sukhmanisakhi
Rating 4/5
Shraman is about feasts as well as antiquity . The cuisine is essentially rich and hearty, mixing influences from all over the country, imbedded in a culminated Indian menu, preserving distinctive culinary traditions along with its own language of consistent decadence and technique.
Ambience isn’t the most under impressionist. The interiors are grand in an archaic fashion, could feel a bit overwhelming with bold murals and wall inscriptions. The use of earthy colours manages to tone down the vibe. The sitting is the complete opposite of contemporary, however very reminiscent of the cuisine they serve.
Service is top notch. Servers are attentive, efficient and very well aware of the menu. Food arrives in good time. No complaints there.
Drinks: The mixologist knows his potions here. The beverage menu is reasonably designed and very well executed. The mock tails are again drilled in typical Indian essence yet manage to satiate modern thirst aka use of spices and desi condiments in the drinks is remarkable and they all taste refreshing and almost of a sense of nostalgia.
Kerri Panna, Shikanji, Khas Aur paan ka sherbet, Jaljeera were among the most refreshing quenchers which came quite handy because they cut out the heat I just walked out from. Tangy, spiced and subtle drinks.
Kha Rock was another of the likes made with cumin, ginger and rock salt. My personal favourite.
Shraman Punch is a good idea if you are a lover of fruit and ice cream shakes. A sure hit with kids.
Food:
All the drama boils down to food and if the food is good, all is well.
The food was cooked with love and quality ingredients that reflected in the final dishes. I am a hard core non vegetarian yet my taste buds were plenty amused by the rich cooking and flavour composition of individual dishes.
• Matar ki gutki kachori is basically a pea stuffed fried bread. Very well spiced and simply presented.
• Paan patta chaat was a tangy sweet and spicy chaat assembly made of deep fried paan patta crisps ladled with sweet tamarind chutney and sweetened curd finished off with chaat masala. Lovely amalgamation of textures and flavours. Highly recommended.
• Subz dahi Wali tikki was deep fried veg tikki with a soft yogurt center. Tasted average.
• Paneer Hajarwi was a well marinated and cooked paneer tikka with the perfect soft texture.
• Tandoori Bharwan aloo were again made well with paneer and nutty filling and nicely cooked potato skin on the outside. Quite a bite!
• Dahi ke shollay which are Dahi ke kebab continue to be my vegetarian fetish and these did not disappoint. Gooey and delicately spiced inside the crispy coating. Yes, my mouth is watering at the moment.
• Dal Batti Choorma looked like a brave dish because the Batti was soaking in generous amount f ghee. Very very well made dal and one bite is enough to cause a micro Foodgasm.
• Bedmipoori and aloo ki Sabzi was a
humble simple dish that delivered tremendously in terms of taste.
• Dal Makhni which is expected to be only glorious at a vegetarian Indian restaurant was anything but that! I could taste hours of careful simmering and cooking. Delicious.
The real Heros of the afternoon were the Thalis we ordered.
• North Indian Thali- Dal makhni, creamy rich paneer, mixed vegetables, lovely cooked jeera aloo, jeera rice and raita served with butter naan.
• Marwari Thali- Light yellow dal, creamy tomato paneer, deliciously crunchy karari bhindi, gatte ki sabzi and bikaneri parantha, thepla.
Both the Thalis looked majestic and hearty with their generous varieties and portions. Sure to woo any foodie, I was naturally love struck.
Polished off this animalistic food binging monstrosity with a sweet note of ghewar malai mishri that added some more extra calories but that deep drenching flavour- totally worth it.
Verdict: if you’re a vegetarian, just blindly walk into this cult restaurant.
If you re not a vegetarian, take a break from killing all those animals and try some clean desi food because it is just so darn good! Full marks on variety, authenticity and execution.
Cost/ person : Rs 700
Will I visit again? Yes.
