Nov 17, 2010 02:18 PM
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(Updated Nov 17, 2010 02:31 PM)
When I go out for a meal, I usually like to sample different cuisines and not Punjabi food since that's what's made at home. But Urban Tadka has changed my mind, it's fast becoming one of my favorite restaurants. I've been to three Urban Tadkas, at Versova, at Mulund, and the newest at Saki Naka, and the food has been consistently good! Not only is their food delicious, authentically Punjabi (and North Indian), and hygienic, the portion sizes are also really generous!
Among the starters, nothing beats the Nimbu Mushroom. It's just totally yummy, and I could even have that for an entire meal, without any mains or desserts. It's a tangy mushroom dish with loads of delicious citrusy notes and just the right amount of spice. This is one of the least spicy dishes available at Urban Tadka and since I can't handle too much heat and spice, it's my favorite. If you like tikkis, you must try their Aloo Tikki stuffed with paneer. Not only is the tikki delicious and bursting with flavor, they serve a yummy minty chutney with it that I wish they would give me the recipe of. They also have a Wah Wah Chole, which is basically dry spiced chick peas, but get that only if you can deal with some serious spice. I ordered it because the name was cute and it is delicious, but after a bite, my mouth was on fire.
For the main course what I really love is the Lucky Singh da Paratha: this is a stuffed paratha, you can choose between aalu (potato) or mooli (raddish) parathas. These are authentically Punjabi (perfect blend of spices and not oily, like parathas at home) and go really well with a nice, cool vegetable raita. One paratha is large enough to satisfy even the healthiest appetites (specially after starters). You could also get their delicious Aloo te Chole di Biryani, a vegetarian biryani that has potato and chick peas instead of the usual vegetables (they also have a biryani with the usual vegetables, if that's how you like it) that again goes well with raita or some yogurt. There are lots of vegetable and paneer mains to choose from, but my favorite vegetable at Urban Tadka is the Sarson ka Saag, which is served with two makai rotis (you can order more separately). The Saag reminds me of my nani's saag, all garlicy and yummy. And even though it reeks of oil, I tell myself it's healthy since it's a green leafy vegetable :) This also can get really spicy, but I just pick out the roughly chopped up chilis and then enjoy my saag with makai rotis or missi rotis.
Finally, dessert! Whether you like Indian sweets or not (I don't), you must try the Jalebi Rabdi Naal (Jalebi with Rabdi) at this restaurant! The jalebis are huge and crisp and sweetened to perfection and the rabdi is mildly sweet and creamy providing the perfect contrast to the flavor and texture of the jalebi. They have other desserts as well, like gulab jamun, phirni, and ice cream, but whenever I've gotten dessert here it's always the jalebi. It would be nice if they would include something chocolaty, but that would take away from their authentic North Indian menu, so I guess that's asking for too much.
Urban Tadka also has amazing drinks, soft beverages, mocktails, and cocktails. All the drinks have cute names and some are really creative, like the vodka with thandai, or with the aam panna, or with khus. You can also get the usual rum and coke or vodka cranberry or vodka orange, but when in Punjab do as the Punjabis do, so at least give the interesting drinks a shot :) Not all the unique cocktails and mocktails taste good though, so use your discretion :) And the lassi is a must-try, it's thick and sweet and just like a Punjabi grandmom would make it :) Urban Tadka has happy hours from 3 pm to 7 pm (I think), where you get one beverage free for every beverage you buy, alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
The service is the best, I've never had any complaints. The wait staff is quick and efficient and friendly. They don't hover around your table too much, nor do they disappear when your water glass needs refilling or you want to place an order. They also have a home delivery service within a limited area. It's quick and the delivery boys are really young (I have a feeling they should be at school) and sweet. The pack the food really well and send it with accompaniments like chutney, onion (chopped the Punjabi way), and even butter!
Besides the food, service, and cleanliness, the ambiance and decor of the restaurant is really fun! It's very casual and loud, but not so loud that you can't make conversation. They play old Hindi songs that complement their North Indian theme. Their interior decor has a very rustic theme, with pots and pans and cloth and other knick-knacks hanging off the walls. And what's fun is that they also have cots (charpois) to sit on, just like at a proper dhaba. The staff even plays proper Punju folk music in lieu of the "happy birthday song" for people who are celebrating a birthday there. It actually feels like you're sitting in an air-conditioned (and surprisingly clean) dhaba somewhere in Punjab. Awesome! Also, the restuarant is really clean, never a spot on the crockery or cutlery, which is rustic brass and steel in keeping with the theme.
The restaurant's menu isn't very extensive, particularly for vegetarians, but quality scores over quantity. I'd rather go back and have the same thing that I loved the last time, than try a bunch of things but not really enjoy any as happens at some restaurants. The place isn't too pricey, a three-course (starters, mains, and dessert) meal for two, including alcoholic beverages, should come to about 1000 (but I'm talking vegetarian, it'll be slightly more for non-veggies). Overall, Urban Tadka really good value for money for the ambiance, food, hygiene, and service. A must-try for people who like Punjabi food and for Punjabis who want to get nostalgic about their grandmoms' cooking!
