One of our favourite home food memories is the aroma of Gujarati kadhi simmering in the kitchen. Now this might be a norm in most households of the community. But for those wishing to experience the simple pleasures of a home-cooked Gujarati or Marwadi meal, The Culture House (TCH) is the place to be. The restaurant opens to public on December 19.
Started by Divyesh Thakkar, Sameer Gandhi, Jayesh Vora and Kaushik Mehta (the team behind Play – The Lounge in Kamala Millls), TCH is housed in Girgaum, an area populated by the Gujarati community. Does it makes sense to offer a menu that people easily have access to at homes? Traditional dishes have been replaced by pizza and pasta at many homes. Factors like app-based home delivery services just add to this disconnect, says co-founder Vora. People have stopped cooking and restaurant food has replaced home cooked meals. Hence, a restaurant that offers not only Gujarati but traditional dishes from other states would definitely be a reason to come to TCH.
Home away from home
When we walk into the restaurant, we notice the di rigueur exposed brick walls, but what lends to the aesthetic of the place are the large, carved wooden panels on the walls and iron railings. The menu is fully vegetarian without alcohol. To sip on something, sample the Iced Orange Coffee (₹249), which is dairy free and smoothly blends the citrusy notes of orange with a kick of coffee. A drink that can double up as dessert is Damru Paan (₹299), which is akin to gulping down fresh ice cream. Another heavy sweet concoction is the Khajur Badam Shake (₹349).
The soups on offer too are hearty enough for a meal by themselves. Like the Bajra soup (₹249), delicately flavoured with herbs and loaded with whole bajra. They also serve Osaman (₹249) which is a common Kutchi lentil broth, which TCH serves with a khichdi-like consistency.
As for starters, the Tam Tam Khaman (₹279) leaves us surprised, where the basic khaman dhokla gets a special chunky garlic chutney twist. There s the Bhutte Ki Kees (₹279), a street snack from Indore, something that you won t find easily in Mumbai. An unusual chaat is the Jalebi Mirchi (₹279), a kooky and interesting combination of mirchi bhaji served on top of a jalebi.
When it comes to the mains, you can either try a One Plate Meal or a Mini Meal, both of which are enough to leave you stuffed. From the former line-up, we test the authenticity of Kachori Dal Dhokli (₹299), a typical Gujju lentil dish that typically comes with flour dhoklis in a lentil dish. Also try the Roti Ker Sangri Wargerya (₹449). Served with takkar roti, its sculpted texture is instant love, and pairs well with the Rajasthani ker sangri mix, and gatta style pittaud curry. If you love desi rice, try the Achari Wagherli Khichdi & Kadhi (₹349), where the typical khichdi gets a kick of tangy pickle.
Finally, for desserts, there s the decadent Madhur Milan (₹429, one of the only few over-priced dishes), a layered dessert that includes a gulab jamun and motichur ladooo.
The Culture House, opposite Bhartiya Vidya Bhavna, Girgaum; phone:223614466