Chopsticks Spice Malabar — Restaurant in Pune

FUNDA- there are 2 kinds of foodies-

1. the young bhukad- who wants good food, but at a reasonable price. So there is no emphasis on ambiance and fancy stuff like the waiter talking to the customer in "angreji". The point here is, such a foodie will eat anything anywhere anytime-as long as it is tasty. The important thing is the wallet should still feel thick!
2. The young foodie- wants the restaurant to be a package of every aspect.

I belong to the first category. So when i heard about this place, i was thrilled! Why? Because it’s a "young bhukads can have a good meal" place. My recent experiences have been very bad at other places-"ghar ka khaana" in pimple saudagar, burger barn etc...

FIRST IMPRESSION- I am a south Indian, have seen my share of restaurants in the south. This place symbolizes the spirit that has changed the restaurant scenario today- south Indians coming to Mumbai and Pune and managing any cuisine place well! Pune has Vaishali,Roopali,Abhishek,Ramakrishna etc. which serve lot more than just southie dishes! This place with its innovative name, gives you what it promised- Kerela, Chettinad, North Indian and Chinese food! They make everything.

THE MENU- One word-clarity! Very well organized according to veg-non veg and cuisines, prices are reasonable. And there is no time pass food like dosas,idlis and burgers(i don’t have such things for dinner and don't like seeing these at a dinner place) in the menu!

OUR ORDER- "veg crispy" as a starter- very well done, huge quantity and lots of schezwan sauce to go with it. "Chettinad veg curry'" with Kerala parathas. Parathas are fresh and you have an option of having appams also! The curry has a strong flavor of pepper, curry leaves and more spices. Decent preparation! "Egg biryani"- it was nicely done. It could have had more south Indian biryani gravy dressing on it. But definitely good enough!

SPECIAL MENTION- Though it caters to a college crowd, this place has a family section also! It is a bit more decent and child-friendly. I saw a south Indian family having a happy dinner there! The service is out of this world! Have seen the small food places in Chennai work like a factory! rocket,paper,set,mysore masala and whatnot dosas fly out of the kitchen to the table in a jiffy. The waiters there work like minions! Our waiter was amazing and served like he loved his job! he helped us choose the dishes and had accurate answers about the food. (Waiters at "good luck" think they are nawaabs and don even give you water)

SIR...BILL LAUN? Total- 400 for 2 people. Such a happy place! Highly recommended. Stick to the Chinese and...

My recent dining experience at Chopsticks Malabar in Viman Nagar was nothing short of exceptional. This cozy restaurant offers a delightful fusion of South Indian, North Indian and Chinese cuisines. Here are the highlights of my meal:

Vegetarian Kerala Thali (5/5):

The Vegetarian Kerala Thali at Chopsticks Malabar is pretty good. It's a burst of flavors and a perfect representation of Kerala's culinary diversity. The thali included a variety of sabzis, and each one was a delightful surprise. The Pineapple Stew was a unique and sweet-savory treat, the Avial was nice, and the Sambar was the epitome of South Indian comfort food. The assortment of sabzis in the thali was extensive and all of them were delicious, making it a memorable and satisfying meal.

Vegetable Stew in Coconut Milk with Appam: (5/5)

The Vegetable Stew served with Appam was a culinary masterpiece. The appams were nicely fermented, achieving that perfect balance of softness and slight crispness on the edges. The stew was a harmonious blend of fresh vegetables simmered in creamy coconut milk, creating a savory delight. The combination showcased the restaurant's commitment to authentic flavors.

Biryani (4/5): The Biryani at Chopsticks Malabar was indeed delightful. It had a rich aroma and a balanced blend of spices. The rice was cooked to perfection, and the biryani had a satisfying flavor. While it was not the absolute best biryani I've ever had, it certainly met expectations and was a flavorful dish.

Butter Paneer: (3/5) I did try this paneer dish during my visit, and I must admit that the quality of paneer was somewhat disappointing. It didn't have the freshness and softness I usually look for in paneer dishes. It was merely okay, and this aspect of the meal could certainly use some improvement.

The ambiance at Chopsticks Malabar is cozy especially at night (except that the staircase looks pretty old and needs renovation), and the service was attentive, adding to the overall pleasant dining experience.

I would highly recommend visiting Chopsticks Malabar in Viman Nagar for...

A Flavorful Culinary Journey to Kerala's Heart

My visit to Chopsticks Spice Malabar was nothing short of a delightful experience. As a vegetarian, I opted for their Veg Kerala thali, and it was an absolute treat for my taste buds.

The restaurant's ambiance was warm and inviting, with subtle touches of Kerala's culture adding to the overall dining experience. From the moment I stepped in, the friendly staff made me feel welcome, ensuring excellent service throughout.

Now, let's talk about the food—the star of the show! The Veg Kerala thali was a gastronomic journey that introduced me to the authentic flavors of Kerala. The array of dishes served on a banana leaf was not only visually appealing but also an incredible fusion of spices and traditional Malabar cuisine.

Each item in the thali had its unique taste, perfectly balanced to complement the others. From the creamy Avial and spicy Sambar to the delectable Rasam and crispy Pappadam, every bite was a burst of flavors. The variety of chutneys and pickles added an extra zing, elevating the entire experience.

The standout dish for me was the Kerala Parotta, which was soft, flaky, and served piping hot. I couldn't resist savoring every morsel, pairing it with the aromatic Vegetable Stew—a match made in culinary heaven.

To end the meal on a sweet note, I indulged in the heavenly Palada Payasam, a rich and creamy rice pudding with a hint of cardamom, truly a divine delight.

In summary, Chopsticks Spice Malabar provided an exquisite blend of Kerala's culinary heritage and unique spice infusion. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or someone looking to explore new flavors, this restaurant is a must-visit. I left with a satisfied palate and a desire to return soon to relish this delightful experience once again.

Note: This review is based on my personal visit in July 2023. The menu and experience may...