Indian Fashion Blog - Restaurant Review - Desi Deli

Indian Fashion Blog - Restaurant Review - Desi Deli 

So we discovered another great place located on the strip of eateries in Bandra Reclamation in hip and happening Bandra amidst all the hustle and bustle. 

"Desi Deli which is owned by Lolita Sarkar is partly inspired by the 1977 Bollywood Amar Akbar Anthony - the signature dishes of this place, the desi dogs are named after the three protagonists of the classic who were Hindu, Muslim and Christian. Amar, Akbar and Anthony correspond to vegetarian, chicken and pork hot dogs."

However, moving over the hot dogs and burgers, I was keen on trying their new menu and other healthy grub I could dig in. The menu is surely a delight and comprises of regular deli fare which is tweaked with interesting names, ingredients put to different use. 

Ordering a coffee here is mandatory as it is imported from Coorg regularly. While I was sipping coffee and V was perusing through the menu, we straight away went to the mains.

Our tummies intrigued we ordered 'Gugni Souk'. It is a bengali version and 'Gugni' is available everywhere on Kolkata streets and comes with veg and non veg option that includes chunks of mutton piece. This winner is white pea curry with meat and Moroccan coriander couscous. Another winner was "Desi Thai" - roasted chicken with salad and rice curry. I loved the succulent pieces of chicken and salad but I wish they they had brown rice option instead of three different kinds of rice in the dish. 

Also, their house deli salad takes away all the brownie points which is effortlessly executed gets its zing from the orange and crunch from the nuts. 

  "Gugni Souk"

"Desi Chicken"

Verdict: Cute little fresh cafe with fresh marigold flowers replaced everyday, fusion food and coffee imported from Coorg are the highlights of this place.

It is perfect for a quick and pocket friendly meal. Desi Deli might be known as a burger and hot dog joint but there are other culinary delights as well. 

It is surely a cheaper alternative to the over-priced and over-the-top burgers at Salt Water Cafe across the road. 

What I like? 

- The small and cute cafe with interesting fusion food. 

- The fresh coffee imported from Coorg.

- Budget friendly. 

- They have not skimped on the ingredients and the food comes with generous portions. 

What I didn't like? 

- It is quite small and indoor seating is less compared to outdoor. 

- It has quite a lot of healthy options but brown rice could be introduced as well. I dont dig into whole wheat breads outside as it is merely 50% whole wheat and just a marketing gimmick.

- The entire stretch has all the eateries and cafes but Desi Deli, which is neighbour of Baskin Robbins is overlooked my many people. They do lot of pop ups in the city and I hope people get more aware about it.

Fit As A Fiddle recommends: 

- Gugni Souk - white pea curry with meat and Moroccan coriander couscous. 

- "Desi Thai" - roasted chicken with salad and rice curry (thought I ditched most of the rice).

- "Shorshe Shrooms" - Mushrooms sautéed in bengali mustard sauce, cheddar, and green mango relish with 'pao', served with the House Desi Salad (ditch the pao).

- "The Wild Thing" - Fiery mutton served with cracked wheat porridge and a relish served with the House Desi salad.

Where? 

86, Chapel Rd, Reclamation, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050

Phone:022 2640 8333

Pocket Pinch: 800 for 2

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