This is my 2nd review for a restaurant. After a long time I thought to pen down my thoughts and experience for an eating place in my in-laws megacity i.e. Kolkata A.K.A Calcutta.
Lets start with the basic details of the restaurant and later I will put some light on the finer details of the joint.
1)Location: Arsalan is located in central kolkata right in the middle of the bustling city. Reaching there can be a tough job given the narrow streets & congested traffic situation. Nearest metro station is Rabinder Sadan. So, make sure you r travelling light and it includes empty stomach.
2)Parking: There can be a bit of difficulty finding the parking place, if you are traveling on bike then its fine or else if you are in a four wheeler then 15-20 minutes will go in searching the slot to park the vehicle. Best option is to opt for the public transport(Tram/Bus/Metro/share Taxi/share auto)
3)Ambience: If you are the one for whom surroundings matter more than the food then I would suggest you to skip this place. Ambience is just basic lighting, AC is functional but you hardly feel it, may be it could be due to crowded tables which are full capacity during lunch and dinner times. So, carry a good absorbing handkerchief if in case you sweat excessively while enjoying the scrumptious food @ the table.
4) Food & Menu: This was my first visit to Kolkata and also to the restaurant. I had asked my brother-in-law to shortlist the best places to eat the food in City of joy. So upon his recommendation I visited this place. I along with my wife went in during lunch time at around 3:00 PM. We ordered their classic chicked biryani, tandoori chicken, chicken soup, salad, raita and ending it with Kesari Kheer. As the ordered items arrived starting with soup(right flavours, steaming hot, assorted with condiments like soya sauce, vinegar & ketchup) then came the chicken tandoori coloured with low heat of tandoor(indian clay over) and meat cooked with right texture n aroma accompanied with vinegar flavoured onions.
Next in line was Chicken biryani the grand dish with aroma which can put the best of five star restaurants at shame. Rice were long grained cooked slowly with flavours of chicken fully engulfed in it right to the core. Chicken pieces were medium sized and ample of meat on each piece. Seriuosly, it simply enlightened my soul and mind after having this great dish.
To end the lunch we decided to have kesari kheer set in mud made saucers and chilled in freezer. Menu comprises of north Indian dishes, Chinese & sweet dishes including basic ice-cream varities.
5) Wi-Fi: Sorry this place dose’t have a free wi-fi hotspot. So, IT professionals please avoid bringing your laptops if you are planning a bussiness lunch.
6) Bar facility:This place doesn’t serve alcoholic drinks. Only carbonated drinks like Coke, Pepsi, Mirinda, Sprite, Thumb-up are served.
7) Home delivery:-This branch does offer home delivery facility within 2-3 km radius.
8) Timings: 11:00 AM Till 23:00 PM
9) Note:- This restaurant has toilets & washrooms.
10) Payments:-This restaurant accepts Cash and cards. Not sure if they accept meal vouchers like Sodexo.
11) Smoking zone:- In this eatery smoking is prohibited.
12) Estimated Bill for two persons excluding VAT & Service Tax:- 600 - 700/- INR.
To sum up I would again stress upon the fact that it is the ultimate biryani king of Kolkata and it really gives your mind JOY to remember for the rest of your life. Eagerly waiting for my next trip to Kolkata and also to Arsalan.