Shree Khodiyaar Kathiyawadi Dhaba — Restaurant in Bharuch

Shree Khodiyaar Kathiyawadi Dhaba's (SKKD) vast pickle salad and menu spread

Asking our local contact Hirenbhai for a Gujarati meal place at Bharuch, we got the recommendation of Khodiyaar Kathiyawadi restaurant. On Google Maps the place had more than 3676 ratings averaging 4.2, showing its populatity.

The restaurant had green and orange balloons all over after recent Indian Independence Day celebrations on August 15. They also had posters on tomorrow's Krishna Janmashtami.

SKKD waiters wear a black uniform with an apron like flap in front. They also wear facemasks with SKKD logos and politely help customers.

SKKD's unique offerings are its salad-pickle combination. They serve nine pickles inside small square steel containers inside a steel box with a lid on each table.

The waiters open the lid after customers sit at a table. Each table also has two pickles in ceramic containers and two masalas, one for salads and another for butter milk.

The restaurant also serves three salad platters of six salads each to offer thirty one choices of pickle, salad and garnishes to customers. Customers are free to use any number and quantity of the pickles and salads at their table, FREE. SKKD entices customers with its free pickle salad offerings.

I first ordered a green Surti undhiyo with chapathis and butter milk. I then ordered a khichadi to finish the undhiyo. The undhiyo was oily but not spicy and was green. The sizzler we ordered was without sizzle and har very little salt.

As we were finishing our meal, we found a waiter with a tray full of sweets let customers choose one or more. I was too full to even look at the sweet platter which even had some sweet pizza variants apart from regular Gujarati sweets.

SKKD does not serve thalis but only a la carte dishes. They even have Sunday specials. They are a worthy tourist destination at Bharuch that will satiate your hunger and give you a taste of Gujarati cuisine.

We saw their owner Bakulbhai Thakkar ad he was giving an interview to a TV crew. Bakulbhai started as a waiter at a restaurant before starting SKKD which now has sixteen branches across Gujarat. He was interacting humbly with his interviewers and even fished out a gamcha to use when...

Disastrous Dining Experience at Shree Khodiyar Restaurant, Bharuch

Had a deeply disappointing experience at Khodiyar Restaurant in Bharuch, this evening. I went there with high hopes to taste authentic Kathiyawadi cuisine.

Having heard commendable reviews about the cuisine, I anticipated a delightful evening with flavoursome dishes representative of the rich culinary heritage of Kathiyawad. However, my experience was quite the opposite.

To begin with, none of the items served had any resemblance to genuine Kathiyawadi cuisine. The traditional taste and essence that one expects were starkly missing. Every dish I tried was far from satisfactory, lacking the distinctive spices and flavours that Kathiyawadi food is renowned for.

What compounded the disappointment was the excessive use of oil in all the dishes. Rather than enhancing the taste, it detracted significantly from it. Moreover, the oil used was some cheap cottonseed/ palm oil, which not only affected the flavour adversely but also rendered the dishes quite unpalatable. The overwhelming greasiness overshadowed any potential enjoyment of the meal, leaving a very unpleasant aftertaste.

Given the reputation of Kathiyawadi cuisine for its balanced and aromatic dishes, the food at Khodiyar Restaurant was a gross misrepresentation. It is indeed disheartening to find a place so lacking in authenticity, particularly when it claims to serve traditional fare.

I strongly advise saving your money and seeking out better venues to enjoy Kathiyawadi cuisine. There are surely several other establishments that respect and preserve the true flavours and quality of this beloved regional cuisine. Khodiyar Restaurant, unfortunately, does not live up to the expectations and standards one...

Punjabi Dhaba is often celebrated for its authentic North Indian cuisine, offering a taste of traditional Punjabi flavors. Here's a general review of what you might expect:

Ambiance: Punjabi Dhaba typically offers a rustic and casual dining experience, often reminiscent of roadside eateries in Punjab. The decor is usually simple, with an emphasis on creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Food: Taste: The food is flavorful and rich, with a heavy use of spices, butter, and cream, typical of Punjabi cuisine. Dishes like butter chicken, dal makhani, and tandoori items are often highlights. Portion Sizes: Portions are usually generous, catering well to those with hearty appetites. Variety: The menu often includes a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, with classics like naan, parathas, and various curries. Quality: Ingredients are generally fresh, and the food is cooked to order, ensuring a home-cooked feel.

Service: Service at Punjabi Dhaba is usually quick and efficient, though the atmosphere is more casual than formal. The staff is often friendly and attentive, adding to the overall experience.

Value for Money: Prices at Punjabi Dhaba are typically reasonable, making it a good choice for those looking for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank. The portion sizes and quality make it a good value for money.

Overall Experience: Punjabi Dhaba is a great spot for those craving authentic Punjabi food in a laid-back setting. It’s especially recommended for group dining or family meals, where sharing large...