This is the place to go when you don’t want to experiment. When you know exactly what you want, and can practically taste it in your mind already.
The cooks at Koshy’s could teach the Japanese about repeatability. If you taste it and like it once, you’ll never be disappointed. On the other hand, if you try a Koshy dish, and didn’t like it, you needn’t bother trying it again because it’ll be exactly the same as the last time.
Koshy’s has two sections. One is not airconditioned, and this is where the old-timers hang out. You can see the same faces here every week. The waiters on this side are friendlier, and much more efficient than the other side. The decor is traditional Koshy’s through the years - with bright red checked table cloths which are spotlessly clean.
Unfortunately this is also the smoking section. With the addition of a huge exhaust fan, the air quality here has improved, but if you don’t like smokers right next to you, go to the a/c section.
The a/c section is the one actually called the Jewel Box. The menu is fancier and has a few other options not offered in the ordinary section. The waiters are more laid back and the decor is much more elaborate.
But for some reason, this section comes across as a little shabbier than the ordinary section. For one, the tablecloths are a hideous blue in colour and stain easily. The stains put me off my dinner, and I only go here if I absolutely have to have the a/c or there’s no seating in the regular section.
Dishes to try:
The chicken or veg puffs at around 11.30 in the morning
The chicken tikka masala
Any of the biryanis - these have their own Koshy’s flavour, not the greasy so-called Hyderbadi style stuff.
Paneer kulcha
Keema Egg Curry
They don’t take reservations, but are very good at getting you a table. It helps if you’re a regular.