North Indian food never goes out of fashion and the restaurant India Bistro in a South Indian predominated suburb of Chembur (in Mumbai) stands testimony with its packed-to-capacity bookings even on a weekday lunch that we visited. Simple, rustic, spacious and comfortable interiors with a vibrant bar and friendly staff made us feel welcomed. This time, we visited their Thane outlet where Buffet on the Table has been introduced keeping in mind their corporate clients.
It would not be an understatement to say the food is yummy but its presentation supersedes its visual appeal. Complimentary paani puri shots come with two cups filled with chutneys, palate-cleanser consisting of chaat masala flavoured popsicle or chuski is presented in a tiny pressure cooker, mason jars form the receptacles for dals, steam engine containers carry the side dishes and the mukhwas looks enticing in an iron press.
We had tasted their a la carte menu last time. The finger-licking pav bhaji fondue and melt-in-the-mouth cheese-filled Panco Crusted Jodhpuri Mirchi enticed our taste buds. The Amritsari Chole Kulcha validates its authenticity at India Bistro. The chef uses masalas judiciously so that they don’t devastate the dishes.
Buffet on the Table is a concept where a complete meal is served course-wise on the table, saving you the trouble of getting up in between meals. Kokum Curry Leaf cooler and Desi Lantern, a soothing fennel-flavoured welcome drink and paani puri were followed by the dainty makkai pudina shorba – a mild mint flavoured soup. Appetizers overwhelmed us with their variety and zest. Scrumptious palak patte ki chaat, hara bhara kebab, smoky tandoori gobi, veg seekh kebab and tandoori mushrooms along with curd-imli-green chutney made for an extravagant start. All on cute little trolleys on the table had our eyes peeled on them.
After starters, as a tradition, India Bistro serves chuski, to clean your palate so as to let you enjoy the main course. Rich and creamy sabzi of veg bhuna makhanwala and paneer butter masala with tandoori rotis were simply mouthwatering. Toning down the heavy starters were steamed rice and simple dal tadka and this allowed us to relish the yummy desserts featuring malai kulfi, rasmalai and phirni. The buffet inclusions are not heavy on the stomach and let you go back to the office with a spring in your step!
Buffet on the Table at India Bistro, Thane
Only lunch time
(12 to 3:30 pm)
Mon-Fri
INR 525 + taxes
Sat-Sun
INR 575+ taxes
