Oct 30, 2006 02:52 PM
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The most important factors considered by anybody while selecting a restaurant are food and location. Samrat, interestingly scores on both these fronts. Located very close to Churchgate station, this place is an ideal food joint for students, office goers and families at large. The food, needless to say rocks..
FOOD
Apart from the Thali offered here there is continental food, coffee and pastries (210 Degrees)
The pastries are more popular with the Gujju/Jain crowd because they are eggless. However, their USP is the full fledged Gujju thali.
The number of items they offer are too many to remember, however I have tried to cover as many as possible. Their Gujarati Thali is authentic and a total feast.
Soon after you place your order for Thali, you are served this huge glass full of chilled Jaljira - an appetiser that helps in digestion of food. It is served with a few boondis & coriander leaves in it. This is something that I prefer to have along with the food
Next on the list are Dhoklas, Kachoris in the shape of small Samosas, Hara-Bhara Kababs, etc.
Add to it, the innumerable chutneys, pickles et al..
Being a gujju myself, I prefer not to have the same food elsewhere, other than home…However Samrat is an exception….
The main course comprises of puris or phulkas (served hot with a spoonful of Ghee spread over it).Other varieties of Roti served are the Bajare ki Roti, Methi Roti(call it paratha or thepla if you wish), and a sweet Roti that is quite similar to the Maharshtrian Puran Poli but is on the thicker side. Second servings for all these items are allowed. Three varieties of vegetables are served. Two with gravy and One is dry sabzi. In addition to above One Dal, one Kadhi (curry made out of Buttermilk)and one Kathol, one variety of pulse cooked with lots of tomato pieces and gravy. The main course ends with Rice. Again a choice here. Pulao, Khichdi or Plain Rice.
3 sweet dishes are generally served. More often than not, gulab jamuns and shrikhand are served.
Last but not the least - A Big Glass of Chaas (Buttermilk), which makes you feel complete..
PRICE
The prices of some of the most popular dishes range from Rs.50-250/-.On weekdays, the price of a thali is Rs. 118 which goes up to Rs. 140 on Sundays. For dishes ordered ala carte you have indian sweets for Rs.30 -50/-.
SERVICE
The waiters are quite friendly, ever smiling and as a result, Samrat scores on the service front. Sometimes, one tends to overeat, purely because of the service.
AMBIENCE
Quiet and peaceful on weekdays....Quite noisy and hush hush on weekends, specially on Sunday nights. You can be assured to bump into at least some of your Gujju friends who prefer to dine at Samrat on Sunday nights. Also, a very good place to celebrate kid’s birthday parties in the hall on the first floor.
