South Indian Feast From Malgudi | Vegetarian Food Review | Consistent Deliciousness

Malgudi has been one of those dining destinations that my family trusts blindly for all south Indian delicacies. Having tried their dosas and idlis at many different outlets over 5 years have taught us that they are consistent in delivering delicious, high-quality, reasonably -priced south Indian dishes. So when my mom was craving some south Indian biryani the other day, I ordered in CALICUT BIRYANI WITH KORMA from Malgudi and it was delicious as per usual :)

I do not know how authentic Calicut Biryani is prepared but this one was quite spicy, fragrant, had good quantity of beans and peas, and the creamy korma went well alongside. The quantity also was perfect for 2 people for a light lunch so no issues with pricing. Delivery was quite fast too. Overall, as always, loved everything and heartily recommend Malgudi to everyone :) 

D Rajnikhant Dosa Vile Parle Mumbai | Vegetarian Classic & Fusion Dosa Delights | Rajnikant Meets The Khans | Food Review

What happens when Rajnikant meets THE Khans, Tollywood meets Bollywood and good ol' Dosa meets Pasta/ Pav Bhaji/ Manchurian/ Palak Paneer....

Well, that is what we found out at D Rajnikhant Dosa this weekend over an evening of too much fun, food and frolic. A menu with more than 50 varieties of dosas, right from the classics (Masala, Mysore Masala etc.) to mind-boggling range of fusion dosas right from Pav Bhaji, Maggi Cheese Burst, American Chopsuey to Paneer Pasta, Paneer Bhurji, Cheese Chocolate and everything in between. Phew! We need to make atleast 5-6 more visits to try all their varieties.

It is a very small but cute place situated close to Vile Parle Station (East), with a total capacity of 10-12 people (including both indoor as well as outdoor seating) and the place is packed on weekends. Still, the staff is on their toes, the chef in the open kitchen smiles while churning out delicious dosas at super-speed, service is fast, ambiance is upbeat and prices are extremely reasonable (ranging from Rs. 60 to 180). Even for a very hungry hippo like me, 2 dosas from here is more than enough as dinner.

My sister, my mother and myself were part of review session here and we tried-

MASALA DOSA - Mom's ultimate FAVORITE, perfectly crispy dosa with generous dose of potato-onion masala and delicious chutneys alongside, 

KOLHAPURI DOSA - Another one mom liked a lot, it basically has crispy dosa with a layer of masala inside and veg kolhapuri style gravy masala (with generous cheese) served alongside, making it a full fledged meal just like having normal naan-gravy combo (except here naan has been replaced with dosa). Innovative and tasty. I am not much into spicy dishes and I feared Kolhapuri would be very spicy but surprisingly it was not, quite mild actually and enjoyable :)

PANEER CHOW MEIN DOSA - My sister's FAVORITE. If you love desi chinese and you love paneer, then do not miss this! Think of the most delicious plate of chowmein you have ever had,now mix soft paneer, cheese, some spices in there and stuff them all inside freshly made crispy dosas. See what I am talking about? This is basically how all innovative dosas are here. Lip-smacking good.

D RAJNIKHANT DOSA SPECIAL - MY 1st FAV. If your mind boggles on seeing the vast menu and you cannot choose what to try, GO. FOR. THIS. Dosas stuffed with cheese, paneer, mix vegetables such as corn, capsicum. Presentation is unique and facilitates sharing with friends too. I say go here with many friends so you can try out dozens of varieties at one time :D

CHOCOLATE DOSA - My 2nd FAV. Now here is where a chocoholic like me draws a line at sharing. This is good enough to be hogged all alone. Dosa with a layer of molten dark chocolate and drizzled with dark + milk chocolate + choco chips. Think of it as desi version of decadent chocolate crepe. The best thing is, it is not too sweet and chocolate is not overwhelmingly dark. It is chocolatey enough to make sweet addicts like me happy and mildly sweet enough to make people like my sister happy too (she does not have a sweet tooth). Basically, MUST-HAVE ♥ (only con- it is messy to eat because chocolaaaaaate :D)

