Sai Chaya Misal

Today was again Misal morning after long time. This time, drove past Katraj towards Kolhapur with family to try out famous misal outlet named "Sai Chaya". Zomato ranking is 3.4 (http://www.zomato.com/pune/sai-chaya-misal-house-katraj)

The place is as good or as bad as any other highway side dhaba. Eating requires both hands: One for Misal and another to wave away the flies.

Misal itself is considerably spicy & hot. It has matki, Sev, Poha & black masala. The black Masala is the key. I learnt this masala was home made by the proprietor. His grandmother used to prepare it and now traditionally has trickled down to his mother and him (Mangesh). It is open throughout the day.

And do not forget the buttermilk - that is awesome - freshly home made buttermilk, no salt/masala/sugar - just plain buttermilk.

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Ambika Misal, Nasik

It sounds like Misal is my most favorite dish, at least, that's how it comes out from this blog. So be it, after all, I do it more for myself than anyone else.

So this Misal is not new  to me neither to Nasikites. It has been around for last 43 years at Panchavati Karanja, Nasik. It used to be our food stop on the way to home from college. One more peculiarity about this  Misal is, it is served twice a day (morning  & evening sessions) while most of other Misal joints are open only during mornings.

This Misal is made from home made black Masala. So the sample or Tarri is jet black in color, almost looks like a black coffee except for the oil floating over it. The mixture contains Mataki, Chavali, Poha, Farasan. It is not very hot, but black Masala gives a unique & different taste to it. 

Chinese Samosa

Spicy mix of hakka noodles and veg. manchurian wrapped in crispy samosa is Chinese Samosa at "Narayan Khaman", Maharaja complex, Paud road, Pune. Chinese food around is as such Indian-ised Chinese anyway...& is taken further to stuff this inside very desi dish like Samosa.

I think there are many variants around or attempts to stuff different fillings inside Samosa or Dosa. Very few have lasted the interest of people. Below one seems to be here to stay,,,at least for a while.

Taste is crunchy, spice of Chinese mix inside is moderate. At times, it is bit oily, but manageable with 2 pieces of Samosa followed by a tea. 

Sudarshan Misal

Last weekend I was in Nasik. Have heard about this Misal at Makhmalabad, a small village near Nasik. People drive 15-20kms in morning, stand in queue and sit on small benches brushing shoulders with one another only to satisfy their taste buds. I can tell you from my experience; it is worth it! Place is opposite of Ram Mandir as you take left exit from state highway.

Ingredients are very basic, Matki Usal (pulse curry), Sev with fried peanuts and finely chopped raw onion, coriander.  If you need extra hot, there is sample served. Otherwise Misal is not very hot. Taste is of authentic matki usal. Served with bun bread and Papad.

I have seen owner turning down take away requests, mainly due to the crowd at the shop and limited stock. It is small outlet with 5-6 tables and inside there is a room with “Indian sitting”, where families take “sataranji” (carpet ) & enjoy their breakfast.

Farasaan Bhel at Kalyan Bhel

Weekend snacking at Kalyan Bhel on Canal road outlet. Farasaan Bhel is their specialty & comes in huge quantity. Kurmure, which is usually very prominent ingredient, is not at all felt in this Bhel. Farasaan, peanuts and other ingredients like onion, coriander are bound together with mixed sauces/Chutney - the key ingredient & trade secret of this Bhel.

Place can be easily found on usually calm road connecting Prabhat road and Law College road. One can see lot of youngsters crowding around a small footpath outlet & crowd spilling over the road especially on weekend evenings. They offer many other chat items and Bhel variations. Even the Malai Kulfi is good desert after Farasaan Bhel meal!

Prabha Sabudana Vada

Though it is a fast special, Sabudana Vada is also otherwise enjoyed Maharashtrian dish. Made diligently at hotel Prabha in the heart of Pune city. Small eatery opposite Kesari Wada (Tilak Wada) at Narayan Peth. Started as a small time family business by lady named Paranjape with capital of Rs9/- ONLY! It draws good amount of crowd for Vada (Potato Vada & Sabudana Vada). Potato Vada, being a staple food, is served by every corner eateries. Sabudana Vada is a sticky business, for most of others who have not mastered this art...
Vada here is big, a plate with two is meal. Though stout, it is thoroughly cooked (fried) without getting burnt. Taste is good, bit more spicey and crispy. I enjoyed this delicacy at Prabha while monsoon was pouring outside, it was awesome! One flip side, as you can see below, is " It is not served with any fingure licking chutney :-("
A Puneri Pati for the conclusion: Sunday closed!grrr...

Nachos & Momos

Tried this at City Pride, Kothrud. It’s a small outlet started in few multiplexes in Pune serving Nachos with cheese and Momos. Nachos are very Desi, have some masala variation instead of plain Nachos usually served with cheese. These Nachos are served with cheese by side (not on top) and Salsa sauce.  Momos are spicy veg dumplings served with very hot sauce/chutney.  Wikipedia  tells me that Momos are native to Tibet & Nepal. I have not tasted authentic Momos of Nepal but these are bit spicy especially with the sauce served.

Salient point is availability of such different munching food while watching a movie. As such Nachos are not very commonly available in Pune (I wonder why? I think they deserve better than burgers & pizzas). Little Italy in Pune serves good Nachos, but as a starters before mail course meal. There is no Taco Bell yet  in Pune :(