JUST NOT CUISINE
It's weekend and here's a subject without which my blog would be rather incomplete. As the topic clearly mentions it's CUISINE yes F-O-O-D. (trust me it's a natural response to the word).
They say food,clothing and shelter are the basic necessities of life, I believe in a city like Mumbai,the latter two are more or less a luxury for each and every individual. But in the end, food comes to rescue for the basic survival in this Rich-Poor-Clean-Dusty-Bizarre-Reasonable city. To put in actual words, In Mumbai it's Roti Beyond Roti. In the end, most of the official, unofficial citizens manage to satiate their stomach through some or the other edible means,Be it 10 RupeesVadapav or 150 Rupees Burger!
No information about this post is advanced, it's rather an overview of things,things about and around food which every Mumbaikar would know. It's just the identical relativity factor which is rather pleasant.
So here are what I call Food Fundas about Mumbai Food:
- If you didn't have hiccups,you definitely didn't have panipuri at the right place.
- Just had a Spicy Chinese plate? You're definitely in Mumbai!
- JUST NOT THE RIGHT Pav Bhaji if you didn't spot 50 grams of butter on your plate.
- 50 Panipuri's in a row? Well you're a true Mumbaikar
- If you aren't aware of the shoe-lace relation between the rains and bhajiya's you aren't a countryman.
- If you haven't asked for an extra puri at the end of chaat marathon,you are probably new to the city.
- If you still wonder what a cutting chai means,your citizenship needs to be ceased.
In a city like Mumbai, Cuisine simply doesn't mean a combination of spices or a variety of flavors put together. Marked by a blend of cultural and religious beliefs. Just like any other aspect in the city, cuisine is also witnessed in diversified textures,tastes.Below is a list of outlets in the city influenced by similar factors (Because a few places just manage to leave a lasting impression) :
- Haji Ali juice centre
Well in the foodological (Food chronology) this place should probably appear in the end, but never mind it was the first one to appear in my head.Well What's so special about this place? I would say it's location and history. The juice centre is located at the busy intersection of what was the circle of Haji Ali, abutting the entrance of iconic Haji Ali Dargah. Like the mosque,the eatery too has it's faithful followers,it's been there since 1937! The cramped seating is hardly anyone's first choice though,as most order from the car or get a take away. But whatsoever,the bottom line is it doesn't stop people traveling from great distances if only to sample the Fresh Strawberry cream.
2. The Village
India's heart beats in it's villages and human palate in it's taste buds. (Okay,that didn't make much sense). To put it in simple words, nothing serves better than experiencing food in the authentic air of India's heart. The village is about experiencing food from Kashmir to kanyakumari.If you feel you're too caught up in this urban jungle,the village is an appropriate option to feel the swadeshi essence. The place is more about a personal experience than comprehension. And yes, If you're looking for the entertainment bit,it won't be a disappointment either. Entertainment in the tradtional sense of the word is characterized by desi Rajasthani moves and songs coupled with Kutchi Ghodi and Bhangra performances. The Sangeet Mandali keeps you glued. And yes,not to forget, the women love the chudiwali and mehendwali,good enough to please their soul.
They're all over the place,so do consider visting the nearest outlet when you're in a desi mood.
They're all over the place,so do consider visting the nearest outlet when you're in a desi mood.
3.Leopold Cafe
4. Mucchad Paan Wala
What's so fascinating about a paan wala to be on my blog post [Yes, You need to be special enough to appear on this blog B-) ] So,anyway first and foremost Muchhad Pan Wala is India's First Paanwala on Web! Yes,You're welcome on knowing an important fact through this blog. Now what's more in the package? Well you can not only order your paan online but also customize it! They take bulk orders too! So when there's an Indian Wedding menu being set you know where to turn for the meal course end. So much obsession over food made me realize I missed out on the most important detail,the location. It's just at Breach Candy,Haji Ali right opposite St.Stephens Church. And the man behind this mouth watering variety of paan is Mr.Jaishankar Tiwari,a millionaire. The shop was originally established by his father Shyam Charan Tiwari about a 30 years. Along with Jaishankar Tiwari,the shop is managed by 3 of his brothers. The long moustache and the paan business is a family affair.
So this place falls at Marine drive,the question again what's so special about this place? Well I would say the ambience,this place has an ambience to die for! As the name suggests it's a cafe by the beach.Isn't
that amazing enough? A perfect place for one those cinematic kind of dates. Just what you call *Oh So Romatic!* (Oh. I'm not coming out of The Notebook or A walk to remember) Alright so moving on from it's ambience factor,in terms of food this place won't be a disappointment either.The chocolate Tsunami Shake is really a treat to your taste buds. If you fancy some Italian food, there's ravioli filled with tomatoes,pine nut and ricotta all coated with a creamy sauce. In all, the open setup,the sand on your feet,the music and the spaced out seating arrangement offers you privacy and somehow leave you with a euphoric feeling.
It's weekend,if at all you happen to read bits of this post and consider it close to being prudent enough. Do pay a visit at some of these places. Have a Foodie Weekend! :D
