractive. However, the restaurant receives mixed reviews depending on what food is ordered. So, be careful of what you choose if you eat there! Read reviews of Sankalp.

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Posted in FEATURED, RESTAURANTS, TOP 50 Comments

TH Bakes Delivers Fresh American Style Cakes to Powai

If you’re craving authentic American baked goods, there’s a fabulous solution. Order them from TH Bakes! TH Bakes makes all kinds of cakes and cupcakes, and delivers regularly (with an aim of weekly) to Powai. But the best thing is that proceeds are used to fund Tender Hands — an NGO that rescues and rehabilitates street children and commercial sex workers from the streets of Mumbai.

TH Bakes, as well as Tender Hands, are based in Navi Mumbai and were founded by Bernie David and her Indian husband. Bernie is an American ex Wall Street Mortgage Banker with a passion for baking and community work. You can be sure that the baked goods from TH Bakes are authentic, as Bernie’s baking journey began during childhood when she started baking in the kitchen with her grandmother and mother. They used the finest ingredients, and time-tested recipes. Now, you can have the delight of tasting them!

A wide range of American Style Baked goods are available, including apple pie, cupcakes, carrot cake, chocolate chip cookies, brownies, lemon cake, pumpkin cake, and chocolate cake. Yum!

Another wonderful, charitable thing about TH Bakes is that it also teaches and provides a life skill to woman challenged by life.

More information and a full menu of what’s on offer can be found on the TH Bakes website. (Scroll down the menu for cakes, fancy cakes, cupcakes, and cookies). You can also Like TH Bakes on Facebook.

Orders can be placed by:

1. Emailing Bernie at either info@tenderhands.org or order@thbakes.com

2. SMS or Call an order to 98707 66962 or 98707 66963.

The next delivery to Powai is on Saturday June 19th, 2010.

A couple of reviews:

“I love the cakes and cupcakes from TH Bakes. They use the freshest
ingredients and you can tell from the quality of their product. It
tastes just as good as any cake you can get from a bakery in the
USA. After having their cakes, I won’t purchase my cakes from any
other store.”

Rebecca Thompson

The TH Bakes cupcakes are the yummiest in Mumbai. The cupcakes are
fresh and taste just like they would from a bakery in New York. We
love the fact that the profits from the business go back to
supporting under-privileged kids in Mumbai. Good job guys!”

Sarah Drysdale

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Posted in ADVERTORIAL, CAKES & PASTRIES, FEATURED0 Comments

Spaghetti Kitchen Reviewed by candyfloss

Spaghetti Kitchen Reviewed by candyfloss

Spaghetti Kitchen Reviewed by candyfloss

I love Italian food, it’s my absolute favorite. And I just have to try out every place that has Italian cuisine. Until now, the only places close to work that qualified as “Italian” were the usual pizza chains: Dominoes, Pizza Hut, Papa Johns, Smokin’ Joes, and Garcias. But recently, to my absolute delight, Spaghetti Kitchen opened in Powai! And I had no choice but to make a reservation as soon as I heard, even though that meant taking a two-hour lunch break :) It’s right above Aroma (good shakes, sandwiches, and pastas, will write about this after I try out their breakfast) and Bistro Grill (which happens to be my next foodie target, so hopefully I’ll write about it soon).

About the decor: The restaurant is really lovely and well spaced out. The restaurant opened recently so everything gleams of newness. They have booths, which are very comfortable, and regular tables and chairs. When you make a reservation, ask for a booth! We went from work for lunch on a Monday so the restaurant was pretty empty and we got to pick where we wanted to sit. Even though there were only two other tables occupied when we went, from the way the tables are spaced, it won’t be cramped or uncomfortable even when the restaurant is filled to capacity. They’ve put up beautiful paintings and lovely ornate ceiling lamps. One thing I noticed and wasn’t happy with is that they had all their lights on, even in sections where noone was seated. They need to be more environmentally aware and light only occupied areas, specially in the daytime when the sunlight pours in through their huge windows. We even got to see a cute baby squirrel scampering around on the ledge from the window that we were seated next to. That reminds me, they have high-chairs for families with babies and toddlers.

