28 April,2009 11:56 AM IST | | Debarati Palit
In times of recession, it's not about where you eat but how much does it cost. WHAT's ON dropped in at Wazwan and tried some paisa-vasool khana Wazwan at Baner. pics/Debarati Palit
The aromas of exotically-prepared curries with generous use of yoghurt, and saffron-scented air led us to chance upon Wazwan by sheer luck.
This fine-dining restaurant tucked behind a behemoth mall in Baner serves Indian, Chinese and traditional Kashmiri cuisine.
Ambience: The restaurant is divided into two sections a front porch which is a garden spread and an inner sanctum for families. Kashmiri art decor has been minimally used to give the place a touch of the valley. There's a shamiana setting and a low-sitting area. Many local products from Kashmir are lined up on the cabinets and the tiny place looks like a congested Kashmiri emporium.
We tried: The manager suggested that we try the Kashmiri dishes, which is their specialty. So, we ordered Chicken Rogan Josh Kashmiri (Rs 160), Kashmiri Pulao (Rs 150) and Tandoori Roti (Rs 12). Dishes can be tempered to suit your taste from sweet to spicy for a pulao.
In fifteen minutes, our senses were heady with the aromas wafting out of the kitchen and it made us impatient to savour the feast cooking. The chicken was indeed delicious and spicy. It had medium chicken pieces, cooked in a thick, rich red gravy. Theu00a0 chicken masala was finely grounded and went well with both the roti and pulao.
The pulao was served next and it was simply divine. It was cooked with chunks of beans, cauliflower, carrots, peas, paneer, cashews finely fried and mixed together. Since it was high on the oil factor, we were full while just half-way through.
Service: The service was decent. Our attendant kept disappearing and every time we called for him, someone else appeared. The manager at the counter had a pasty grin all along, which we found really strange! Something to do with Kashmiri charm, we're guessing.
At: Prime-Rose Mall, Baner Road.
Call: 27292422.
Open till: 11.30 pm
Wazwan didn't know What's On was there. We review anonymously and pay for our meals.
