Dhaba Express - NH7

This one was completely unexpected. We started driving on Hosur Road looking for a dhaba with punjabi food! A tough one but we were determined. Drove past Hosur town and just about a few kilometres after teh Ashok Leyland factory was this one tucked neatly behind a petrol station - Dhaba Express.

We oredered makki roti-sarson da saag (yes they have it in all seasons). Also tried the kali dal, fish 65. I wouldnt say the fish was too good but the veggies were awesome. The rotis were hot and fresh. The saag was done right. The dal had the right amount of makhan in it to make it tasty. Dont forget to try teh bhangra pepsi - flavored pepsi with jaljeera.

Added to the food was the ambience where we could sit on a charpoy and eat our food - which was quite neat.

Overall - recommend this place for the traveler - its a good eating option.

Style - 1 star (rustic)

Would I go there again - Yes

Food for two - Rs 500

Shiok - Inner Ring Road - Domlur Bangalore

This is a relatively new place in town. A small cosy place on the Inner Ring Road that connects Indiranagar to Koramangala.

We were actually driving down to another place when we remembered this attractive board and were fascinated by the name - Shiok.

It was a very warm welcome - the manager and the waiters were very welcoming right from the moment we walked in. It was not all that crowded perhaps because it is relatively new. The interiors are nice and woody - which we thought was neat.

Starters was a unique dish of King Prawns in Black Bean sauce - which we really liked They had opened up the prawns well and garnished with the usual chinese dressings which made it taste quite good.

We tried Indonesian Chicken Chill and the Sumatra Fish (Red Curry). Both were fine. I would not say the food is exceptional but certainly something we liked. I thought the rice was intentionally left a little uncooked but over the years have realized that this is how they like to serve it in Far Eastern restaurants.

They have a decent variety of chicken, lamb, beef, seafood and of course vegetarian options. They have also tried to mix in a little bit of chinese into the menu but I would rather go to Shiok only if I want Thai or Indonesian food.

Quantities served are reasonable (we eat less and ended up consuming just half of the 2 main course dishes served).

Style - 2 Stars

Will I go there again? - Yes (specifically for Indonesian )

Dinner for 2 - ~ Rs 800 total