Hi friends,
This is my third review on Bhubaneshwar series. Whenever we are out of station we do dine out at various places, out of which few are memorable. This time I am not writing a review but an experience- once in a lifetime experience. There are moments in one’s life that are unforgettable. I have cherished one of such moments by visiting this place. The food may be ordinary, the staff may be simple, the ambience may be just OK but the experience is awesome.
The restaurant is located near railway station, in Lalchand Jewelers Complex (the same complex where my last reviewed restaurant- Tangerine 9 is located). I have been to this place before also during my last visits. There was nothing extra ordinary at that time. This time also I was just in a mood to have some pure vegetarian food so I decided to go to this place. They have totally renovated this place- renovation in ambience, staff and food.
A big signboard of “Sai Bhoj” welcomes me as I enter the restaurant. A uniformed (will elaborate more on uniform later) Durban wishes me and opens the gate. The restaurant is on second floor. As I reach there, I found nothing great but many uniformed waiters on the floor.
As I settled on the chair a smartly dressed lady (in black business suit-coat & pant) came to me for orders. They only serves veg thali of only one type. Left with no other choice, I ordered for a meal. As I ordered the food, all the waiter/ staff came in action.
Let me describe their uniforms. They were wearing Rajasthani pagri, Gujrati ghaagra & Punjabi dhoti. Initially I was surprised to see this combination but later on I understand the logic behind that. The Sai Bhoj meal is combination of three cuisines: Guarati, Rajasthani & Punjabi. I have seen this combo in a meal for the first time in my life, and the same combo was replicated in their uniforms also.
As I ordered, a person came to me with a big water vessel (type of pot used to serve wine to kings in older times) to wash my hands. He was also carrying another vessel (like spittoon of older times) to collect disposed water. Both the vessels were golden in colors. While I was washing my hands comfortably sitting on my chair, it was like I was given a royal treatment. This was the unique experience I ever had in my life and I am sure I will not have this type of experience later in my life.
After hand-washing process was over, a special thali and a normal thali with bowls in it were placed on my table. The shape of the special thali was unique. Normally I have seen round shaped thali, but in this there was an additional attachments on three-quarter of outer periphery to place bowls.
It’s time for food now. The cutlery started to fill now. Different waiters were carrying different eatables to serve. There were so many items so it would be better to discuss in points:
Initially two types of chutneys (green and sweet), two types of pickle, papad and chopped green salad was served
Then they served a piece of dhokla, few pieces of fried pakoras as starters.
There was one dry vegetable, one vegetable curry, one paneer dish, one dry daal, one daal & one besan curry.
In breads, they served Rajasthani roti with jaggery and ghee, makka ki roti and normal rotis (with ghee poured freely over it).
Then, there was rice and chhachh (also called maththa).
In sweets, they served moong ki daal ka halwa and rabdi (it is prepared from pure milk).
The meal was ended with sweet Paan.
The menu may not sound very interesting but the most interesting part is that everything is unlimited. They never hesitate to serve your choice of dish n-number of times. It is available at just Rs. 165 (inclusive of everything)!!!
Scope of improvement:
There was one big plasma TV on the floor but it is always showing one religious channel. The music is also the same- chants of Sai Baba praises. While dining it sometimes seems that I am in a temple. It would be better if they offer variety in their music so everyone can enjoy it.
I visit this place two times in a week and I observed that there is difference in their meals. Once, they offer two sweet dishes, second time there was only one. It would be better if they maintain uniformity atleast in their count.
3. Ambience could be made better.
- The water is served in half-liter Aquafina bottle (re-filled). The plastic bottles are not made for repeated use. It would be better if they use water jugs etc to serve the water.
Who should go?
I would recommend this restaurant for following persons:
If you have big appetite.
If you want best of quantity, quality, variety and price.
If you want taste of three cuisines in one go.
If you want a change from washbasins and finger bowls.
If you have attended so much of buffets in your life and got bored.
Who should not go?
The following person should better avoid visiting this place:
Health conscious, as ghee is used excessively.
Diabetic, as sweets offered are important part of the meal.
Persons on diet.
The place is highly recommended for all. Visit it atleast once to have a unique experience.
(The dishes may vary, depending on the day or time)