Looking for VFM lunch options in the office? The Guide team tried and tasted options for different palates. Here’s our report card for every kind of craving
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By Sukanya Datta, Sammohinee Ghosh, Shriram Iyengar, Aditi Chavan and Tanishka D’Lyma
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1. For the disciplined eater
If you’re the kind who looks out for healthy meals with a dose of comfort — none of that meal-skipping business, please — Fuel Up has you covered. It offers a vast range of bregg-fast meals, sandwiches, pizzas, pastas, smoothies, fruit bowls and keto options that balance calories and nutrients.
What we liked: The dalia chicken khichdi (Rs 270) has a light masala infusion, mixed with chunks of grilled chicken, jalapenos, bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, babycorn and olives, topped with sprouts that pack in a nice crunch. The portion is big enough to cater to snack pangs in the evening. They offer generous discounts; coupled with a thick, moreish dark chocolate avocado smoothie with probiotic milk (Rs 250) — billed as a meal replacer — we receive a free low-sugar blueberry ice-cream (in pic).
What we didn’t like: We prefer a bowl/cup packaging, instead of a paper glass, for the smoothie that tends to get soggy. The ice-cream was too milky.
Rating: **
At: Shop 3, Sun Vision Spenta, Khar. log on to Zomato
Call: 7045900423
2. For the junk food-craver
Once or twice a week, it’s a good idea to add a pizza or burger to your lunch plan for some meal motivation. The Dough Therapy is our go-to for a good mix of classic and eclectic dishes, with usual suspects like pizzas, burgers, pastas, alongside vegan pizzas and dough knots.
What we liked: The B’bay pizza (Rs 483) with a special Bombay masala over cheese is a good snack, but doesn’t make for a filling meal. The giaco burger (Rs 369) with a jackfruit and potato patty, and guacamole (in pic) is flavourful, minus the mayo, which feels too synthetic on the palate.
What we didn’t like: The pasta al pesto (Rs 422) is a basic, rich and creamy never-fail pasta, though the excessive use of raw garlic can be off-putting. Order it only if you like gourmet junk food.
Rating: *
At: Outlets at Kandivali West, Matunga East, Chowpatty and Powai.
Log on to: Swiggy
Call: 9066875875
3. For the health nut
If you’re keeping an eye on your calorie intake, NUDE Bowls by celebrity Malaika Arora offers nutrient-rich, low-calorie dishes from across Indian, Continental and Asian cuisines to fuel a busy work day. We settled for the high-protein keto chicken salad (Rs 269) and Thai peanut chicken bowl (Rs 299; in pic).
What we liked: Brownie points for the recyclable containers and a handwritten note for the customer. One bite of the vegetables and chicken immediately reveals the fact that they are fresh. The keto cheese sauce dressing which comes with the salad is delicious and enhances the overall taste.
What we didn’t like: The Thai peanut sauce is a tad too gingery. Despite the sauce, the quinoa and brown rice feel slightly dry. The packaging needs to be spill-proof and should not turn soggy at the base over time.
Rating: **
Log on to: Eatsure
4. For the snack-lover
On a fast-paced weekday, the order from Nair on Fryer arrives within half an hour to our Bandra office. The Keralite joint offers street-style delicacies from the state and gives us all the right answers to our snacky cravings, or if you’re the kind whose lunch hour spills into chai-snack time.
What we liked: The Kerala chicken masala toastie (Rs 180; two pieces) is deliciously spiced, and pairs well with the Kerala fried chicken-single (Rs 294). The latter (in pic) includes four leg pieces that are best consumed hot and immediately. The sweet banana fry (Rs 186) disappears within minutes like hot cakes, while the raw mango-ginger kulukki (Rs 72) is a refreshing tangy sherbet to wash it all down.
What we didn’t like: The health- conscious might be deterred by the generous use of oil, despite its delish flavour. The on-the-bone chicken pieces might make it a challenge if you’re multitasking.
Rating: ***
At: Hotel Grace Residency, Bandra West
Log on to: Zomato
Call: 9324059522
5. For the comfort meal-seeker
On a deadline-packed day, if you’re nursing a weak tummy, a potful of piping khichdi offers the perfect comfort. We resort to Khichdi Express in Khar, an all-veg outpost that dishes out guilt-free, homely Indian food. Our order arrives in 30 minutes and the fresh garnishing of chopped coriander has us hooked from the first whiff.
What we liked: Although delivered in a plastic container, we were happy to receive a packet of salad, two packets of crushed papad, a sachet of mango pickle and some dahi along with our daliya khichdi (Rs 239). The dish (in pic) is light on spices and somewhat heals our sore throat. The poha (Rs 139) is the ideal
blend of flavours as our chai time accompaniment.
What we didn’t like: While we like the fragrance of a dollop of ghee, the excessive use in our daliya overpowered its original taste.
Rating: **
At: Khichdi Express, Malad West
Log on to: Swiggy
Call: 9870056256
For those with a sweet tooth
>> Caro Empathy & Ice Cream for home-style scoops.
Log on to: Zomato or Swiggy
>> The Tiny Tub for mini doughnut bombs, cookies and tiramisu tub.
Log on to: thetinytub.com
**** Exceptional, *** Excellent, ** very Good, * Good, Average. The eateries didn’t know it was us. The Guide reviews anonymously and pays for meals
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