10 August,2010 06:28 AM IST | | Malini Banerjee
South Mumbai's favourite Gujarati eatery, Swati Snacks, has introduced two platters that let you try bite-sized versions of its popular dishes. Great for a first-timer sampling Gujarati food, like this writer
The only time I remember being impressed with vegetarian food was when I dropped into a tiny thali joint in Ahmedabad, which served unlimited repeats for just Rs 70. After a tiring day of GDs, PIsu00a0 and psychometric tests (group discussions and personal interviews for the MBA uninitiated), the sweet comforting food felt like home. The only thing I learnt about Gujarati food, (as it was impossible to remember what was what) was that their dal is sweet. Just like the Bengali version. "The difference between Bengali food and Gujarati food, when it comes to sweetness, is that Gujaratis actually add sugar for taste. Bengalis use it for colour," says M. Solomon, operations manager at Swati Snacks. I didn't know that one. Armed with that trivia, I began my culinary exploration. I picked Platters 1 and 2.
1. Panki: It's a besan pancake, served folded in two sheets of banana leaf. It's light, fluffy and goes well with item 4 (Gatta nu Shak), though I doubt I'm supposed to pair it with that.
2.Fadani Khichdi: Made with broken wheat and bajri, it's khichdiu00a0 prepared with a few vegetables. Wholesome and delicious.
3. Masala dahi.
4. Gatta nu Shak: My favourite! It reminds you a little of the kadhi, made with besan and curd, which is obvious because it's made with chickpea flour bullets in a curd-based gravy.
5. Chutney: Mint and coriander chatni.
6. Chillies treated in masala.
7. Sev puri: The rather blah, dry chaat that you get at every street corner.
8. Corn handvo: It's a baked, healthy dish. Kind of nice but definitely not a favourite.
9. Satpadi roti: Lovely stuffed bread with satpada masala, that goes with everything. Even khichdi. Again, not the wisest of combinations.
10. Malai Malpua: A light fluffy Malpua with a malai filling. Yum.
11. Frankee: A roll with potato stuffing. Not exactly Gujarati.
12. Papad.
13.Methi Dhokla: It's less spongy than the regular dhokla, but otherwise similar in taste.
14. Pitla: A mix of besan and curd.
15.Dal Dhokli: Small square wheat rotis dipped in a sweet dal. Tangy.
16. Bajri Khichu: A mash-up of bajri and rice flavoured with masala.
17. Shrikhand: Delicious hung curd flavoured with saffron.
18. Thalipith Roti: Yummy thick roti stuffed with a dal mixture. It tastes a little like a daalpuri, a Bengali version of puri with a similar stuffing.
19. Baked masala Khichudi: It's a khichdi that wants to be a risotto. The moong dal khichdi is baked with a slight topping of cheese. Tasty even if not authentic.
Priced at Rs 250
At: Swati Snacks, 248 Karai Estate, Opposite Bhatia Hospital, Tardeo. Call: 65808405
