Showing posts with label Indian cuisine. Show all posts

Moombai & Co.




Moombai & Co is the newest addition to The H Hotel. Moombai & Co Café and Bar effortlessly blends in the magic of Bombay in the 1950’s where Irani- Parsi Café’s flourished with modern day Dubai.

Parsi cafés are well-known in Mumbai and were established by Persian settlers in the 19th century, who would gather in the evenings and chat over chai and bun maska (bread and butter).
The décor and the furniture looked straight out of a Parsi café in Bombay with ceiling fans, exposed brick, mahogany furniture, Italian marble tabletops, bent cane chairs, pendulum wall clocks and the highlight for me - the photo booth rickshaw.





Vibrant old Hindi Film Posters, famous dialogues, memorabilia, cutlery and classic music of 70’s and 80’s sets the mood for a Bombay styled experience. Moombai & Co. is colorful and quirky. Some really fun lines adorn the walls and the menu along with classic Hindi film posters. Cool props. Packs in a punch!








The restaurant is really beautiful and it took us some time to soak it all in. Being a Bombayite, this place evoked a lot of wonderful memories. As soon as we were seated comfortably we were handed the menu which had a wonderful spread of Parsi cuisine with some interesting names. Whether you are a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian, the menu offers everything. To match their inimitable concept, Moombai’s food holds up to their reputation and with a range of drinks, you’re left tangled for what not to order.






As we were contemplating on our drinks, we were suggested to try the Masala Ice Gola, and how could we refuse. The taste took me back to the golas you would find on Juhu beach. Tasty with the right amount of masala and Kala Khatta.

We were also served popadams and chutneys, which was just the perfect way to start one's meal.
For my drinks I opted for PK hai Kya, which was refreshing and just the perfect cocktail I needed. My friend opted for Chandan ka sharbat. 



A refreshing Khatta Roohafza was served as a palate cleanser


For starters we ordered Hari mirch ka jinga and Chaap lababdar. The thecha styled prawns with a ground chilly mix was the highlight for me. Smoky flavor coupled with the spicy masala ensured a burst of flavors. It was served on a bed of raw onions and green chutney.





I don’t usually eat mutton and was sure I wouldn’t eat it here either, however the aroma that filled my senses when the Chaap lababdar was bought in did leave make me inquisitive of its flavor. Since my friend loved it, I tried a nibble first and then ate an entire piece which definitely was a huge change. The masala, the smoked meat was so delicious, I didn’t want it to get over at all.

My drink was replenished with the recommended Aunties chai martini. My initial reaction towards the mix of chai and martini was off shock and also I wanted to see how chai and alcohol would taste together. Am I glad I tried the chai martini, it was ‘Jhakaas’. I loved how the menu is so out of the box and the varied options that you can choose from.


For our mains we opted for Patra ni machi, Saali Murghi with rice and roti as accompaniments. I don’t know why dikra, but the name Patra ni machi sounds good if only said with the Parsi accent. Patra ni machi is fish marinated in masala and steamed wrapped in banana leaf. The banan leaf accentuates the flavors of the fish and If you are a south Indian, you definitely wouldn’t want to miss this one.




Saali Murghi is a simple yet tasty homemade chicken curry served with straw potatoes. Even though the food is "home style" and "street style", the presentation is an extension of quirky chic. Lots of earthernware and brassware.

I also had the Nimbu Paani which had a touch of jal jeera added to it giving it a tangy taste
You know the joyride has come to an end when they ask you to order for dessert. We ordered the classic caramel custard and chocolate pudding with berry sauce.

Anything that says classic definitely should live up to the expectations, and the Caramel custard did just that. It was just perfect and melted in the mouth. I love chocolate, but not combined with berries, hence I ate the chocolate pudding minus the berry sauce as it wasn’t something that suited my palate.




The service is excellent, the staff is so pleasant and I love the way they take care of all their guests, I was lucky to be there during a birthday celebration. The staff makes it so special with Dhol and air horns. I'd recommend this one to everyone who has a little bit of Bollywood in them, a little bit of that throwback vibe in them self, and if you still don't fall in love with Moombai, PK hai Kay?

Moombai and co is comfort food + Bollywood – such a win win


Contact:

Location:  The H Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre Area, Dubai
Timings –  11:00 am to  12:00 PM
Cost: AED 300 for two
Reserve your table at: 045018607

I was invited to Moombai & Co and all views and images are © Urbanmodish, unless stated otherwise.


Have you been following Moombai & Co yet in social media? Like their page on Facebook and give them a follow on Instagram,   and Twitter  too. Even better get all the details on their website too!






