If you’re looking for a place to spend some quality time with your family, Jagruti Verma has found the perfect place for you — Panayaa!
Walking through the maze-like lanes at Raghuvanshi Mills, I finally found Panayaa. At first glance, it seemed obvious that this was a place meant for family get-togethers and larger groups. With dining tables that can comfortably seat 6-8 members, the ambiance is perfect as a dine-out option. My dining companion and I sat at one of the corner tables, adoring the gold, orange and brown accents in the décor, which was bright, but still subtle enough for a cosy evening.
The first starter we were served was one of the most interesting dishes I have ever had. Called Khaman Oxide (`375), it was an ice cold mixture of Khaman and Chaat, definitely the best dish of the evening! Next up was the Maize Cornetto (`350), which can be best described as a hearty indulgence for those who love mild cheeses. It was a blend of vegetables and cheese, stuffed into nacho ice cream cones. Another great option for cheese lovers are their Margherita Fatayas (`325). They have the perfect amount of cheese, making the vegetable filling inside soft and delicious. And, the accompanying green chutney went well with literally everything on the platter! Amidst all this eating, we were kept company by a couple of drinks brought in from their sister place, Fumes.
Next, we tried the 3 Textured Corn (`350), which consisted of little balls of corn mixture stuck like lollipops to a halved cob, with a few pieces of popcorn and corn and cheese flavoured sauce on the side. Needless to say, it was an appetising, visual treat. The Imarati Tori (`395), a side dish comprising of zucchini, paneer and cheese, required a little work with a fork and knife. It may just be my love of paneer talking, but it was my favourite part of the dish.
It was then time to enjoy some main course dishes and we tried the Thecha Hariyali (`450), the Cheese Chilli Kulcha (`200) and the Masala Onion Kulcha (`200). While the spicy Cheese Chilli Kulcha could be eaten without any curry, the Masala Onion Kulcha was a little sweet and definitely should only be eaten with a very spicy gravy. The Thecha Hariyali was like that one dish that every family orders at a restaurant if they can’t settle on anything else — a simple concoction made with mixed vegetables.
The sweet ending to our meal came with a beautiful dessert, called the Hard Rock Factory (`495). This was a lip-smacking treat that’s the perfect pick during a meal here and the presentation is Instagram-worthy! It had a hard chocolate shell that had to be broken with a hammer! Yes, a hammer! The chocolate syrup that came with it had to be poured on the creamy strawberry mousse that was inside the shell. And, the honey favoured crumbles that glittered on my plate made every scoop even more delightful than the last! Though it was yummy enough to gobble up in one go, we took our time with every spoonful, because each bite deserved to be savoured. And, it was.
There are two things that I would return to Panayaa for — the Khaman Oxide and the Hard Rock Factory — the first and the last thing we had there.
Where Block No.25, Raghuvanshi Mills Compound, SB Road, Lower Parel
Price for two `1,700
Alcohol served No
Contact 33126125