That sounds straight out of LoTR or Narnia, but its actually a restaurant chain based in Kolkata, but with a branch closer home – Koramangala. Its right next to Ammi’s Biriyani, and almost opposite ‘Jukebox’. (map) The Bosch parking is nearby, so you could try your luck there.
They have a rolls counter downstairs, and the restaurant is on the mezzanine and upper floors. We chose the first floor, it gave us a good view of the road.. and some half a dozen new restaurants that seem to have sprung up!! The menu is heavily skewed towards the meat eaters, though it does have more than 20 veg dishes listed. There really is a case for Murgh Sagar!! (or fish/beef/mutton)
Between chicken, mutton and seafood, there are more than 30 kabab options. The average prices are Rs.115, Rs.140, Rs.150 respectively, but we got to know that the fish items weren’t available that day. They even have the number of pieces listed alongside, and the tables are skewer friendly, though they didn’t seem to be using the option. We started with a Chicken Arsalan Kabab, which was very unique, and cheesy. Ok, sorry, it just had lots of cheese, which sometimes overshadowed the kabab’s taste. But still, highly recommended, it works.
For the main course, again there are some 40+ options between chicken and mutton gravies. Here too, the number of pieces are mentioned. To go along with that, you could choose from biriyani/pulao/rice or roti/naan/paratha. We ordered a Chicken Rezala and a Chicken Arsalan Masala, both ‘1 piece’ items. To go along with that, a masala kulcha and continuing with the theme, an Arsalan Special Naan. The Rezala has a white gravy and is a dish that the US might consider invading for the amount of oil. (though Nikhil might claim other restaurants in koramangala deserve that first) In spite of that, it was a bit bland. The Arsalan masala is a brown gravy, with carrot, pineapple and cashew nuts, that lends it a sweetness. It might sound weird, but is actually quite good. The Masala Kulcha was made well, and the Arsalan Special Naan was unique too, with groundnuts, and bordering on sweet. We figured that we needed reinforcements, but were too stuffed to go for the yummy sounding chicken biriyanis listed. We ordered a veg biriyani instead, and judging from that, the biriyani offering is pretty good – not too oily, and a hint of the saffron flavor. The portion was XL sized, and we found it difficult to complete.
The service is fast, and we recognised the guy who took our order, from Tunday Kababi. The ambiance, while not really fine dining, is pleasant and comfortable. The meal cost us just less than Rs.500, and works well on the value-for-money front. Worth paying a visit, when you’re in the neighbourhood.
Arsalan, 158, 1st Main Road, 7th Block, Koramangala. Ph: 25703366
Menu at Zomato
Don’t kill me for this, but how would the owner of this joint greet you if he were a Muslim (once you’ve greeted him)? “Walaikum Arsalan” 🙂
i’m sure someone else will do the job for me :p
Gotta try this place out next time I visit Koromangala. The last two times I had been that side of town it was for the burgers at Thulp. Thanks to your review which forced me to get my butt there, I now crown it the best beef joint ever!! 🙂
yup, give it a try.
meanwhile, i’m sure you’ve tried the chilly beef at stones/pecos/mojo.. pretty awesome stuff 🙂
If I’m in Bangalore am surely going to try this place…on a side-note this is not exactly the best post to read @ midnight when one is already craving for a snack…now I need to go rummaging through my kitchen to eat! 😐
if you’re in bangalore, there are other must-tries 🙂
and yes, bad idea never read food reviews at midnight!! 🙂
I once met a boy named Arsalan. And I don’t think he was from the south. Just sayin’.
this one is an import too, from Kolkata. The cuisine is Mughlai, the name sounds Persian, no?
Good food. Service needs lot of improvement. Many of the items in menu seems to be not available