Hi-Tea Gastronomical Drama at Tea Center

Our avid foodie & trotter Vijaya Das Panicker explores the swanky Tea Center in Mumbai - a haven for all chai lovers. Here's what she says:

"The beautiful expanse of Marine Lines in Mumbai is sure to tempt one to take a break from his/her busy business schedule. And, when on a whimsical break do take a detour to the Tea Center at Veer Nariman Road, Churchgate where the simple “TEA” is a gastronomical hospitality business enterprise.

Build around 1953; this place was opened by the Tea Board of India as a tea promotion initiative and has over the years become the most happening hangouts for the eloquent. The ambiance is characteristically elegant and has a quaint charm, with wooden furniture and Victorian lamps, creating a déjà vu of a distinguished bygone era. And, to add to its grandeur, one can even catch a live piano performance. The place is highly exhilarating to a creative sensibility.

The cozy setting and the bell-system for table service brings out a whole new experience of ordering a tea from the exotic tea menu, which includes the Maharani of Darjeeling (Rs.125/270) and the Maharaja of Darjeeling (Rs.120/250) full-bodied co-pins cup with muscadine grapes characterized with honeydew, the Rose Tea (Rs.80) a blend of black teas and sun-dried rose petals to give a clear soft taste of tea with the sweet fragrance of rose, the Kulhad Masala Chai (Rs.50), a tea liquor and milk with select aromatic spices served country style, to our local favourite Masala Chai. There is also the Kashmiri Kahwa (Rs.75), also called Bombay chai, a favourite amongst the Kashmiris, is a fine blend with cardamom and cinnamon sticks, enriched with almonds, pistachio and saffron, and is brewed in a samovar with an overdose of sugar without milk. A tea connoisseur can also enjoy sipping the famous Earl Grey Tea (Rs.90), a fine tea with bergamot. And, if one prefers the cold concoction, they can pick from the selection of iced teas, all priced between Rs60-75. There is also the Spicy Tea (Rs.50), a choice of spicy tea, which can be savoured with hot Indian samosas, pakodas and vadas. There is also a varied choice for enjoying a crispy snack. For the refined palate there is the crisp fish and chips platter (Rs.150) and the Chicken Pasta with white sauce (Rs.175).

The tea drinking experience at Tea Center turns one into a fan of an exotic tea. So, when in Mumbai, do as the Mumbaikars do and don’t wait for a rainy day to visit the Tea Center to enjoy a good cup of tea with crunchy and spicy snacks."

Khau Galli - A Perfect Foodies Destination

Vijaya Das Panicker, an avid traveller shares her experience at Khau Galli, a brand new restaurant in Mumbai. Done in typical Mumbai ishtyle and an array of road-side food specialties, this is a must visit for all foodies. Here's what Vijaya says:

"Missed your holiday reservation? No worries, just drive down near to the Versova Telephone Exchange and take a seat on the Chaat Express called Khau Galli, and fill in to your stomach’s content to gluttony’s delight, which is sure to make you nostalgic of a childhood train journey with your family.

The place is a child’s fairyland that has a façade of a sturdy truck with huge wheels and a signal poll, which opens the main entrance when the light turns green. The interior is like a long distance train boggy with ceiling fans, racks, and the ever nostalgic green handles of a local train. And, don’t miss out on the windows that are fitted with LCD TVs, which broadcasts the passing landscapes and railway platforms complimented with appropriate sound bytes, that resonates – chai, chai,chai... :-)

This joint believes in self-service and follows coupon system, which one has to purchase from the main entrance counter. The typical Mumbaite menu features everything from hot and spicy Paav Bhaji to Paani-Puri. But, the menu is interspersed with creamy Pasta preparations (yummy!), and a wide selection of Chinese cuisine, which is sure to tantalize one's taste buds with its Paneer Manchurian dry, Chilly Chicken, Chicken or vegetable fried rice. There are also many more delicacies like Frankies and Dosas, all priced reasonably between 150-200Rs.

Diners can wash down their meal or snacks with a goblet of creamy Lassi or salted Chaas, or with some fruit juice, which are wholesome in its content. Foodies with a sweet tooth can entice their taste buds with a plate of hot Jalebi with Rabri or Kulfi.

Khau Galli is an ideal treat for the entire family and presents an Indian essence through its appearance. The concept is very interesting and brings back a child in you.

Address: MHADA, Near Versova Telephone Exchange, 4 Bungalows, Andheri (W), Mumbai; Landmark: Near Versova Telephone Exchange"