About the service: I read a few reviews of this place before I visited and most had bad things to say about the service. That to me is really surprising! The serving staff was very courteous and very prompt. I was a bit undecided about what to get for my main course and dessert and our server was very patient with me. Our plates were cleared promptly between courses and the next course was served when everyone at the table was done with the previous. You should know that they add a 10% service charge to the bill, and I think that’s really sensible. I’ve noticed most people can be really cheap. They don’t mind spending 300-400 on a drink, but when it comes time to leave a tip, they want to leave like 50 bucks for a bill of thousands, even after having made the serving staff run around a million times. I prefer leaving a decent tip, and a little something extra even when a service charge is included if the service has been good. My friends generally grumble about this, but I make them feel guilty and prevail. Thankfully, my colleagues didn’t grumble.

About the food: We opted for the corporate set lunch that they have, which is a four-course meal. It starts withsoup, where you have to choose one from two vegetarian options. Then choose one from the four anti-pastioptions, two veg and two non-veg, and pizza, again two veg and two non-veg options, wherein you can choose one. The main course is either pasta or risotto, where again you have four options, two veg and two non-veg of each. My favorite course, dessert, pick one from three options, out of which one will be sugar-free (for the calorie-conscious and diabetic). You also have a pick of one beverage, either an iced tea, a soft carbonated drink, or coffee. There’s even a complimentary bread basket for every table, that includes breadsticks and warm fresh bread with a delicious salsa to spread on it. All this for Rs. 450 + taxes Each course is served in a portion size adequate for one person, even big eaters will be more than satiated. Also, the presentation of each course is just beautiful… it reminded me of Hell’s Kitchen (that show on Travel & Living, Gordon Ramsay’s as yummy as the food :) . Also, everything was really clean, with the crisp napkins, sparkling cutlery, and dazzling white crockery.

Now for the good and the not-so-good (as always the focus is on the vegetarian food, sorry all you non-veggies). I got their peach iced tea, which was a bit frothy, so I’m guessing it came from a tap. But it tasted really good, was just cold enough, and wasn’t too sweet. I’m usually not a soup person, but they had this tempting-sounding “summer vegetables and basil” soup, and I really enjoyed it. Thankfully the airconditioning was strong, so I didn’t balk at the idea of soup in this heat. The anti-pasti I chose was cottage cheese dish in some delicious garlic sauce. And that was served with three small slices of thin-crust pizza, with olives, bell peppers, and tomatoes. The first two courses were really amazing. For the main course I chose the risotto in cheese sauce with vegetables like brocolli, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Maybe I’m just not a risotto person, but the one at White (a restaurant in Goregaon) is better. And from what my friends said, the pastas, veg and non-veg, weren’t great either. This is not to say the main course was bad, it just wasn’t on par with the first two courses. Redemption came with dessert! A delicious walnut brownie with a tiny scoop of vanilla gelato. Mmmmmm, heaven! I almost chose the orange panacotta, but then my chocoholism set in and I changed my order (the server was very sweet about that). The brownie was just delicious, slightly warm, and crunchy with the walnuts, it offset the vanilla gelato beautifully. Mmmmmm!

So that was about their corporate lunch, but I’ve also tried the a la carte at the Spaghetti Kitchen in Lower Parel a few times, and it’s really good, specially the lasagna and this starter that’s garlic cheesy potatoes, don’t remember what it’s called, but it’s yummy. Not Don Giovanni (a restaurant in Juhu) standards, but good nonetheless. They also have killer cocktails, so if you’re not going there in the middle of a workday and you’re not driving, give that a try. It’s a lovely place, good food, good service, and the corporate lunch is totally value for money, considering the quality, the portion sizes, and the presentation. If you work in and around Powai, make a reservation today and let me know if I’m invited :)

Article source: http://www.mouthshut.com/review/Spaghetti-KitchenPowaiBombay-192665-1.html

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Posted in RESTAURANT REVIEWS0 Comments

5 Tasty International Cuisine Restaurants in Powai

New restaurants have been popping up all over Powai in recent years. As a result, there’s now a wide range of cuisine to choose from. No longer do you have to restrict yourself to standard Indian or Chinese fare. You can be adventurous and tempt your taste buds with all kinds of food from around the world.

Here are five restaurants in Powai serving tasty international cuisine.

1. Bistro Grill (Arabian)

Bistro Grill, Powai.
Bistro Grill, High Street, Powai.

Bistro Grill, located just around the corner from Aromas, is one of the newer additions to the restaurant scene in Powai. A smaller version of it, called Bistro Grill Xpress, used to be open in the Galleria. The name doesn’t give away much, but Bistro Grill specialises in authentic Arabic cuisine. The marinated kebab skewers are particularly succulent. There are also sizzlers and rice dishes, with vegetarian options as well. And the food is reasonably priced. However, Bistro Grill isn’t just an appealing place to come and eat. Thanks to the added live entertainment, it’s also great for an evening out. Three nights a week (Wed-Fri) you can enjoy original live music such as acoustic guitar, vocals, and DJ with percussion. Conveniently, there’s a bar separate to the dining area. Phone +91 22 4015 7888. It’s open for lunch and dinner, and until late in the night on weekends.

