Amritsari Fish at its best. Review on Jai Jawan, Bandra, Mumbai

Amritsari Fish anyone ?

Here in good old Bombay ..

At prices that surprise you ?

Brings a smile to your face ?

And is a veritable boon for DINKs (Double Income No Kids families)

Why did I mention DINKs ? Because whenever I visit this shack on Linking Road smack in the centre of the biggest roadside shopping frenzy in Bombay - I never fail to notice these young couples on their two wheelers returning back from work tired, weary and hungry.

I see them staring at the smoking sheekh kebabs and smouldering chicken tikkas and sizzling fish frying in the bubbling iron cauldron. And I see them waiting eagerly for their orders to be executed. And when the goodies arrive, it is a sight to watch these hungry souls devour their morsels in minutes.

No great shakes of an ambience, but if you love the outdoors and enjoy feasting on the Sandras of Bandra, well you have hit the ideal location. One can see couples and families feasting in their cars, perched precariously on two wheelers or making do on the extended plank of the shack itself. Many folks just pick up a quick parcel to eat at leisure in their homes. Some just head out to the Bandra waterfront (Carter Road or Bandstand) and enjoy an under the Stars & Moon meal with a drink or two camouflaged in Coke and Pepsi bottles. A Tenner slipped into the palms of the local guard on the promenade and none’s the wiser.

For the hungry folks after a hard days work, this is the place to unwind and satiate with good food that does not pinch the pocket and a taste that leaves no room for complaint.

The green chutney, a traditional Indian green dip made from coriander, onion, garlic, ginger and imli (tamarind) paste that accompanies these delicious kebabs are a great taste enhancer with lemon wedges and onion rings. Have them with pau (traditional Indian bread loaves) or just tear into them with your fingers and devour them piping hot straight from the skewers.

A full chicken Tandoori (grilled and skewered) is a happy INR 110/- or just over $2 ! And the RAWAS fish fry (The Indian Salmon ) for about INR 340/- per kilo ( under $ 8/- ) Like I mentioned earlier, the prices are easy on the pocket and you get real value for money.

Besides they also serve Chicken Sheekh kebabs (skewered chicken marinated pieces), boti kebabs(skewered barbecued lamb pieces), pota and kalegi (liver) fried Pomfret (butter fish) and fried Prawns. All the above are generously sprinkled with unique Punjabi dry masala(ground spices) that is a mix of turmeric, cardamom, cloves, tamarind and other herbs and spices that lend an unique taste and flavour to the end product.

The original SIKH sardarji who owns this joint no longer sits here and the younger generation manages this eatery with aplomb. All the preparations are pre-marinated since morning, and are cooked and grilled in front of your eyes. What you get here is fresh and trust me, everything gets sold out before the night is over.

Did I mention that this eatery is open only from 7-30 in the evening to approximately midnight or till sold-out. During the day this same shack is leased out to a ready-made garments outlet. Innovative double income for the owner.

I have written this review after a long sabbatical – I just got time to do this during the Bakri-Id holiday – I must have lost touch with so many of my pals around here – wonder whether they are still writing .. But rest assured, I’ll keep coming back now and then to pen my thoughts as they come.

Till then, Bon appetit !

Regards

Raja