Indira is miles ahead of Shivaji

Right beside Gate No 2 is this counter that offers simple, Indian fast-food. And while we understand why passengers may want to snack while they wait, the presence of a men's shirting store here baffled us.

With the exception of Lincoln Bartlett, the eccentric American tycoon James Clavell dreamed up in Noble Houseu00a0-- he was such a frequent flyer, it just made sense for him to live on his plane -- who shops seconds before boarding an aircraft?

The food stall seemed to be raking it in anyway, with a constant flurry of passengers ordering Pav Bhaji (though it isn't listed on their menu). It was tasty enough (Rs 90), though the pav wasn't sliced and buttered the way we like it.

The eatery has no live tawa; the dish is merely heated here, not prepared on the spot. We noticed Thandai (Rs 70) was listed on the menu but the beverage was unavailable, and judging by the attendant's expression, it looked like it had been so for a long time.

The Lassi (Rs 70) was thick and agreeable. Paneer Tikka Rolls, Chicken Kathi Rolls, Vada Pav and Batata Wada are the other quick bites you can grab here.

24/7 Lounge
At: Arrival Plaza, Domestic Airport
Accessible to: Everyone
Cuisine: Mixed
we liked: California Pink

Just by the taxi stand at the arrival plaza, concealed behind a stream of snack and beverage kiosks stands this modest air-conditioned cuboid that arriving passengers and those waiting to greet their guests might be tempted to visit, even if it's just to escape the heat outside.

The fact that the restaurant has a miniscule but clean restroom is a USP. The attendant offered to fix us a special non-alcoholic drink -- something off the menu -- and given that the menu was limited, we accepted. While we waited for our surprise beverage, the food menu, we realised, had other surprises to offer.

A description under Mexican Bean Nachos (Rs 160) read: "This is one big dude..." The blurb under Chicken Wings (Rs 300), explained that these were: "smothered in our killer, spicy suicide sauce, with cool ranch dip -- more fire than a boatload of Somali pirates."

The Jamaican Rider (non-alcoholic cocktails are priced at Rs 180) was a combination of coconut cream, strawberry crush and vanilla ice cream. It tasted like an icy Yakult. The California Pink, a coconut syrup, lime and cranberry juice concoction, was wonderfully refreshing. Though predictable, all the dishes we sampled here -- Chilli Garlic Potato Pops (Rs 120), Burnt Chilli Chicken (Rs 180) and Chicken Satay were palatable. Don't go in expecting fine or authentic cuisine, and you won't be disappointed.