Shalimar

Critic´s Review

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

-By Rashmi Uday Singh

Mumbai's 16,000sq ft hallowed home of Muslim food lies at the very heart of traffic-choked Bhendi Bazaar. Umair Sheikh, son of Late Shahabuddin Sheikh, serves up a choice of Mughlai fare, some tawa cooking (Tawe ka Jalwa), biryanis, and even Chinese (try the famous Chilli Chicken) and Thai fare. Do order the Raan Masala and the popular Tandoori Chicken. Dabba Gosht (Wednesdays and Saturdays) and Mutton Khichda (Tuesdays and Fridays) are favourites of regulars. remember visiting Shalimar almost 30 years ago when it was simple and functional. Much has changed since then, especially with the decor - now granite and glass, with painted glass ceilings overlooking the air-conditioned first floor - and with waiters who wear ties, but the core menu through which Shalimar has earned its popularity remains (with greater variety added on). There is a veg corner, and there are barbecue (their speciality) favourites: Khazana Kebab, Tiranga Kebab and Reshmi Kebab. A juice bar with snacks, two air-conditioned rooms, party rooms, non-air-conditioned rooms, a Dastarkhan (carpeted floor seating with 6 inch-high tables where food is served) and a banquet hall (White House) that seats a hundred people. Wherever you sit, remember to order the not-to-be-missed faluda.