A Chef's Favorite
In a recent conversation, celebrated Chef Vikas Khanna, known for his global culinary achievements and inspiring journey from Amritsar to Michelin-starred
recognition, shared his deep affection for a specific Indian restaurant located in Mumbai. Despite his international acclaim with establishments like Junoon and the Bib Gourmand-awarded Bungalow in New York, Khanna's heart truly belongs to a South Mumbai eatery when it comes to experiencing the authentic essence of Indian home cooking. He expressed that this restaurant embodies the true power and supremacy of traditional Indian culinary techniques, emphasizing that there's no need to adopt external methods to impress Western palates. Khanna recalled having an exceptional dining experience at this particular establishment, feeling a profound connection to the roots of Indian cuisine.
Soam: A Culinary Haven
The restaurant that holds such a special place in Chef Vikas Khanna's heart is Soam, a beloved family-run establishment situated in Mumbai's vibrant Babulnath area. Soam is celebrated for its diverse menu that skillfully navigates through various regional Indian cuisines, offering a delightful array of Gujarati specialties, beloved street food classics, comforting South Indian dishes, hearty North Indian fare, and exquisite traditional desserts and beverages. Their dedication to preserving authentic cooking methods is particularly evident in dishes like their renowned Dal Dhokli and other regional delicacies. This eatery serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of Indian home-style food, prepared with time-honored techniques that resonate deeply with patrons seeking genuine flavors.
Must-Try Delights
At Soam, diners are treated to a culinary journey showcasing the best of Indian flavors, with several dishes standing out as absolute must-tries. The Malai Malpua is a decadent dessert, featuring golden-fried pancakes luxuriating in a rich, thickened milk cream. For a refreshing taste of summer, the Ganne Ka Juice offers pure, chilled sugarcane goodness, often enhanced with a hint of black salt, fresh mint, and zesty lemon. The Biscuit Bhakri presents a more rustic and hearty flatbread experience, typically crafted from millet or grain flours like jowar, bajra, rice, or ragi, providing a satisfying accompaniment to meals. The Shrikhand Puri is a classic pairing of sweet, creamy shrikhand, made from strained yogurt and flavored with cardamom and saffron, served alongside delightful deep-fried pooris. The restaurant also excels in its comprehensive offering of Gujarati food, including staples like Dhokla and Fafda, alongside beloved desserts such as Basundi and Jalebi. However, it is their signature Dal Dhokli that truly captures the essence of their cooking: a wholesome one-pot dish where yellow lentils are simmered with aromatic spices and tempered with mustard seeds, cumin, curry leaves, and garlic, served with tender wheat dough pieces cooked directly in the flavorful dal, embodying comfort and tradition.
