Punjab comes to Parel

Crystal, South Mumbai's popular eatery, has spread its wings. Good news for Central Mumbai's foodies who now get to savour the same affordable ghar ka khana

Crystal, South Mumbai's popular eatery, has spread its wings. Good news for Central Mumbai's foodies who now get to savour the same affordable ghar ka khana

At first look, the decor may strike you as basic. Spread over two levels, the seating arrangements include plastic chairs and wooden tables. The service also takes some time to warm up; we ended up asking to be served water and had to wave furiously to get their attention at times. The cutlery is basic and the portions are sufficient for one person. But thankfully, the food doesn't disappoint.


Rajma

The Masala Papad (Rs 15) was heavily garnished and whetted our appetite, rather nicely. The Aloo Paratha (Rs 30) and Gobi Paratha (Rs 30) tasted good but were a tad oily and burnt in parts. We forgot our grouses when the bowl of Rajma (Rs 50) arrived.

It was a perfect blend of spices and we couldn't resist tucking into it despite not being a fan of kidney beans. The Punjabi Kadhi (Rs 40) was the other highlight of our meal. It had two spicy Pakoras dipped in it; we had to stop ourselves short of licking our fingers. The Masala Rice (Rs 45) smelled divine and tasted equally delicious. The frothy Lassi (Rs 30) we sipped on could have been a meal in itself and had us feeling overfed, in
no time.

Then came the letdown -- the Vegetable Biryani (Rs 50), its true flavours were was overpowered with a generous dose of pepper and clove; we had to segregate the whole spices from the rice grains. Once again, timely salvation came in the form of dessert -- Phirni (Rs 30) and Kheer (Rs 30). Without ODing on the sugar, these tasted homely ensured that we ended our meal on a sweet note.

Crystal was a mixed bag, of hits and misses; yet it managed to stand its ground as a good option to oil-laden and overtly spiced eateries who claim to offer Punjabi khana.

At Crystal, Shiner Building, Senapati Bapat Marg, next to Shiv Sena Shakha, Lower Parel. Call 2499077 / 24990099. Open from 11.30 am to 3.30 pm and 7 pm to 10.30 pm

Crystal didn't know we were there. The Guide reviews anonymously and pays for meals.

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