पधारो म्हारे देस At Rajasthali...

Rajasthali in Connaught Place provides a kaleidoscopic view of the culture of Rajasthan through the authentic spread it offers. Located quaintly in C Block, in a lane behind Odeon, it has the same concept as Rajdhani Thali Restaurant, which I had visited in the past too.

Having had a hawk's eye experience of both the establishments, I can surely vouch for Rajasthali having an upper hand. While the interiors are humble, the service is informed and quick. 

Thanks to the fact that Rajasthali aims to replicate the amicable hospitality of Rajasthan is reflected by the fact that a gentleman smilingly welcomes you to come and relish the delicacies of Rajasthan, presented in the form of a Thali.

There is also a change in Menu each day, so that patrons don't feel that it is a monotonous tryst with the state and its food. During weekdays, the Thali is priced at ₹299 per person all inclusive, while it is ₹375 for weekends.

The Welcome Drink here is Masala Chaach or Chaas and an antique vessel is offered for washing hands, before commencing the meal.

The Thali on offer presents the best of Gujrati and Rajasthani preparations and you're free to take multiple helpings of any of the items of your liking.

Their Gatte Ki Sabzi is the one to watch out for, as is their Paneer Methi. As has been Rajasthan's signature, Dal Baati Churma was quite a hot-selling item in the platter.

The first thing to be served was a portion of corn, cucumber, carrot salad along with accompanying chutneys, followed by a rotation of the curries, Khichdi, Rice, Breads etc.

Their desserts, namely Kheer and Halwa are light and flavorful on the palate. Special mention to the Malai (Rasgulla) Sandwich.

The place was quite choc-a-block on Sunday, and as I may have observed, Rajasthali is already wooing its patrons thanks to its authenticity. :)

Unchii Dukaan -- Phika Pakwaan! -- A Not So Good Personal Experience

Many idioms from ancient times seem so befitting even now - a - days. We experienced one first hand at 'Khandani Rajdhani - A Khandani Parampara'.

We had heard a lot about this restaurant at Connaught Place where one gets unlimited Rajasthani food in Thali Style. I always wanted to relish this regional cuisine but couldn't get the chance. So when a branch of this eating joint opened in our neighborhood at Pacific Mall, my family and I grabbed this opportunity. We were quite excited about this rendezvous.

 The Welcome was traditional -- with a tilak on the forehead. The ambiance was up to the mark. An antique utensil was used for washing hands before the meal.

So far so good. With our appetite aroused, we were expecting a sky high quality. But their preparations and arrangements failed to meet our expectations. The food served was OK in quantity ( as the portions could be taken again and again ) but not in quality.

The waiters were bombarding the dishes while reciting the names in such volume and accent that we couldn't garner much knowledge about this 'interesting to hear' cuisine. Most of the daals and other dishes were more or less watery, salty and spicy gravies with negligible substance in them. In one go, they would serve one or two spoonfuls and obviously to ask more of it didn't appeal to us. Regarding the desert, 'Apple Basundi' was also quite thin and the so-called apple bits were too less and small as well.

So, our long term anticipation to visit this restaurant just vanished in thin air. When we came out, in the lift lobby, we saw a huge advertisement board of the same restaurant. The dishes depicted in the thali were much more appealing than the real ones we had. We certainly don't look forward to visiting the place ever again.