A Chef's Top Pick
In a candid conversation, celebrated Chef Vikas Khanna, an icon known for his journey from Amritsar to international culinary fame and his acclaimed New
York establishments like Junoon and Bungalow, shared his personal favorite dining destination within India. When prompted about where he savors authentic Indian cuisine, particularly dishes rooted in traditional Indian cooking methods, Khanna unequivocally pointed to a specific restaurant in South Mumbai. This culinary haven, he expressed, resonates deeply with him, evoking the profound power and inherent superiority of home-style Indian food. He emphasized that India's indigenous culinary techniques are more than sufficient and do not require external influences to impress a global audience, highlighting the unmatched dining experience he had at this particular establishment.
Introducing Soam Restaurant
The celebrated restaurant that captured Chef Vikas Khanna's heart is Soam, a beloved family-run establishment nestled in Mumbai's Babulnath area. Situated at Sadguru Sadan on Babulnath Road, near the iconic Babulnath Temple in Grant Road, Soam is celebrated for its extensive and authentic offerings that span various regional Indian cuisines. Patrons can indulge in a diverse menu featuring classic Gujarati delicacies, vibrant street food flavors, comforting South Indian staples, hearty North Indian dishes, a delightful array of traditional desserts, and refreshing beverages. The restaurant has garnered particular acclaim for its signature Dal Dhokli, a comforting one-pot wonder, alongside a host of other regional specialties that are meticulously prepared using time-honored cooking techniques, embodying the rich culinary heritage of India.
Must-Try Delicacies
Soam's menu is a testament to traditional Indian culinary artistry, offering a range of dishes that are both comforting and exquisite. Among the highly recommended items is the Malai Malpua, a luxurious dessert where golden-fried pancakes, known as malpua, are either generously coated or steeped in a rich, thick cream called malai. For a taste of refreshing summer goodness, their Ganne Ka Juice, freshly extracted from sugarcane and served chilled with a touch of black salt, mint, and lemon, is unparalleled. The Biscuit Bhakri presents a rustic charm, a hearty flatbread crafted from grains like jowar, bajra, rice, or ragi, offering a more robust texture than typical rotis, perfect with accompaniments. The Shrikhand Puri offers a delightful pairing of crispy, deep-fried pooris with a luscious, sweetened curd infused with cardamom and saffron. Furthermore, the restaurant excels in traditional Gujarati fare, including popular items like Dhokla and Fafda, alongside sweet treats such as Basundi and Jalebi. A true highlight is the Dal Dhokli, a wholesome dish featuring tender toor dal simmered with aromatic spices and finished with diamond-shaped wheat dough dumplings, a true representation of Gujarati home cooking.
