The Gujarati Effect
Nothing spells awesome like a great spread of Gujarati dishes right after the fervour of Navratri. Here’s where the newly opened Swati Snacks scores with its hep, clean and spotless decor along with a crisp, compact and mouth watering menu. Located in the heart of Nariman Point, this franchisee of Swati Snacks (Tardeo) is the newest addition to the band of restaurants in Bombay.
If you’re a fan of Gujarati food and crave soft Paanki and supple Dhoklas on a bright Saturday afternoon then this is the place to be. A cosy, vibrant eatery perfect for casual luncheons with friends and family.
Here’s what I tried and would recommend:
Panki Chatni - a delightful preparation of wafer thin rice pancakes steamed to perfection in banana leaves served with accompaniments of chilli pickle and pudina chatni. Although the one served at Soam is preferred, I’d still recommend the Panki at Swati Snacks.
Sev Puri - with sliced raw mangoes and generous helpings of sev doused on top of the puris, this is a must have. While it was on the spicier side, it is an authentic preparation and makes for a great appetiser.
Dahi Batata Puri - a wholesome appetiser of puris stuffed with potato, spices, sprouts and curd, the Dahi Batata Puri is definitely worth trying.
Fada Ni Khichdi - a typical Gujarati style preparation of Khichdi, this is a healthy option for those wanting to have a wholesome meal. Prepared with a variety of vegetables and served with a portion of curd, this serves to be an extremely healthy dish.
Satpadi Roti and Gatta Nu Shak - this is a rare preparation which I’ve only found at Swati Snacks. The masala roti comes with a portion of a liquid curry prepared with pulses. I loved the dish and would highly recommend it.
Pudina Chaas - while I always opt of buttermilk, this was the first time I tried one with mint flavour. Needless to say, it was a brilliant drink and a great coolant after a heavy meal.
Malai Malpua - a preparation of cream wrapped in crepes and soaked in sugar syrup which is a ridiculously delicious and heavy dessert.
Sitaphal (custard apple) ice cream - the ice cream is an in-house preparation and it fused with pieces of custard apple. The flavour changes according to the seasons and if you’re going anytime soon then I’d definitely recommend this.
The best part about Swati Snacks is that the portions are perfect for just one person. So whether you’re going by yourself or with a group, this is the perfect spot to get a wholesome,...
Read moreStep into Swati Snacks, the Bombay legend where the culinary journey transcends time and extravagance. Nestled in the heart of the city, this gem exudes comfort without a hint of pretension. As you approach, you're greeted by a sight that both thrills and terrifies—a long line of eager food enthusiasts, all vying for a taste of Gujrati magic.
The canteen-style dining room beckons with its unassuming charm. Think signature yellow plastic plates, gleaming stainless steel table tops, and rugged wooden benches. It's an ode to simplicity, where the real star is the food, not the flashy decor. But let's be honest, who needs fancy frills when your taste buds are about to embark on a flavor-packed rollercoaster?
Vegetarians and herbivores unite, for this haven caters to your every culinary whim. Vegans and gluten-free souls, fear not, for Swati Snacks has got your back with specialized menus that promise to tantalize your taste buds in delightful and diet-friendly ways.
Now, let's dive into the 'must-have' list. At the top, reigning supreme, is the ethereal panki—a handkerchief-thin pancake-like creation, lovingly pressed between banana leaves and grilled to perfection on a sizzling tawa. With each bite, you're transported to a land where culinary artistry meets heritage. Their specials has Dabeli & Usal which were both great.
Fun fact: Swati Snacks is not just any restaurant; it's a tale of culinary ambition that started in the cozy confines of a home kitchen. And now, it's earned its rightful place in the Essence of Asia collection by Asia's 50 Best Restaurants. Talk about a true underdog story that sends tingles down your spine!
There's more—delightful street food fantasies come to life here, from the elixir of sugarcane juice to the enchanting ice golas. At Swati Snacks, these treasures are elevated to new heights, sprinkled with extra doses of hygiene and served with a side of zero digestive rumblings.
Oh, and let's not forget the real stars—the incredible staff! They make sure you don't just eat but experience every morsel of goodness.
So, if you're ready to embark on an adventure of flavors, where history, tradition, and culinary passion unite, head to Swati Snacks. But beware, once you've tasted the wonders here, you might find yourself back in that long line, hungry for more of their...
Read moreSwati Snacks needs no introduction; the name is more than enough. There would hardly be a foodie in Mumbai who hasn’t been to their flagship restaurant at Tardeo, waited for at least 20 minutes [this could stretch to 45 mins or an 1 hour on weekends] and then got a chance to eat their fabulous food.
I had been to this branch of Swati Snacks on a Sunday afternoon and still had to wait for 15 minutes to be assigned a table. The place has an immaculate ambiance, clean & hygenic dining area, well spaced out tables, well trained staff and quick service.
Honestly speaking, it is quite difficult to finalise what to order from their menu. The dishes / items, though, are limited but prepared so well that choosing among them is a tough call, but we had to take a call and we chose the following:
DAHI BATATA PURI [INR 165] Aesthetically appealing dish was placed in front of us and was polished off in a span of minutes. Hollowed puri [used for Pani Puri] were stuffed with sprouted moong dal, sweet & tangy chutney, spicy chutney, creamy dahi and a sprinkling of red chili powder & cumin powder.
PAV BHAJI [INR 235] Swati’s Pav Bhaji is legendary, PERIOD! The Bhaji has more vegetable content than spices. The spices used are not heavy on the palate and doesn’t cause a heart burn later on. The overall flavouring is just right for one to enjoy & relish a dish of Pav Bhaji. RECOMMENDED
BAJRA PANEER PIZZA [INR 290] Step aside refined flour Pizza base, wholesome and healthy Bajra or Pearl Millet has found its way as a Pizza Base and what an innovation it is! Bajra has many health benefits and is rich in protein, fibre, iron & potassium. The base is half baked like a roti, then topped with grated Paneer; another health benefit instead of eating excessive Cheese, dry spices to give a Pizza like flavour, chopped spinach and black olives. RECOMMENDED
PUDINA CHAAS [INR 130] Pudina or Mint infused Chaas was one of the best I have had in Mumbai. The beauty of this beverage is the subtleness of the Pudina flavour which is present but not very over-powering, it allows the creamy flavour of the butter milk to express itself. RECOMMENDED
Service leaves no room for any sort of complaints; they are attentive, quick and efficient.
Swati Snacks leaves you...
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