Honestly, we walked in thinking we might get some half baked over cheesy versions of dosa but what we got instead were delicious, generously portioned, well thought out, distinctly flavored dosas we could not stop eating. Hungry Hippo gives a thumbs up ♥

Thangabali South Indian Restaurant | Southern Feast For Family | Food Review | Restaurant Review

Thangabali, Kitta Varade...is the first thing that crossed my mind on hearing that the famous South Indian restaurant Thangabali has now opened at Lokhandwala area. Yes, my family loves Deepika Padukone and Chennai Express movie and No, we are not even one bit embarrassed about that :P

Been hearing good things about Thangabali from some of my foodie friends, but they were all singing high praises mainly about its seafood. As a pure vegetarian, I was apprehensive if they had anything good for me too. Going for this review session made it clear that Thangabali is a clear winner for vegetarians too when it comes to South Indian food :)

Ambiance of Thangabali is simple, colorful, clean and pleasing. Staff is extremely friendly and courteous. Special appreciation for their disarming smiles, polite behavior and fast service. Prices are reasonable for quality and quantity. 

Usually on hearing 'South Indian food', we just think Idli-Dosa-Uttapam because that is what we get everywhere. Here there are many additions and emphasis is given on dishes from Andhra Pradesh, Mangalore, coastal Kerala. Menu is vast and has more non-vegetarian dishes but vegetarians have fair representation too.

DRINKS-

SOL KADHI - Leaning on tangy side, kokum + coconut, refreshing

BUTTERMILK - Creamy, cool

STRAWBERRY LASSI - Thick, not too sweet, niiiiiiice

FILTER COFFEE - Mom liked it, strong

GREEN APPLE ICED TEA - Sister loved it, flavorful, refreshing, perfect for hot summer afternoon.

STARTERS-

PANEER AJADINA - Soft Paneer chunks in generous coconut + spicy dry mix, (what is known as 'sukka' masala here in Maharashtra,it is mildly spicy), first time we tried Paneer like this and absolutely loved it. Usually our starter paneer choice in any restaurant is paneer tikka and this was just such a delightful surprise :D ♥

PANEER UTTAPAM - Medium Thick Uttapams with generous filling of delicious Paneer Bhurji, smashing dish ♥

VEG STEW & FLUFFY APPAMS - My FAV. Creamy coconut-milk based stew with veggies like carrots, peas, beans and curry leaves and loads of mustard seeds. Felt like drinking it by the gallon :D Very mildly on sweeter side (due to natural sweetness of coconut milk). Appams were a bit thicker than expected BUT extremely delicious with stew. MUST-HAVE ♥

MAINS-

MIX VEG CHETTINAD & MALABARI PARATHA - We tried Malabari Paratha which is basically a distinct cousin of our cherished Lachha Paratha of North Indian cuisine :D it is flaky, layered, crisp yet soft and has a distinct mild sweetness. Went extremely well with Mix Veg Chettinad curry which is mildly spicy. 

TAMARIND RICE - Delicious. Not very heavy on stomach. Again, mix veg chettinad curry went well with this. My sister vouches this is close to authentic as she has had different kinds of rice (including tamarind) at her best friend's house who is Tamil.

Apart from this, we also loved the various chutneys they served on our table, had that fresh home-made taste.

DESSERT-

PAAL PAYASAM - We call this Rice Kheer in north. Just like our mom makes it. Rich, creamy, not too sweet, lavishly garnished with dry fruits. MUST-HAVE ♥

CARAMEL CUSTARD- The ONLY time I have loved caramel custard is here! At all other places I have ever tried this, it has come across as unbearably egg-y. But here, none of that, it is a MUST-HAVE, that caramel is the bomb ♥

In a word, Thangabali is Outstanding. 100% recommended. We are already making plans to come back :)