Last night we visited the Taste Of Punjab outlet in Satra Plaza, Vashi, Navi Mumbai.
We have some close friends from Kerela who stay here but were not exposed to true punjabi cuisine and culture, so we invited the family of three to a dinner with three of us.
Booked a table of 6 for 1930 a day prior, got an SMS to confirm the booking.
We arrived right on dot yesterday, a couple of tables were already occupied by then as the restaurant opens at 1900.
The opulence and grandeur of Punjab was very evident, A punjabi jutti stand at entrance, a mehandi wali in attendance, a stage for folk performances, dhols, tablas, artefacts suspended from ceiling, old foot operates sewing machines converted into dining tables, colorful cushions with sequin work for chairs and sofas, and a very long buffet along a mirrored wall made an instant impact. The other room opened into live counter section for Chats, Stuffed Paratha, Biryani, Kababs, Lassi-Chaas, Desserts, and much more.
The main dining hall was divided into two primary sections - the buffet section with seating of about 8 tables of 4 and 4 tables of 6; the other section had all tables of 4 on ground level and a stairs going up to meZanine level with more seating. Also on the high level was the front of a truck converted into the DJs console from where Punjabj music was doled out. between the two sections is the entrance passage and stage. The stage backdrop plays a constant video about the restaurant offerings and while performance is on, there are pictures from Punjab running continously. 10 minute performances every hous from 2000, 2100, 2200 we saw before we moved out. These were Bhangra and Gidda by Robust Punjabi Sikh and Beautiful Punjaban Mutiyaar. Very Entertaining, they danced to the beats of live Dhol players.
We went around and served ourselves at the Chat Counter, Paratha Counter.
Then Lassi Chaas and Hot starters were served at out table.
Sumptous, Hot, Fresh, Tasty and lots of options for both Veg and Non veg were served to us. I can recollect Chicken Tikka, Seekh Kabab Masala, Chicken Koliwada, Fish Amritsari, Tawa Fried Fish, and Lesuni Aloo, Paneer Malai Tikka, Mushroom masala, Cheese Balls, Mix Veg Oakira Drops, Crispy Vegetables, maybe there were more too.
We chatted a while to let out starters settle in our bellies and then moved for the main course.
The buffet had :
Mushroom shorba
Chicken shorba
Make your own salad counter with many
cooked and uncooked vegetables, pulses and lentils
chicken and fish
dressings and toppers for salads.
There was desi style vegetable chowmien
Then the Veg options including, paneer, mix veg, sarson saag, dal makhani, dal tadka, chholle, aloo methi, kadipakorewali, veg biryani, plain rice.
There was acoompaniments like papads, sirkewale pyaz, pickles, ghee, white butter, chutenys, raita and dahi bhallas.
After that was Non veg section with
Chicken tikka masala
Mutton tariwala
Keema Kaleji
Fish Curry
Choice of breads like makki roti, roti, nan, paratha were served on table and we could get stuffed paratha from the live counter of our choice like aloo, gobhi, mooli and dal, served with desi butter.
All the preparations were very tasteful and served at right temperature.
Staff was attentive and very cordial.
Hospitality was excellent.
Cultural program was very apt, though sometimes the dhol became too loud, but thats OK.
The place was vibrant and energetic.
All in all a very good experience, our guests also appreciated the evening well spent.
Weekday Dinner price per person :
Non Veg : Rs 888/- & Veg : Rs 777/-
plus GST 5% , Service Charge 6% .
Weekend dinner rates are Rs 111/- more
and
Lunch rates are Rs 111/- lower for respective days, accordingly.
Its advisable to pre-book and reach on time ekse they hold the table only for about 10 minutes and then release for next guests.
