Zayka'z Grill in Mulund is a godsend for lovers of spicy, aromatic Indian cooking, straight out of the tandoor. The Guide took along Mid-Day reader, Malabi Das to savour the experience
Zayka'z Grill in Mulund is a godsend for lovers of spicy, aromatic Indian cooking, straight out of the tandoor.u00a0The Guideu00a0took along Mid-Day reader, Malabi Das to savour the experience
Zayka'z Grill, which opened earlier this year, and is located in one of Mulund's popular malls, seems to have found its feet in one of the most gastronomically inclined central suburbs. The immediate vibe one got was that of all-out hospitality. The service throughout wasn't intrusive, yet we never found ourselves craning our necks to grab the attendant's attention. 
Dressed in Indian hues of deep reds, browns and purples, with beautifully carved marble-top tables, its interiors reminded us of a scene straight out of a K Asif Mughal epic. However, some of its artistic finesse was lost, thanks to its dim interiors.
For Powai resident and Mid-Day reader Malabi, a restaurant review was just what the doctor ordered! Being a well-travelled foodie helped as this content writeru00a0 agreed that we stick to Indian fare, despite a Chinese section on the menu. Our attendants (at least three alternated at our table!) suggested we begin with Chakori Kebabs (Rs 159) that was dashed off to our table within five minutes.
There was a power cut in the mall at the time we stepped in, and the generator at Zayka's wasn't doing its job. The metres of heavy fabric that graced the shamiana-like interiors didn't help either. Luckily, the refreshing Masala Chaas (Rs 25) came to our rescue, as we took huge sips in between bites of the well-marinated, coriander-flavoured chicken kebabs. Pearls of perspiration on our faces meant that the food got off on a riotously spicy note.
In between our conversation about Katy Perry's Indian shaadi, BPOs and Chetan Bhagat's road to paperback glory, we noticed that the place had filled up. From kitty party aunties to large families and cliques of marketing executives, everyone seemed to have found their corner. We ordered for mains, with reccos from our enthusiastic attendants -- Bhuna Ghosht (Rs 179), Hari Bhari Handi (Rs139) and the Garlic Basil Naan (Rs 20).
The dollops of butter on our naans could've fried several eggs. Malabi, who's also training for the Delhi and Mumbai Marathons, resorted to using tissue paper as temporary oil drainer. The naans emerged as the unsuspecting winner -- the garlic and basil flavours perfectly complemented each other; and could work as a separate snack, we agreed.
The Hari Bhari Handi, mixed vegetables in a green gravy was non-greasy. Seeing the reddish-brown character of our mutton dish, made us wary. But once we tucked into this home-style, tawa-cooked dish, it didn't disappoint. "The boneless meat doesn't overwhelm, yet the aromas of full Indian spices gives it a flavoured, robust texture," said Malabi. I couldn't agree more.
No amount of cajoling by our attendants could coax us for a main course encore. The Malai Phirni (Rs 69) served in a traditional clay pot and dressed with chopped nuts, rounded off our Indian-flavoured culinary trip on a satisfactory note.
At: Level 3, R Mall, LBS Marg, Mulund (W).
Call 25671616/ 25681717.
Zayka's Grill didn't know we were there.u00a0The Guideu00a0reviews and pays anonymously for its meals.
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