Mum's Kitchen

Critic´s Review

• Food: 4 / 5
• Service: 3.5 / 5
• Decor: 3.5 / 5

-By Odette Mascarenhas

"Mum's Kitchen" - how often have we heard that phrase! Rony and Susie Martins have brought it to the dining tables of the eponymous 'upmarket' restaurant after an extensive research over the years. They have a vast repertoire of preparations found both in Hindu Goan and Christian Goan homes - the Rissois de Camarao, the Tavlele Tal le Velim (crispy fried milk fish), the Dry Prawn Hooman, the Sungtachi Kodi with Thor (dry mango). In fact, he is always scouting for new recipes. This year it is Fresh Prawns in a Roasted Coconut Based Masala with Kidney Beans (milder than a Xacutti). They have a good choice for vegetarians too. Many traditional Goans are vegetarian and it is from their kitchens that he has sourced out the Keel Khatkhatem (bamboo shoots), Melgor (black-eyed beans), Bimbli Udamethi. Each gravy has its own unique flavour, and a lot of research has gone into the menu to balance the culinary preferences of his guests. Perhaps Rony and Susie have learnt from the home mums. Mum handles the fresh purchases, planned menus of the week, timely delivery when kids are home, tasty food to tempt their appetites. At Mum's Kitchen this husband-and-wife team run a hygienic and well-planned kitchen. They have tied up with the Bureau Veritas Quality International (BVQI), which certifies them for the ISO 22000. It is perhaps one of the few stand-alone restaurants that ensure a standardisation in their products. In the days gone by, Goans would have their traditional teatime snacks - Manganem, Sweet Potatoes, Moira Banana Fritters. Mum's kitchen has incorporated some of these old favourites, so if you feel snacky after lunch, these goodies await you. For tasty and traditional food 'Mum knows best.