Don’t chicken out

Drop by Venky's Xprs if you are in the mood for a quick, chicken-inspired combo meal, with the right Indian tadka; vegetarians need not bother

Don't chicken out

Drop by Venky's Xprs if you are in the mood for a quick, chicken-inspired combo meal, with the right Indian tadka; vegetarians need not bother

Back in the 1970s, Venky's introduced the ready-to-fry-and-eat American-style chicken in all its variations to a generation of young people in Pune. It's been more than three decades since that taste trickled down to foodies of Mumbai. Venky's also happens to be a prominent supplier of chicken products to various international Quick Service Restaurant chains in India.

Chicken Lollypops

So when the leaders in poultry and processed chicken delicacies, announced the opening of a take-away, expectations were sky high. The place is targeted at the young, with large posters adorning the small joint. It's almost a desi KFC! Spoiler alert: Vegetarians can give this place a miss; the menu is 'pure non-vegetarian'. The Tender Chicken Grilled Combo (Rs 85) is a visual delight. It includes of two pieces of Tender Grilled Chicken, two Lollypops, one Jeera Naan and a choice of soft drink.

The Roast and Grilled Chicken uses minimum oil, which is great for health-conscious folk. The chicken arrives on skewers along with an incredible garlic drip. The grilled chicken is one of the tastiest available in the city -- a heavenly blend of salsa (served alongside), soya sauce, salt, lemon juice, black pepper and garlic. This is a product that Venky's receives directly from their company, so there is no extra preparation required in this one -- it's grilled and served hot. The Lollypop is succulent, fresh and juicy. Coated in a spicy red batter, and deep-fried, it doesn't disappoint. Ditto for the Chicken Kati Roll Combo (Rs 85), which has one Kati Roll, two Lollypops and a choice of soft drink.

The Kati Kebab comes wrapped in a nicely layered paratha. Chicken chunks marinated in spices and cooked on skewers are used as stuffing. The dish looks good, but is devoid of the zing that you'd expect from a street-food specialty like this one. The staff says that the products are marinated with top-quality Indian spices to provide an authentic Indian aroma and taste, but clearly the frozen formula (the chicken inside is available as a take-home-and-fry product) keeps it at a minimum. Lets face it; we love our masalas and spicy tadkas. The downer is that there is no seating, and neither is there home delivery.

At 1, A Wing, Royal Classic CHS, New Link Road, next to Fame Adlabs, Andheri (W).
Call 65763999 / 65760555
Venky's Xprs didn't know we were there. The Guideu00a0reviews anonymously and pays for meals.

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