On a lazy day walking around town with nothing planned, the western area around Ambrai ghat had everything from water to random cows, streets, local stores and families. It was hungry work. Lunch options included the very local home known as Queen Cafe, the highly advertised Millets of Mewar (organic, vegan) or TA #1 Cafe Satori (Italian, pizza).
The decision was made to support the local Indian family and so Queen it was. The seating area upstairs happened to be where the family's children were watching TV. They challenged me to some games of chess whilst waiting for the food to arrive and the interaction made this a memorable meal in itself.
- Kesar Lassi (saffron) - sweet lassi with dried fruit and desiccated coconut. Couldn't detect saffron but I don't know if I ever have in any dish;
- Coffee Lassi
- Pumpkin Curry - the famous dish that people come here for. The pumpkin is soft and well cooked with very mild flavour;
- Hyderbadi Biryani (with spinach & coconut) - similarly mild flavoured;
- Chocolate Ball - this was a delicious dense ball of soft chocolate coated in coconut. When it gets offered to you, just have one each.
The food was served with a small container of homemade special masala mix using 40 or so spices. It combines mainly savoury and spicy and adds a big kick to the food which I'd have to admit was slightly plain otherwise. It seems like everyday home cooking and a different taste and environment to the day-after-day of Indian restaurants.