Review: Want to enjoy a little bit of Gujarat in the heart of Mumbai? Head to Tuskers at Sofitel Mumbai.

“Hoon jaati rais ne, toh maari yaad aavse. Aa bahdoo khavanu yaad aavse….. maara wagar” ( If I leave na, you will remember me and all the food I cook for you)!!! This is not a dialogue from a Gujrati film. It’s a line heard across Gujju households. From a baffled five year old to a fully grown up adult, we all get to hear it. My mom must have said it more than Dakshaben’s Arararara..... But then, there was no love lurking behind Dakshaben’s signature line.

Growing up in a Gujrati household is a fun filled culinary treat. Our loving mothers toil endlessly in the kitchen to rustle up mouth-watering delicacies. Soft dhoklas that put SpongeBob to shame, lip smacking steamed handvo, Khandvi – my friends called it yellow pinwheels, thepla…..these dishes are so famous they have been mentioned in the blockbuster Bollywood film 3 Idiots too. So, when Chef Janakidas (Tuskers) teamed with specialists Mrs. Urmila Gohil and Mrs. Neha Verma to conceptualize “Padharo Gujarat” food festival at Sofitel, we jumped with joy. What better way to enjoy a little bit of Gujarat in the heart of Mumbai?

With the smiling Chef Janakidas.

A smiling photo is our motto!

With the beautiful ladies who gave a homely touch to Padharo Gujarat 

What You See:

Take the elevator to the first floor and step into Tuskers, Sofitel’s pure veg fine dining restaurant. At the entrance a warm welcome ensures a good time ahead. A puppeteer playfully shows his skill and an artist croons a folk song. 

A warm welcome awaits you at Tuskers, Sofitel Mumbai.

Traditional decor at Tuskers, Sofitel Mumbai.

We sat down at one of the well laid out tables and looked around to see a huge bar. Traditional artifacts shine in the candlelight and the busy servers bustle around. The chairs are comfortable and we loved the feel of thick carpet under our high-heeled feet.

What You Get:

Tuskers primarily serves Gujarati and Rajasthani vegetarian cuisine. The Padharo Gujarat festival encourages you to choose from an extensive a-la-carte or a set menu. We sipped on a cool aam panna while we decided on a few dishes. In between mouthfuls of papad drizzled with sweet date chutney and minty green chutney we made a choice. Hot steamed dhoklas with methi (fenugreek) handvo and bajri na wada seemed a good way to start our meal. The dhoklas were soft with a hint of flavorful fenugreek and a tempering of mustard, jeera and curry leaf- just the way ma makes. The handvo was fluffy from inside and crispy outside and the bajri wada tasty.

Handvo, dhokla and bajri na wada- want some?

 The main course arrived in a thali- three vegetables, one lentil curry, dal dhokli and kadhi. I almost clapped in joy. I was happier than a Gujju on his first American trip.

A meal that wins your heart at the Padharo Gujarat Festival.

The bharwan karela- deep-fried Karela stuffed with cashew nut, peanut and select spices was so tasty; my partner who declared he hates karela gobbled it in seconds!!!  Fansi vatana dhokli nu shak- a vegetable made with beans, green peas and dumplings could have come straight out of Ma’s kitchen. As I wrapped a piece of my hot phulka (puffed Indian roti) around a mouthful of Undhiyu, I remembered stories from my childhood. Going with ma in winters to buy vegetables to make the best Undhiyu and fighting with friends when they snatched my tiffin. The Undhiyu here had influence of the Surat region, a little on the spicier side but with a good balance of flavors. Dal dhokli our ultimate comfort food was….comforting J  Toovar kathol (pigeon peas) curry was sweet and tangy and went nicely with our flaky bhakris.

We relished our Gujarati kadhi khichdi with a dollop of pure ghee and urge you to do the same.

Masala khichadi- very comforting

Next came the desserts – angori rabdi, adadiya pak and pan kulfi. Usually, I do not like adadiya pak, a traditional winter sweet but this one…aah! I had both the pieces.

Adadiya pak- no one can have just one. 

Angori rabdi- creamy and sweet, happiness in a bowl

Pan kulfi- nom nom nom

Verdict:

Gujarati cuisine is primarily vegetarian and is known for its exquisite blend of flavors. High on nutrition and creative use of everyday ingredients, it has gained popularity world over. Go and enjoy the enticing taste of Gujarat at Sofitel, Mumbai and pirouette to “Dholida” with the folk dancers to experience the Gujju way of celebrating life. The simplest of joys are found in simplest of foods made with love and love is abundant in Chef Janakidas’s kitchen. Our food has a sweet tinge, Navratri is our prom and Mihir Virani our Brad Pitt but we Gujjus know how to win your heart with our Khandvis and dhoklas. Still need a reason to try our food?

From:

February 7^th till 28^th 2015

Where:

Tuskers, Sofitel Mumbai, C-57, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai- 400051

Call: 022 61175000

Available For:

Lunch- 12 pm till 3 pm

Dinner- 7 pm onwards

Price: Set menu priced at 1700/- plus taxes