Gastronomony Divine In Mumbai -

- By Saurav

In Mumbai,there lies a place called VT.In VT,there's an area called Fort and in and around Fort are - Gastronomic delights. Delights - that - give - your - stomach - the - taste of Malwani,Gomantak,Parsi and even classic Chinese and Indian Veg cuisine!I thought it's time to list out some of the best places to eat at Fort,Mumbai.

Hotel Fountain Plaza(Malwani Cuisine) - Malvani cuisine is the standard cuisine of the Konkan region of Maharashtra,Goa and northern parts of West Karnataka. Although Malvani cuisine is predominantly non-vegetarian, there are many vegetarian delicacies also.When in Fountain Plaza,try their Chicken Biryani,Standard Fish Thali(Rs 50) and of course Porota and Sukka Mutton/Chicken.You can go for normal rice or red rice(the fat rice with a slightly red colour).

Pradeep Gomantak : This place really is unique.It looks like a staff canteen,there's hardly any place to sit and the restaurant owner looks at you with glaring eyes.Add to that a long queue of people waiting for their turn,the initial feel would be a sickening one.But rest assured,once you have the Pomphret Thali here(for an unbelievably cheap Rs 70) you will be coming out singing praises of this Gomantak food joint.Gomantak Cuisine is the cuisine of Goa specifically!

(The door to Gluttony)

Ideal Restaurant: From Malwani to Gomantak to Parsi now...ahhh...in Gastronomic explosiveness,Parsi food has no other equal.Also the right style is to take starter,then food and end with dessert.So start with "Bombili Fry"(Bombay Duck fried in Rawa),move on to the Achari Chicken with Chapatti and then dive later into the LaganCustard.Although Ideal is far costlier than the other two mentioned above.A meal for two hungry people can come for about 350-400 here!

Aaaram Veg Restaurant : Once in a while,after a hard nights party and too many Non Veg meals later,you long for simple Veg food and Aaaram gives you that.Bang opposite to VT station,Aaaram is filled to the brim with people between 1-2 PM.Try out the plain but tasty Puri Bhaji,Veg Pulao and the Batata Vada.Prices not to mention are super cheap.By the way,beware of the angry and defiant waiters,who dont like you calling them...hehe...they come to you.Aaaram has been there at VT for Donkeys years and it runs on word of mouth only.So please leave your ego aside when you go in!

Shaan Chinese Corner : Run by a Musalman,ironically this restaurant makes some mouthwatering Chinese Dishes instead of Mughlai.Bang opposite to the Bata Showroom in Fort,try out their Schezwan Fried Rice with Chicken Hot Garlic.It's quite a treat to the tongue!

Cafe Excelsior : Last, but not the least. Try the 'Chicken Farcha' and the ' Chicken Afghani' and you will know why:-). In case you land up in fort early morning, try the 'Keema Pao' here as its divine!