Vegetarian Delight

When one is in search of good food, one can go any distance! In Mumbai, deep into Zaveri Bazaar which is the hub of business, ended my search for good vegetarian food. Or should I say, my adventure began because I am sure I will be going there again and again. I had an absolutely enjoyable lunch at B Bhagat Tarachand Restaurant at Mumbadevi Commercial Centre, Zaveri Bazaar with Alyona and a friend from Tanzania, Runjiv Kapur. My old friend Manu Bajaj had been recommending this place since many years. Now I am glad that I did and my review will show you why!

It's absolutely simple, nothing much to write about the décor. Firstly to get there, you have to get through either the Cotton Exchange Lane from the Bhuleshwar end, or through the road from Jama Masjid and TBZ, Zaveri Bazaar. There is no parking available and make sure you get into the right Bhagat Tarachand (there are three of them, owned by three brothers). We went to the first from the TBZ end called B. Bhagat Tarachand. You have to climb up a spiral staircase to reach an air-conditioned sitting place. And we did not know then that the menu was a blend of North Indian cuisine and Gujarati cuisine.

As we entered the delicious aroma welcomed us. And what an array! Started off with a soft and crunchy Papad Churi (Rs 30). Good way to start because they sort of make your palate ready for more. Within no time the main course was on our table. Creamy Paneer Bhurji with Methi (Rs 55), special chapattis (Rs 6) (piping hot, fresh, soft as silk and flaky, very different from regular restaurant fare!) and plain chapattis (Rs 5). This was accompanied with Dal Fry (Rs 27) (which is a 'must order' and probably one of the best I have had anywhere in a long time at any price!).

In the enthusiasm to taste whatever was served, we had a portion each of Methi Butter Roti (Rs 12). Our meal had an interesting side dish of the softest Dahi Wadas (Rs 15) this side of town! I gave these full marks. I was certain that I wanted only Sindhi food but contrary to my belief, "Sindhi food does not sell" was the owner's remark. We did have Tomato Kadhi cooked in Sindhi style. In fact, they do make Sindhi food on prior orders. We had Chaas (Rs 10) all along and wound up the meal with a tasting of the Methi Pulao (Rs 40), which had caught Runjiv's fancy as it was one of the specials of the day. Another point worth mentioning is the fact that lassi is served chilled in beer bottles and almost all tables had at least one bottle! Must share with you that chaas in Kutchi families is referred to as Kutchi Beer! I wonder if Bhagat Tarachand's restaurant had anything to do with it.

After this one would think the dessert would go unwanted. Well, it was not really wanted because we were really full but who can resist if the creamy Rabdi (Rs 25) is so good, the Gajar Ka Halwa (Rs 25) just perfect and the Gulab Jamuns (Rs 15) in absolute and rightful competition for attention?

The fact is that though the Bhagat Tarachand Restaurant has been in business for around 30 years, it has not got its due. We were told that there is a 10 to 15 minute waiting at dinnertime on weekdays and weekends (Sunday closed)! The trip to and from the restaurant is enduring, but more than definitely worth the meal, not to mention the efficient service with a smile.