Pothole-season favourites

If there is no greater love than the love of food, what better time than the season of romance for our favourite indulgences! Six seasonal treats to whet your appetite


Mutton samosas at Cafe Samovar
Tea-time is extra special at this iconic cafe along a long, narrow corridor that's as famous as its patrons from the art world. The mutton samosas are best enjoyed with the red and green chutneys placed on every table. They also offer a vegetarian samosa that has a filling of boiled potatoes and peas. The Mixed Pakoda (Rs 80) with palak, onion, potato, brinjal, cauliflower and cabbage fritters is another popular snack here.
For Rs 80 per plate
At 161 B, Jehangir Art Gallery, MG Road,
Kala Ghoda.
Call 22047276


Mongolian Corn at a roadside stall
Manoj Kumar Gupta left his home in Uttar Pradesh, when he was just 12 years old to make a living in the city. Five years and several odd jobs later, he struck gold when he hit upon the idea of selling nuggets of golden corn tossed in butter and salt on paper plates. Today, if you stop by his stall, you can request for pasta and Maggi noodles from a menu that boasts of "83 items" built around the star ingredient. Our favourite is the Mongolian Corn that has juicy corn kernels bathed in butter and tossed in a spicy red sauce.
For Rs 80 per plate
At On the road opposite Gate 3 of the World Trade Centre, Cuffe Parade. Call 9820668531


Paneer pakodas at Rajdhani
Cubes of paneer are first seasoned with chaat masala and lime juice before being doused in a batter of chickpea flour (besan) that is flecked with carom (ajwain) seeds and seasoned with salt. Their special menu also includes Moong Dal Bhajiya, Gobi Pakoda and Methi pakoda that's made with tender fenugreek leaves.
Till September 15 (4 pm to 7 pm)
For Rs 40 per plate
At Rajdhaniu00a0 at the Palladium Mall, Lower Parel, R- City Mall, Ghatkopar and Nirmal Lifestyle Mall, Mulund.


Tom Yum soup at Joss
A steaming hot bowl of soup is the best comfort food on any given day. The guys at Joss dole out a South-Eastern version of the Tom Yum Soup that is flavoured with lemon grass, shallots and a fiery paste of red bird's eye chillies, garlic, more lemon grass and Thai ginger. This
is real, solid comfort food for the jangled soul.
For Rs 280 for veg Tom Yum Soup; Rs 290 for non-veg Tom Yum Soup
At 30, K Dubash Marg, Kala
Ghoda, Fort.
Call 66356908


Chicken Sui Mai dim sum at Royal China
This chain of Chinese restaurants has an extensive dim sum menu. The translucent wrappers are pulled around an assortment of fillings ranging from chicken and seafood to Spare Ribs (pork) and steamed squid. Vegetarians have the Steamed Vegetables with Coriander (Rs 265) that has a filling of finely chopped bamboo shoots, carrots, water chestnuts, two kinds of mushrooms and corn.
For Rs 295 (for Chicken dim sum)
At 192 Turner Road, near Popley Gold Plaza, Bandra (W) and other Royal China outlets.
Call 26425533 (Bandra)


Black Irani chai at Koolar and Co
The black Irani chai typically comprises a brew of Orange Pekoe tea leaves and freshly boiled water. Traditionally, the chai is served with a large sugar crystal, similar to our Kadi Shakkar or Mishri. After placing the sugar crystal under the tongue, delicate sips of the steaming hot concoction are taken. At Koolar, you can complete the ritual with a sugar cube, instead.
For Rs 10
At 41, Noor Mahal, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Road, King's Circle, Matunga (E).
Call 24125062