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.