Mulund, today is,one of Bombay’s busiest and hippest suburbs on the Central Railway. With swanky malls, multiplexes, and multinationals making a bee line to make their presence felt here- Mulund is surely the talk of the town. R-Mall, Lifestyles and R Adlabs(Multiplex) on LBS Marg next to the famous Bal Rajeshwar Shiv Temple and the other shopping complex comprising of Shoppers Stop and Mc Donald’s. Weekends and holidays-and you will see throngs of people-college kids, families, just about everybody, just to lounge around in the air-conditioned environs.
In matter of restaurants, there is still lots of room for progress. One quality restaurant in Mulund, which is there since some 10-15 years - is Atithi owned by a very courteous pair of Shetty Brothers. You will find them mingling with the guests exchanging pleasantries. The other Hotel AMantran near St.Pius Church is also owned by these brothers.
Bang opposite the Station(West), the entrance that is towards Thane Side, a few steps to the right of the entrance as you step out. If you are driving down, take the Eastern Express Highway and take the turn tat leads to Mulund, and then take instructions to reach the West Station.
The surroundings might be a little discouraging, after all station areas are always crowded and messy. At, the entrance, are marble parapets for seating people on the waiting-list, also a jhoola. On the other hand are some lovely aquariums and kiddie games to keep the bachcha party engaged.
Shall put in a word on waiting here itself! Can get very crowded on holidays and weekends, all prominent people in and around Mulund can be found dining here, it would be wise to call and make a reservation or expect a waiting of at least around 30 minutes sometimes. When I used to stay at Mulund, Atithi used to be like second home – and we would call up and dictate our orders on phone itself, so that we would be served as soon as we stepped in, hungry as wolves(cool idea nah?)
The Restaurant has two floors, Ground plus one and then a terrace, where small get-togethers and functions can be organized and the menu can be decided, with rates on per person basis. The veg. menu would work out be roughly Rs.175 per head.
The bar is on one end, which is well stocked with all regular spirits, both Indian and Imported. May be if Maddy / TiC20 had been there, they would give you a better idea on the bar menu. From what I gather, prices for drinks are quite reasonable, a glass of good wine would cost around Rs150/-.
Total seating would be around 150 people or so.
The food Well, I could go on and on about the food. Don’t know where to start. Hey, Starters obviously- both Indian and Chinese starters made to perfection here. Dry Paneer Chilly, in which you get about 8-10 pieces of long thick Paneer(cottage cheese), coated with cornflour and deep fried, along with crispy sautéed capsicums, garlic and ginger, green chillies and soya sauce. Paneer is always very fresh. Mushroom chilly fry, and Dry Manchurians are also excellent. Indian Starters- Veg gold coin is good, also Hara Bhara Kabab. Starters are from Rs.75 to 125 or so.
Soups- I suggest you either go for starters or soup, having both will get very filling and wont leave you with enough appetite for main course. If you are visiting there first time, I suggest you start with soups. Cream of Tomato and Cream of Mushroom are both excellent. Tomato soup is slightly sweet and those of you who are allergic to food color can specifically instruct the chef to avoid the color. Personal all time favorite is Veg. Mein Chow soup(Manchow). Finely chopped veggies of all colors, fresh ginger, garlic, in a thick base. For people with a hearty appetite, this does wonders and for people with small appetites, it’s as good as a meal(LOL). I would recommend one soup to be shared between two. For people on a diet, Veg Clear Soup is good choice, low cal and appetizing.
Main Course-
Rotis- Tandoori roti, onion kulcha and stuffed paratha are worth a try. All these go well with Punjabi dishes like Malai Kofta, Veg Makhanwala, navrattan Korma. All gravy dishes are cooked perfectly, no excess oil floating, never too spicy, and have never noticed any flaws in my 30 odd visits to the restaurant. I would recommend, Methi Malai Mutter / Paneer for those who like bland taste, Veg Kolhapuri / Kadhai Paneer who like a moderately spiced gravy. They have good variety of Paneer dishes, like Kurma, Makhanwala, Tikka Masala. All gravy dishes are less than Rs.150 or so. Mushroom dishes are also quite a few on the menu. How can I forget all time favorite- Channa Masala / Chhole
Regular varieties of dals and Pulaos are on the menu, plain / zeera rice with yellow dal / dal fry / maaki dal are very scrumptious. Rice is of very good quality, long grained and fragrant.
On the Chinese side of the menu, Veg Hakka Noodles, Veg fried rice, veg Schezwan Rice, Triple Schezwan, and the usual stuff are very ethnically made, don’t taste too Indo-chinese.
Veg Fried rice and Veg Manchurian in gravy make an excellent combination. The Manchurian in gravy is the best I have had in Bombay.
Others - The baked vegetables in white sauce tastes out of this world-just mind the calories though. They also serve sizzlers on weekends / holidays, both veg and non veg. We got down to trying these stuff as we had the whole regular menu memorized in our heads and taste buds. The sizzlers are good VFM at Rs.150 or so.
Quantity per dish is sufficient for two people and the waiters are helpful in deciding the quantity for largish groups.
Ambience is soothing and pleasant, with soft instrumentals in the background.
*Summary:
• One of Mulund’s best restaurants.
• Located next to Station
• Food is of excellent quality / taste and presentation
• Reasonable pricing – A meal for a group of 5 would cost less than 1200 INR excluding drinks
• Courteous staff*
IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE IN MULUND, DO DROP IN HERE TO HAVE LUNCH / DINNER. And no, this restaurant’s management ain’t paying me anything to write all this.
Hotel Atithi
Dosa Road,
Opposite Mulund Station west
5640123, 5644751