2. Spaghetti Kitchen (Italian)

Spaghetti Kitchen, Powai.
Spaghetti Kitchen, High Street, Powai.

The Spaghetti Kitchen can be found above Bistro Grill, on High Street, Hiranandani Gardens. The restaurant aims to provide authentic Italian flavour in a contemporary and stylish atmosphere. Its spacious and bright interior is attractive, and is very reminiscent of Italy, with stained glass lamps, painted plates, mosaic table tops, and a wine bar. The food, while delicious, is on the costly side. However, what’s excellent value for money is their Midday Italian Rendezvous — a three course lunch, with veg and non-veg options, for 450 rupees. It’s served from midday until 4.30 p.m. The amount of food is substantial, and will satisfy the hungriest of tummies! Since most main courses are priced at around 350 rupees each, you really can’t go wrong with this lunchtime offer. Phone +91 22 6671 8800 or visit the Spaghetti Kitchen Facebook page for more information.

Read a review of Spaghetti Kitchen.

3. Far East (Asian)

Far East, Powai.
Far East, Rodas Ecotel Hotel, Powai.

Far East is part of the Rodas Ecotel hotel, situated next to Haiko and the Galleria in Hiranandani Gardens. It’s gained a reputation for serving up a mixture of authentic food from all over Asia, including China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The sit down, set menu banquet is particularly popular. For only 250 rupees (veg) or 275 rupees (non veg) plus tax, you can feast on soup, four starters, four main course items, and dessert. The restaurant has a captivating outlook, and show kitchen so you can watch your food being prepared. Phone +91 22 6693 6969 or visit their website for more information.

4. Mainland China (Chinese)

Mainland China.
Mainland China, Central Avenue, Powai.

Yes, it’s Chinese food, which is nothing new. But the Chinese food at Mainland China is the best in Powai. This fine dining restaurant, which has branches all over India, serves authentic cuisine from the major provinces of China. The rich ambiance inside is distinctly Chinese, with red being the main theme. And service is outstanding. As is to be expected, food is pricey. But it’s definitely no deterrent! You can expect to pay around 500 rupees for a main dish, and 250 for noodles. Don’t miss trying the renowned Dim Sum. Mainland China is open daily for both lunch and dinner. It’s located on Central Avenue, above Subway. Phone +91 22 2570 8800/8820/8821, or visit the Mainland China website and Mainland China Facebook page for more information. Also, read this review of Mainland China and check out the Mainland China menu.

5. Lake View Cafe (Continental)

Lake View Cafe.
Lake View Cafe, Renaissance Hotel, Powai.

The Lake View Cafe at the luxury Renaissance Hotel in Powai is the perfect place for a leisurely Sunday brunch. Its view across Powai Lake is tranquil and soothing. And you can treat yourself to unlimited buffet food and drinks for 1,500 rupees (or 1,650 rupees if you want unlimited sparkling wine). In fact, the buffet is popular for breakfast, lunch and dinner all through the week as well. You’ll be able to choose from an array of cheese, cold cuts, Italian breads, salads, salmon, roast lamb, and grilled seafood. There’s also a menu available for those who want something else. It’s expensive though. Even a simple burger or sandwich costs 495 rupees! But the benefit is that the Lake View Cafe is open 24 hours a day. Phone +91 22 6692 7550 for more information and reservations, or download the menu.

And Then There’s….

Chili’s (Mexican and American South West)
Chili’s is a popular chain restaurant in America, that’s now in India. Good Mexican food is hard to come by in India, and it’s uncertain whether you’ll find it here. Feedback, such as this review of Chili’s, is mixed. However, try it for yourself! What is certain is that the generous portions will keep you munching for a while! Chili’s is located on Central Avenue, next to the State Bank of India.

Yoko (American Sizzlers)
The specialty at Yoko is American Sizzlers. Unfortunately though, the sizzlers at the Powai branch don’t seem to have much….sizzle. Reports of excess sauce, bland and over cooked food, soggy french fries, and poor service are common. However, if you’re still game enough to dine there, you’ll find Yoko in the Galleria.

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Review of Kinkon Roccs Powai

Article Credits: Review submitted by Abhinav Chadha.

