Mystic Masala

Critic´s Review

• Food: 3 / 5
• Service: 4 / 5
• Decor: 3.5 / 5

-By Karen Anand

I have been looking for good Maharashtrian food in an elegant ambience for some time now. The new re-launched Mystic Masala at the Taj Vivanta is a great attempt at authentic Maharashtrian dishes. Granted, the menu has a lot of North Indian staples too - Paneer Tikka, Murgh Tikka topped with cheese, Shorba, Dal Makhni and of course biryanis. For good measure they also have a few Bengali dishes like Chingri Malai, Shorshe Maachh and Kosha Mangsho. However, look towards the end of the menu and you will find an array of Maharashtrian dishes from the Konkan coast, Vidarbha, Kolhapur and Pune. The Vangya Chi Chutney (brinjal), Tondli Chutney and Raw Papaya Chutney are particularly good. Do not miss the Shrimp and Lamb Pickles. Wash this down with a glass of Sol Kadhi, the coastal digestive kokum and coconut drink. For starters the Talela Maasa, a recipe for masala-fried fish from Sawantwadi, is particularly authentic as is the Vangya Chi Kap (fried brinjal slices). The Tamda Rassa and the Sukkha Mutton were absolutely spot-on. For once I loved every vegetable on the Maharashtrian menu, each one with an individual flavour and not overcooked: Gawar Chi Bhaji, Val Papdi Bhaji, Boplaya Chi Amti (red pumpkin and toor dal) and the Tondli Bhaat - all superb with the Jawarchi Bhakhri. There is a good attempt at Maharashtrian desserts with the Amarkhand predictably shining above the rest.