Typically traditional
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A traditional place for a Rajasthani meal offers fresh, hot fare.
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Other things can change us but we start and end with tradition and family.' Food is also a large part of this tradition and therefore this along with simplicity is what makes the experience more realistic. The thali which is common to most parts of the country allows one to enjoy the basic flavours of a particular region and is perfect when looking for a wholesome comfort meal.
Bikaner Bhojanalaya is a fairly new Rajasthani food place. This humble eatery is brightly lit with a wee bit of Rajasthani art in the form of terracotta camels adorning the walls, creating the typical ambience of a simple bhojanalaya as the name suggests - where the purpose is to enjoy a home-cooked meal. The background retro Hindi music allures me to sing along as I enjoyed the hot, wholesome yet simple meal. "The concept of the place," one of its owners Raghunandan tells me, ".is to pay more attention to the cuisine and hygiene rather than aesthetics."
As you enter, you find the tables are laid out with shining stainless steel plates and katoris. After you are comfortably seated, the chaas welcomes you. Soon, the waiters familiar with the tradition bring on the dhal, subzis, kadhi and straight-from-the-fire phulkas. You are encouraged though to taste the favourites from this part of the country like Missi Roti instead of the commonly heard phulkas. There is rice, pappad and pickle to follow along with well-set curds. They also have an a la carte option which offers different kinds of parathas.
If not in a mood for a heavy meal one can order Mooli, Aloo, Gobi or Paneer Paratha which is served with curds, pickle and at an extra cost, you can opt for any of the subzis on the thali, which you will realise is a complete meal in itself.
Those who are fond of a dessert at the end of a meal will be disappointed as this is a special item only during weekends. Evenings are a buzz at their chaat counter. The various kinds of puris, samosas and kachoris, along with the chutneys are a favourite now, with all age groups. Fresh fruit juice counters are common anywhere in Chennai, though the global warming scene seems to have had a different effect on our city in recent times. They do have a lot of take-away orders and would be happy to take large orders as well, but the thali is at its best right there.
Where?: #11, K.K. Road, Valmiki Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur.
Contact: 45145050, 45145656.
What you will pay: Rs.75 for the thali.
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LAKSHMI BALIGA
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