To start with, I had been watching all those King Kong posters and flyers around Powai for quite a lot of time. Eventually, it struck me that I must go and give the place a try. So there I was, fully prepared to enter the Beast House. It’s not far from my place so i went walking through the horrid sun expecting a nice lunch with my friend.

As soon as we reached, an Oriental girl welcomed us through the main gateway which was pleasant enough, given after all that hot sun. The entrance was good and carefully designed to give you the feeling of entering a cave of Beast. However, the hosts weren’t receptive and that made the first tick on our “Not-So-Good” list.

The place was gloomy, dark and failed to appeal. It was as if we were in some dark lounge, where two LCD panels keep displaying Kiin Kon Roccs (that’s their billing computer for you ;) ).The Menu had three parts: Bar, Continental and Indian.

For us booze was not on the list but, the entities weren’t bad enough as they did sport good variety of liquor. The mocktails were good and are presented under the name of “Virgin Cocktails”. We ordered a Mint Mojito and some Guava Lemon drink that was served in so called “Martini” glass with salt and chilly line. So Mocktails had a tick in “That’s Good” list.

The food was the same things you will get at any other Continental and American joint. Indian food was over-rated and did not urge us to give it a try. So, it was Continental.

Farmer Salad, comes with boiled eggs and was alright given the state of mind we had went with to the place. BBQ chicken was from a different BBQ planet that does not incorporate a smoky and rusty flavor. It was concluded that the Chicken was chopped and cooked just in BBQ sauce to call it BBQ chicken.
Chicken Shaslik sizzler was thought to bring some respite, despite the odds. But eventually to our utter dismay even that could not pull us out of the disparity that we have had enough.

The stewards should be knocked off as they do not know what is being cooked in the kitchen, also they cannot suggest you stuff so that becomes patchy when you want to try something on an experimental basis. The best part is they can’t even tell you their signature dishes. I think they must take drastic steps towards improving this section.

So that called it day and end of the meal. The bill was not bad, as we had carefully examined things were priced moderately but they don’t live up to the price tag. The ambiance is good for youngsters and I don’t feel many families would be comfortable at such gloomy places. The food was alright but the Mocktails saved the day for us, the only thing we wish do not change with time.

Ambiance: 7/10
Food: 4/10
Drinks(Mocktails): 8/10
Hospitality: 5/10
Overall: 5/10

P.S. : Try new things before asking as you are sure to get surprised.

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Spice Hut Powai Review by Abhinav

Spice Hut Powai Review by Abhinav

I don’t usually dine at Galleria, owing to the fact of it very infamous hygiene and fleas. But somehow Spice Hut appealed to me for a try, and there I was ready to gulp some Galleria Food.If you are looking for licking Biryani and have an appetite that carves for the yummy Mughlai Dishes, this is the place.

The setup is just as other Galleria stores, but they welcome you with a Big Heart and you leave smiling happily. I usually go to the place before I order from home, same was the case here. I personally went over and saw the joint, the staff. The establishment is small but they offer a huge variety of stuff.

One good thing that they offer is the Biryani in portions. This makes it easier for you to decide how many portions you would require, unlike other restaurants where they give you strictly one full plate. The Kebabs were good and the chicken was tender (yes finally i am feasting on chicks!) and juicy. The accompliment Kachombar was fine, not that exciting that had a little too much of dilution.

MURG DUM BIRYANI The most amazing part of it all was the Biryani. It had such a nice nutty and spicy feel to it that I couldn’t resist it after my first bite. The gravy was fine, but a little on the spicy end, though that can be made milder on request.

Their main attraction would be the excellent packaging. A cloth bag with every take away, a take away menu, food packed in food grade plastic boxes and tissues. You cannot ask for a better service in these times. Average serving time can be anywhere between 10-20 minutes depending on the order and the crowd.

When I asked him ‘Doesn’t this packaging costs you a little?’, the guy generously replied, ”Sir customer banane hai”. Now, this is what is called knowing your ultimate goal.
Overall a nice Mughlai Experience, Cheers ;)

PHIRNEE

P.S: They offer Firni and Shahi Tukda (Shahi Toast as called in Delhi) at cheap rates, though it was not available when I’d went, but I doubt if any place else serves these sweets?

Ambiance: Slain Galleria feel
Main Course: 8/10
Starters: 8/10
Sweets: Weren’t available to try, but they have got the uniqueness.
Service: 7/10
Overall: 8/10

This review was submitted by Abhinav Chadha

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