Saroj Restaurant was once the gem of Chembur. I am talking about the eighties when it was owned by the renowned personality of Chembur Mr. D. K. Marathe. It was the best family restaurant in Chembur and I still fondly remember our family’s monthly outings there after the tiring shopping in the area. Right in front of the Chembur railway station you can not miss it.
I used to love their Masala Dosas and the special sambars. Also their special dishes like Paan Poli were great. The thali was later my favourite brimming with five or six subzis and curries, puris, dal and Srikhand. The food had a mix of Maharashtrian and South Indian flavors. Though not overtly decorated, it used to be neat and clean and very heigenic.
The waiters, all in starched uniforms added to the clean feel. On recent visits I was totally disappointed by Saroj. The new management has totally ignored the earlier neat and clean theme. The tables, the floor even the utensils were grimy! The thali had lost my favourite sabji and the masala dosa was not so good anymore.
The only saving grace now is their sweets shop next door-still the best in Chembur in terms of pure sweets! It was with heavy heart that I said goodbye to Saroj and turned towards the second best in Chembur-Geeta Bhavan-still going strong!