Hooked on the Hooka!!. Review on Koyla, Colaba, Mumbai

'Koyla' is a rooftop restaurnat in the secluded part of colaba. It is situated on the Terrace of the Gulf hotel which is right next to the Radio Club.

To be Exact:

Koyla,

Roof Top,

Gulf Hotel,

Next to Radio Club,

Colaba

Tel 2369999

AMBIANCE:

The ambiance is one of the major pull towards koylas. It has got a mixture of an Ethinic and a Modern look. The whole palce is Decorated with candles and lanterns. But when you walk into Koyla, all you see is lots of bamboo — on the menus, tablemats, table sheds and more for a village-like feel. Being situated on the terrace the palce is very breezy and windy. It also has a smaller elevated terrace from where you can see the Sea and enjoy your view. The seating arrangement is very dhabha like.The Arabic or persian style of music playing in the Background makes the palce more Romantic.

SPECIALITY:

The 'Hooka' is the main draw of course and the best flavour is apricot. The other flavours available are strawberry, apple, green apple, mixed fruit and chocolate. Hooka is a smoking device, which has a long pipe attached to it. When you have a hooka you feel like a king (like shown in movies the Nawabi emperors).It gives you a royal feeling!. It is also called the 'Sheesha'. Everyone in Mumbai is Hooked by hookas. There are very few 'sheesha bar' or 'Hooka Joints'.

And at Koylas you can sit for hours with a hooka without burning a hole in your pocket.

The Hooka hear just Cost Rs 100/-

As For the Tobacco content , there is no real tobacco in it.Or u can say it has got negligible tobacco content ,

the hookahs are fruit-flavoured. They are said to help digestion. The mint-flavoured hookah reportedly is good for a bad cough. (Now thats what I heard ... or u can say I convinced my self it was 100 % safe.. lolz!!)

But still the Hooka is worth a try once and Koylas is the palce for it.

FOOD:

The Food served is of Dum Pukht style , it is mainly like the Mughlai cuisine. You'll definitley have no Complains about the Quality and quantity of Food. The Mocktail 'Koyla Thunder' is awesome. The Achari Paneer is the best. Ask for Roomali roti instead of the Naans.Wind up with Shahi Tukda and you'll feel satisfied. As I am a pure Veggie I cannot tell you more on the Non-Verge menu. However from what my friends have to say Chooza Biryani and Ghosht Lababdar is a must have.

There is no Liquor served here. Bad luck for those who cannot swallow your food without that.

As for the prices it is relatively on the steeper side and not definitely a evryday hangout.( Exceptions for the Bade Baap ki aulade).You can have a three course meal for two in around 400 Bucks. But trust me it is worth the ambience, hookah and unique Dum Pukht experience.

SERVICE:

I suggest you to place your complete order in the beginning itself, since this place takes quite a while to serve. The Service is Very slow. The waiters have a smiling face. They also help u choose the days speciality.

OVERALL EXPERIENCE:

The overall experience is pleasant. If you are a great fan of Arabic music and have a weakness for candelight dinners and palces with a good ambiance ' KOYLA' is just the place for you. But if you plan to go on weekends make sure u make a reservation 'cause this palce is always crowded. As for the Night Birds its a Paradise on earth because this place is open till 3 in the night.

Dont miss out!!

Comments are welcome