Bhojan

Critic´s Review

• Food: 3.5 / 5
• Service: 3 / 5
• Decor: 2.5 / 5

-By Odette Mascarenhas

Bhojan a place for home style and authentic preparations from different corners of Gujarat; gives the tourists and local residents a true feel of the place. In North Gujarat, the food is non spicy and less oily, this region is famous for thalis which consists of rice, dal, curry, vegetables, sprouted beans, farsan, pickles and chutney. There is Kathiwada, where pulses dominate most preparations and sweetmeats are made of gur (jaggery). Kutch cuisine uses more milk products and kadi. Khaman Dhokla and Doodhpak are the specialty. And then in South Gujarat; plenty of rainfall ensures good vegetables especially in Surat. Undhyoo and Paunk are the famous delicacies of this region. The chefs have taken great pride in designing their thali from the above mentioned regions, which changes for every meal session. Sit in air conditioned comfort, and let the service start. Besides the Daal-Bhaat (rice) - Rotli-Shaak the basic foursome is supplemented with Shaak (vegetables), sweet dishes and farsan. The waiters approach in the traditional manner in quick succession and the following meal begins. A welcome drink to start with …an aam raas or a fruit punch, based on seasonal availability. Then are the savories (farsan) two in number - a choice from dhokla, khandvi, mattar… Then the shaak (vegetables) - 5 varieties of pure Jain preparations every session is a different variety or their speciality Lauke ke kofta. Three varieties of staples…could be a Phulka, Poori, Thepla, Rotla Undhiyoo loo Sukha, paneer, Bajre ki Roti or Bhakri and two varieties of rice - the chefs give you from a choice from jeera, peas, vegetable, Gatte ke Pulao and plain rice. The Dal Fry, Saboot Moong Dal, Rajma (a different type everyday). And desserts…. one dry, one wet… jalebi, gulab jamun - the Basundi is their chart buster. Add the pickle, papad and chutney to that and your Thali is full and believe you me there is unlimited helping too. The restaurant does tend to get crowded and noisy, it is a popular place after all. But don't let that faze you…focus on the food. Believe me it is pure indulgence.