Correct me if I am wrong, but this is probably the only Tibetan eaterie
in Bombay. Another good thing that the SoBo-ites are missing out on as
it in on the Link road stretch.
Reaching there
It is a blink-and-you-will-miss kinda place, but there’s one thing
you cannot miss when driving from Infinity Mall towards Oshiwara - the
Lotus Petrol pump(shaped like a funny kind of lotus) on your right. At
this point, veer to your left and this small place called Sernya is
next to a large Sansui neon sign over a shop.
The small entrance and even smaller space inside may initially
disappoint you, but wait until you are greeted by the 85 year old owner
Uncle John. He will welcome you like how a host welcomes guests into
his house, which is a very heartwarming experience as compared to most
other restaurant hosts in the city.
This Saturday was our almost
sixth visit to the place in a span of 9 months or so. We landed up here
as we were tossing between Mainland China, Prataps and Sernya to take
my cousin out for dinner. Since Tibetan food sounded like novelty to
her, Sernya it was.
The food
The food is mainly Tibetan - Soups, starters, Noodles, Rice and
Main course and a small Chinese selection.
Starters
We started with Steamed Vegetarian Momos and soups. [Sernya special
Khowa and Red Rice with baby mushrooms khowa]. This red rice, as uncle
John enlightened us, is not rice, but a herb found in the hilly regions
of Tibet and is extremely good for overall wellbeing.
*Main course - vegetarian
Dauzien De [Rice in a clay pot cooked with vegetables and black
mushrooms] - This dish can be eaten by itself as it is fairy mushy with
its own sauces. One excellent dish that you must try, biting into the
black mushrooms is a yummy experience.
Lhasa Gyadhuk [Noodles in sizzling platter] - Noodles with veggies in flavourful sauce served on a sizzler plate
Yang Chen Chema - Snow peas, mushrooms and baby corn in hot chilli sauce.
Both the noodles and the curry were excellent, spicy but not over
the top. I have always found the vegetables crisp and fresh and none of
the dishes use MSG(ajinomoto).
*Service
We have always found the service decent and with uncle John popping
by to ask if everything is fine, it is more hospitable than most places
in this city. There is nothing great about the ambience, and sometimes one or both of the ACs are down, but that doesn’t prevent us from frequenting this down-to-earth place serving good food.
The six odd tables are always full and the people always
keeping coming back to this tiny place in Bombay with flavours of
Tibet.
A generous meal for three came to Rs.500.