||श्री||
While standing outside this restaurant, On Onam evening, salivating due to the aroma emanating from its Kitchen, I looked back at the day and the events that led me here. No, nothing dramatic - just a phone call from my friend late afternoon. I stood in the jam-packed waiting area for atleast half an hour, looking around at the elite crowd, knowing that inside they were all salivating, same as me, and trying hard not to let the foodie inside take over, not ateast yet. It was like standing at the start line of a marathon race, waiting for the signal. I even saw a kid shout "yes!" with excitement, as his father's name was called from the list. Oh by the way, did I mention that I spotted Kalki Koechlin sitting inside? Sorry, no photographs, I'm no Paparazzi!
Soon we were sitting at our table with Banana leaf in front of us and thus began our feast at the restaurant Banana Leaf, Versova, Mumbai.
While waiting for the food to arrive, I started reading the menu stand.
It somehow reminded me of my school. Legend of King Mahabali, Snake boat race, OnaSadya and Kaikottikali dance are the things about Onam I've only read in books and watched on TV till now. Today, Thanks to my friend, Vaishali Bharadwaj, for the 1st time, I was about to taste Onasadya - atleast one thing checked off the list!
Number of delicacies to be served - 14! The food Connoisseur in me jumped with joy! Actually, these 14 were the main items, excluding chutney, pickle and such. If these too were included, the total number would rise beyond 20!
before we move ahead, Let me tell you what I learnt about Sadya:
Sadya Means banquet in Malayalam. It is a typical feast of the people of Kerala that is traditionally a vegetarian meal served on a Banana Leaf. A Sadya can have about 24-28 dishes served as a single course.
The meal started with Pazam Pori - for rest of India, Banana Pakoda. Since I was totally unfamiliar with the dishes and their names, I requested the staff to acquaint us with them while serving, to which they pleasantly obliged. It was difficult to keep up, but I tried...and the ones that I couldn't remember, I tried asking for another serving with North Indian equivalent terms.
I was pleasantly surprised when one of the staff requested us to call them whenever we need another serving of any of the dishes, if they are not able to attend to us in time due to the huge number of customers to be attended - Honesty, Politeness and Decorum, keeping in touch with the traditional Indianness. The staff was really well mannered and pleasant, even after serving hordes of Foodies for the whole day. I wondered, how could they maintain the standards and etiquette after serving wave after wave of Food enthusiasts! Right from top to bottom levels of staff, each member served with a smile, a genuine one.
Soon my Banana Leaf was full with mouth watering delicacies, while few yet remained to arrive! Time to get to work, Foodie.
Of all the delicacies, I couldn't stop myself from asking for a few more servings of Pazam Pori, Appam, Banana Halwa and the two different types of Payasam. Also, the Mix Veg. Soup served in the beginning was amazing - loaded with spices with a dominant taste of Garlic. The Traditional Kerala motifs used for interiors along with Traditional music in the background (at comfortably low volume) created a relaxing ambiance. Lost in the aroma, taste and sound, for a while I was in a state of Nirvana. With my belly stretched beyond its limits, I cleaned my Leaf. The meal ended with Elaichi Banana and Paan (Betel Leaf).
Just the Perfect end!
I've been to Banana Leaf before, a few times and loved the food and service here; but Onam was a totally divine experience! The Food, the Ambiance and the Staff - all make you want to come here again. Also, the prices here are light on your pocket. For all Mumbaikars my advice - mark the date for next year's Onam in your calendars so that you don't miss out on this ambrosial experience. Never the less, If you are in Mumbai, Banana Leaf is a place a true foodie must check out.
Banana Leaf, Versova, Mumbai -
Food Connoisseur's Heaven...
Vegetarians' Pride!
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