Say Chee-lizza

Say goodbye to plain vanilla cheese sandwiches that get a complete makeover, thanks to Cheelizza, which promises to take the galli sandwichwala experience to another level

To modify a Vance Havner quote, "If they had a social gospel in the days of the prodigal son, somebody would have given him a bed and a "Cheelizza" sandwich and he never would have gone home."


Cheesy G

Closing in on the heels of Sandwizza, the newly opened chain, Cheelizza, attempts to replicate the roadside sandwich experience with a variety of combinations and fillings. Their exhaustive menu boasts of 42 types of different sandwiches, including creative ones like a chocolate sandwich and fruit club sandwiches. It is however, simpler to judge the quality of a sandwich store with old classics.

We started with the Cheesy G (Rs 112.50) which is Cheesy Garlic bread nicely mixed with oil, oregano and garlic salt. The cheese was spread generously on the French bread, which was sliced in four round halves. It was crispy and crunchy as promised. It emerged as the best item of the lot.

Next, the specialty sandwich, the Cheelizza Munchers (Rs 135), a mammoth grilled sandwich with copious amounts of onion, gravy, fresh vegetables, yellow green capsicum, cucumber and cabbage. The only downer was that this came served with brown bread (with either cheese or paneer). But, for the price, it's a full paisa-vasool plate and satisfies the appetite, in style.

The Cheeli Cheezy (Rs 101.50) is the essential cheese grill sandwich with classic vegetables including onion, potato, cucumber, cabbage and tomato. The shredded cheese is generously laden and served with a sauce (tomato) and green chutney. The gravy however, might not be a hit with lovers of non-sloppy Joe-like sandwiches.

And finally, the Cheelizza experience isn't complete without the classic dips that can accompany the sandwich soiree at an extra cost. The Carolina Mustard Dip, Hot Cheeli Dip and Cajun Garlic Dip (Rs 11.50 each) are some of the best dips on the menu and offer the distinct flavour their advertise. There are also the more creative sandwiches for the adventurous palette like the Pineapple sandwich, Fruit Club sandwich, Mango sandwich and the most creative Chocolate sandwich (chocolate syrup, chocolate cheese and butter).

If you like vegetarian and Jain sandwiches in an air-conditioned and upgraded Jai-Sandwichwalla, "hang-outy" ambience, with basic coffee shop-like seating, Cheelizza is definitely your sandwich destination.

At Before, Darya Darshan CHS, Seven Bungalows Versova, Yari Road, Andheri West; also at Borivali (W), Kandivali (W) and Kandivali (E). Call: 42225222 Cheelizza didn't know we were there. The Guide reviews anonymously and pays for meals.