Ramana's

Critic´s Review

• Food: 3 / 5
• Service: 3 / 5
• Decor: 3 / 5

-By Suresh Hinduja

Inspired by the Sri Ramana Maharshi Ashram where vegetarianism is a way of life.
Decor
Clean lines, functional lighting with four-seater tables on the lower level and larger tables on the first floor. Ramana’s has a feel-good factor as you enter the restaurant and are shown to your table by well dressed, smiling waiters. The walls have stone plaques with spiritual quotes. The ambience is inviting with soft, instrumental Indian music, not clashing with the voices of customers, playing in the background. Despite being 12 years old, the restaurant looks well maintained.

Food
The choices of soft drinks are interesting and varied- Kairee Ka Paani, Fruit Lassi, Chaas, Ginger lemon Soda and typical fresh juices. The Platter of starters, which is a melange of Achari Paneer Tikka, Pudina Paneer Tikka, Bhutta Kabab and Hariyali Seekh Kabab was served with mint chutney and tomato sauce. Tasty and filling portions. Vitamin Bhel, a mix of different sprouts like kabuli channa, moong, bean sprouts and corn was served with a dash of lime- a healthy start to the meal. The main course of Babycorn and Mushroom Masala was delicious and the spices, well balanced with the vegetables. The Jaipuri Kofta, a mixed vegetable Kofta with Paneer stuffing was a welcome change from the other versions on most menus. The portions were generous for two people. A welcome surprise on the menu was the mixed grain roti. Light and healthy, it was served hot with a dribble of ghee. Other listings items offered as main courses were an interesting mix of seasonal vegetables and greens. Paneer and Methi dominate but the choices were many in different kinds of preparations. Though we were tempted to try out some of the items on the menu like Ramana’s Mix Veg which is mixed vegetable with dry fruit and pineapple in kaju gravy, or Sham Savera - palak kofta with paneer stuffing, we were full up after the two dishes we ordered. What floored us was the ready cancellation of an earlier order of onion kulchas, brought to the table. We were unable to eat any more and the Maitre d' obliged with a smile. That earned many a brownie point for him. For dessert, the Gajar ka Halwa and Moong Dal Halwa did not disappoint. They were not too sweet or overly loaded with ghee. The Chinese dishes in the menu seem obtrusive and unnecessary given that the restaurant is inspired by Sri Ramana Maharishi. Perhaps the management felt that this inclusion would cater to local preferences, which explains why their Chilli Idli is quite popular.

Plus and Minus
Good Value for Money food and they also have valet service, much needed at Cunningham Road. Menu should add more Indian choices instead of Chinese.

Must Try
The Starter Platter, Vitamin Bhel, Babycorn and Mushroom Masala and Mixed Grain Roti.