National Restaurant — Restaurant in Mumbai

This review is based on my multiple visits to this place over the years & not just based on a single visit. This place has been around since 1959 & being operated by the third generation of the family which owns it. They serve traditional Punjabi dishes, cooked on coal and hence it has very nice smoky flavor to everything served. The simplicity of the food gives it a feeling of eating home cooked food from Punjab, here in Mumbai. The food isn't too heavy or spicy.The food remains very affordable even at present and is of very good quality. Very often after eating restaurant food one gets acidity but not here. This Restaurant is simple & basic, not air-conditioned. You may have to share your table with strangers. A speciality of this restaurant is that they serve mix of rajma or chole with vegetables like palak, Gobi etc. I like the paneer dishes as well. The paneer is made in house hence always fresh & soft. During winter, you can taste the seasonal specialty Sarson ka saag served with Makki ki roti & butter. They only serve chicken but no Goat meat. The chicken gravies are mild but tasty. Chicken Mughlai with tender well cooked chicken pieces is made with the gravy & scrambled eggs cooked together. I like it as well. The accompaniments like tandoor roti & flaky layered paratha is loved as they are made of wheat aatta. The Chaas (buttermilk) spiced with roasted cumin powder & black salt is a perfect way to end the meal.

Being located near Bandra station on West side, vehicle parking is a big issue here. My first visit to this place was in 1974 when my father had taken me there as a child. I distinctly remember that I had a Chicken Masala (leg piece) along with curd & tandoori roti. Later on I was working in Bandra & this was a regular place to visit for lunch. Over the years I have eaten here plenty of times & I have never been...

This is no ordinary place.

Its an institution created by those who believe serving food is service to humanity and is God's work. Ask the owners how the food comes out so good, they say its all blessings of Almighty.

Now about the food. This place serves homely food away from home, and is thronged especially by for all those who cannot enjoy their Mom's / good home food.

You will find people from all walks of life - senior executives, buddies from creative agencies, struggling actors, taxi / auto rickshaw drivers, families, boys from hostel, college going kids, businessmen and occasionally some bollywood / television actor too.

If you are expecting the food to taste similar to the ones served in many Udipi restaurants, then you will be pleasantly disappointed. The food is just purely simple but utterly delicious. All food is made on coal, rotis from hot tandoori oven and rice / pulav cooked to perfection.

You can mix most of the two regular veg dishes served here and be amazed at how distinct the tastes can be. The prices are more than reasonable and the portions generous as compared to the pricing.

Must have are Rajma, Sukhi Daal, Chana (cholay), Pakoda Curry (you may mix and match any 2 of the 4 previous dishes too), Daal Fry, mix veg and sarson da saag in winters. Must try are laccha parathas with butter, pulav - daal marke and chaas in afternoons.

All veg options to be tried in the 'butter fry' versions which is basically your choice of vegetable is stir fired in a big pan, in oodles of butter and small pieces fresh green chilies over coal.

One tip - go when you are starving and in groups - you will be able to eat more and have more varieties.

And yes, do tip your waiters generously, because they do go out of the way to serve you - especially in hot...

Had great experience when old sadarji use to handle. Tonight my experience is worst with my friends to whom I proudly got them here, n worst of the night, where the waiter throws menu card on my face after demanding, requesting the young sardar owner to teach n atleast to apologise n respect the customer, Inturn he says we can't do anything on it. Shame on young owner who is screwing the respect n name earned by oldies.... Sad feeling after this experience.... Old Sardars, teach your new generation to respect customers or else ur national restaurant will end soon with disgrace to ur respected customers. I honestly hate the experience with national restaurant now.... I need apologies from this young Sardar owner........ He should respect everyone...... Even in Gurudwara we respect all kind of people, rich, poor n all.. looks like his attitude will be same in...