''Samrat'' of Hotels. Review on Samrat Restaurant, Churchgate, Mumbai

Samrat - One of my favourite Hotels in South Bombay. Of course there is Status which also has a ''Status'' of its own. But here we are talking about the ''King''. This Hotel which is close to Churchgate Station is one where I wouldn't mind going to any no. of times - untiringly. Personally, I prefer to go there for dinner than lunch. And this is one hotel where my husband and me don't have to really struggle to agree upon to go for Dinner on his Birthday.

First things first - FOOD

Wow! That is how you would react if you try some. They offer only Veg food - Chinese (or call it Indo-Chinese as satishkl - an ms member- prefers), Gujarati Thali (Un-limited) and Punjabi Dishes in the form of a la carte menu.

To be honest, I have never tried Chinese food here since I believe if you want to have good Chinese food go to china. I think you got my message

I am unfortunately not able to write much on their Punjabi Cuisine. For a change, only once I have tried Hot Aloo Parathas and Kashmiri Pulao. These Parathas are hot in real sense. Hot (pungent & spicy) Parathas are served Tawa Hot and also is one of the Hot (favourite) dishes. They are simply irresistible and for once you would pray - Oh God - please increase my appetite! I am not very fond of Pulao or Biryani (due to bad experiences in some hotels - mouthshut was not existing at that time!). I loved the Hot Kashmiri Pulao that they served with Kachumber Raita and Roasted papad.

Now comes the ''Samrat'' - Gujarati Thali and that is how you would end up feeling after having their Thali - like a ''Samrat'' (King) Oh Good God - the no. of items they offer are too many to remember - I have tried to mention all of them - in case I have missed out on any please mail me.

Their Gujarati Thali is authentic and a total feast. I am, for one, not very fond of Gujarati food (no offences meant!) since I prefer Hot & Spicy food. But this Thali is one that I swear by and my husband is surprised everytime I sing praises of Samrat - for the past six years (he still doesn't believe that I actually like it!! - he simply loves Guajarti food)

Ok Ok.. let's continue - so I was talking about the food.

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. Well, I think you cannot afford to miss this after all that overeating happens and that too within half-an hour! It is served with a few boondis & coriander leaves in it. This is something that I prefer to have along with the food (else I would already have stomach full before eating anything)

Then you are served those Gujarat special Dhoklas, Kachoris in the shape of small Samosas, fried Gawar, Hara-Bhara Kababs, etc. Oh I forgot - the no. of chutneys and pickles that they provide are innumerable and lip-smacking

Then comes the main course - You have choice of puris or phulkas but I usually prefer 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. I am not sure if Gujaratis make puran polis in this fashion (Can any one of you there on MS tell me??) Second servings for all these items are allowed. Phulkas are served faster than your eating speed and you lose count of the no. of phulkas that you have. Three varieties of vegetables are served. Two with gravy and One is dry sabzi. Somehow, I have always missed this Gujarati special ''Undhio''. I am not even sure if it is a part of their Thali. Never bothered to check it out. But well, well, with the no. of items that they offer, you really do not miss it much. In addition to above One Dal, one Kadhi (curry made out of Buttermilk)and one Kathol ( I hope I have written it correctly) - 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.

Dessert (Indianised version) - Usually three sweet dishes are served - most of the times it has been Shrikhand and Gulab Jamun. Third is the one that they served with the main course (Puran Poli)

Last but not the least - A Big Glass of Chaas (Buttermilk) - refreshingly yummy!! I actually feel like asking them to parcel it for me since my stomach is full. It is really refreshing - especially in summer. I don't think I need to mention anything more!!

Now about the Service. I think I have already said it in one sentence in my FOOD section. It is pretty fast and that's all I can say. In fact sometimes you would want to tell the waiter to take it easy.

Ambience - Quite good except for the fact that it is sometimes extremely crowded and noisy. I haven't been there in weekdays and during lunchtime so I am unable to comment on that. But on Saturdays and Sundays it is incredibly crowded at dinnertime especially after 9.00 p.m. The trick is that if you manage to enter the Hotel at around 8.45 p.m. you are assured a table unless there are already ''hajaar'' reservations. (Hey, I have told you my secret) You can reserve tables if you are going in a group to avoid disappopintment. Couples usually do not have a problem since a table for two is easily available. waiting period could be at the most 15 - 20 min. Yes, it is a good place to celebrate Birthdays and Family get -together. You would hear a whole group of people singing ''Happy Birthday to you'' Unknowingly u join them in their moments of happiness and u would unnecessarily feel special - though you are not a part of it. But you wouldn't really complain. Would you???

This is definitely a no - no for a couple looking for some quiet and peaceful dinner. But then on second thoughts - who cares!! - I want to enjoy some lovely food.

Now the most important part - Costs

The punjabi dishes are priced in the range of Rs.70 to Rs.90. Aloo Parathas (for aloo lovers) cost Rs.20 or 25 I don't remember. I never have to look at the Menu card - my choice is fixed - Gujarati Thali that costs Rs.150/- Added attraction is that you can pay by Credit Card

Bon appetite to one and all!!