05 April,2011 10:38 AM IST | | Aditi Sharma
A!la Pakoda, Vashi's new takeaway joint will tempt you to take the experimental route with this popular street snack
Operating out of a tiny shop off the main road in Sector 29 in Vashi, A!la Pakoda appeared as if it were a popular hangout, at first glance.
The place was crowded when we dropped by but. Soon, we realised that the crowd had gathered not for the fried snacks but to watch Sri Lanka's innings against India in the World Cup final on the TV set above the counter.
Moong Dal Bhajias
They weren't particularly interested in the exotic pakodas that this joint had to offer; they were hoping for Dhoni's boys to keep an in-form Mahela Jayawardene at bay.
Eager to catch as much of the match as we could, we quickly placed our order Moong Dal Bhajiya (Rs 40), Assorted Premium Pakodas (Rs 55), Mexican Mirchi and Cheese Pakoda (Rs 60).
u00a0
The assistant at the counter suggested we try their dessert pakodas. We took his recommendation Ice-cream Pakoda (Rs 80) and Jam Pakoda (Rs 40). A!la Pakoda is a takeaway joint but they also have a couple of plastic chairs in case people prefer to eat the hot bhajiyas on the spot. They claim to offer 100 varieties of pakodas; we counted 60 on their menu while we waited for our order.
The Moong Dal Bhajiya arrived piping hot and seemed quite appeasing to the grumbling tummy but these were over-fried and tasted slightly burnt. Next up was the plate of Assorted Premium Pakodas (Rs 55), which included Mushroom Bhajia (yum), Paneer Pakodas (rubbery paneer), Palak Bhajia (yum, but cold) and Chocolate Chips Pakoda, which tasted more like re-fried doughnuts.
The Ice-Cream, Jam and Mexican Mirchi and Cheese Pakodas were also made in the same style as the Chocolate Chips Pakoda. They didn't taste bad but we're not as big fans of doughnuts as American cops so it came across like an overdose. Also, doughnuts are not pakodas! Would we return to A!la Pakoda? Perhaps on a day when we get tired of the neighbourhood bhajiyawala.
At: Shop no 11, Plot no 15, Shirin Apartment, Beside Laxmi Vilas Bank, Sector 29, Vashi.
Call: 32266110 / 330
A!la Pakoda didn't know we were there. THE GUIDE reviews anonymously and pays for meals.
