Went to National Restaurant for dinner. It’s a Spartan but clean eatery near Bandra railway station. A descending flight of steps lead you to the restaurant. Largely orange themed, with many tables. Has no paper menu cards, one has to depend on the large hand written blackboard. Almost all their clientele is male. Food is cooked on a bed of hot coals, which can be clearly seen from the cashier’s desk. Soft drinks or bottled water are unavailable, the waiter has to be requested to arrange for them from outside. There is nothing more to write about this place so straight to the food.
‘Baingan Bhartha’, brinjals need to be roasted more plus excessive use of tomato and fat green chillies. ‘Mutter Paneer’, green peas overdone, miniscule use of cottage cheese, but soothing mild savouriness. ‘Kaali Daal’, completely off the mark, was devoid of any relevant spices which in turn drastically reduced the lentils appeal, again use of the fat green chilly which confused my palate. ‘Chicken Moghlai’, very nice succulent piece of chicken in a slightly thick cashewnut gravy, wonderfully subtle use of black pepper, chicken and gravy complemented each other beautifully. ‘Chicken Masala’, very homestyle gravy, a tad watery but superb on the whole, chicken was very juicy and well cooked, use of tomato just right. ‘Egg Bhurji’, run of the mill preparation, nothing great; the awful fat green chilly makes a comeback, attempts to jeopardize this dish. ‘Rajma Fried Pulao’, absolute rubbish concoction, overcooked kidney beans coupled with bland rice results in zero taste, probably the worst pulao in Mumbai. ‘Makki Roti’, generous with butter, albeit the bread was too thick, ideally should have been thinner.
National Restaurant’s obsession with the fat chilly must go away. Decent food but nothing noteworthy here. Cheap prices, Makki Roti – Rs. 10, Chicken Moghlai – Rs. 40, Kaali Daal – Rs. 22, Egg Bhurji – Rs. 28. Average service, could be quicker. No reason to visit again, 2 stars.
GimoWest