Moombai & Co. Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato 

Trilogi, Crowne Plaza Kochin | Kuttanadan food festival

The mordern day Indian has developed a evolved taste in food owing to the exposure and influx of international cuisine. They are often seen enjoying delectable food from different cuisines and malayalis are no way behind in the same. The mordern lifestyle has opened up so many avenues, that at times we tend to forget or overlook our own rich and vibrant cuisine.
When I think of kerala cuisine what prominently fills my mind is the goodness of local food, with spicy masala's, an array of vegetables and meat, the aroma of coconut oil, creamy coconut milk and tasty chutneys or rather chamanthi.
The Kuttanadan festival at Trilogi in Crowne Plaza, Kochin is welcoming food lovers to the gastronomic delights of kerala particularly Kuttanad, with it’s Kuttanadan Food Festival.
Though I’m a native of Kerala, I’m not fully aware of Kuttanadan cuisine and the only thing that came to my mind was the song “kuttanadan Kayillile’. However, my parents were more than willing to throw light on the Kuttanadan way of life and more importantly their cuisine.
The lifestyle in Kuttanad mainly revolves around farming and hence the cuisine has to be one which provides them with enough energy and one that doesn’t make them lethargic. Chef Rejimon, South Indian Master Chef at Trilogy whose family hails from Kuttanad says that the food is supposed to make the people happy. Its purpose to fill the diner with joy and make them forget the hardships of the day.
The Kuttanadan Buffet at Trilogy makes for a hearty dining experience from August 25th to 31st.








As you walk towards Trilogi, you are welcomed with a glimpse of Kuttanad with a thatched roof entarnce and a cycle. As soon as you walk into the visiting area, you see a miniature boat with groceries on it. Props like fishnet, utensils (Ammi Kallu, Bharni etc) give the guests a lively experience.
The soft lights and muted interiors provide a sense of comfort and privacy. Folk music that was playing throughout bought a sense of connect with the food festival.
We started off with soup and were torn between Drumstick soup and Seafood in coconut soup. If you know my love for seafood, then you would know what I chose. The Seafood soup was rich and creamy, and had ample bite sized crab portions. The soup heightened my expectations for what was to follow.



What caught my attention was the amazing spread of Chammanthi. There was all you could imagine - chutneys made of coconut, mango, prawn, ginger and shallots. Some of these can be stored for a few days without adding any artificial preservatives.

Right next to the chamanti section was a spread of pachadi’s ready to be savoured.

Appetisers included karimeen fry, pallathi fry and natholiu fry, marinated and deep fried in coconut oil. All the sea food included in the menu are puzhameen (fish found in canals/rivers) along with few munchies.



Moving on to the main course, the usual suspects are in attendance: River fishes and duck (duck roast and duck eggs) that is essential for a Kuttanadan life. Karimeen pattichadu (pearl spot fish), kunju theyyal (prawns), beef perattiyadu,koonthal peera (squid), live station for pidierachi (rice dumplings in chicken gravy), matta rice served in a pot, kadachakka, mix of roots – kappa (tapioca), chembu (colocasia), chena (yam), and kachil (purple yam), pineapple pulissery, & green peas masala. Along with them, there were also appam and tattudosa (my favorites).


The dishes were rich and filling and a testament to what can be achieved by local cuisine.
Any meal is incomplete without dessert and what followed for dessert was equally surprising. The desert section was spread out with the following – vatteappam, kuzhalappam, achappam, white and black ellunda, sharkara vayati and gothambu payasam (broken wheat payasam). The desserts were a welcome change from the usual mousse and tarts. I tried the thick and creamy Gothambu payasam and ellunda.





After a meal filled with elements of the best provided by the State, one cannot help but feel grateful to have experienced a culinary tradition so closely linked to the land that inspired it.

The food festival is being spearheaded by Master Chef Rejimon who hails from Kuttanad. The buffet is priced at INR 995 + tax per person.
Contact:

Trilogi, Crowne Plaza Kochin
Location:  Lobby Level, Crowne Plaza Kochi, Kundanoor Junction, Maradu, Marad, Kochi
Timings – 7 PM to 11:00 PM
Cost: INR 1,600 for two
Reserve your table at: 0484 2865000

I was invited to Trilogi and all views and images are © Urbanmodish, unless stated otherwise.


Have you been following Crowne Plaza, Kochin yet in social media? Like their page on Facebook and Twitter  too. Even better get all the details on their website too!
Trilogi - Crowne Plaza Kochi Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato
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