Arabic food in Bangalore???

EDIT: These guys shut down some time in 2010:(

Well, not too many people like Arabic food. Esp. if you are vegetarians. But if you are adventurous (and vegetarian), and like to try out cuisine, here are two suggestions for you...


1. Ta'am Falafel:
Located in Koramangala, in a road parallel to the Sony world Junction (Take the turn at ooty chocolates), this a restaurant tucked in the middle of nowhere. Literally. There is no commercial complex, shopping area or clearly identifiable residential layout nearby.

The place serves a motley bunch of arabic sounding cuisine, but frankly, we have never gone beyond the falafel meals. Pickled veggies served with Pita bread and falafels. A do-it-yourself meal. Alternatively, you could try the taam falafel, which is pita bread packed with the fillings and served with hummus and white sauce. Quick service. check out http://www.taamrestaurants.com/ for a menu
Dent to the pocket - Veg Meal for 2 - range of 250/- to 300/- (Falafel sandwich each or a falafel meal)Service- Decent: I havent seen this place being even moderately crowded, so cannot comment
Tipping - Normal stuff

2. Ali Baba Cafe
These guys were discovered one day when we desperately wanted to eat hummus and falafels but couldnt bring ourselves to go to Taam. Then we googled and discovered Ali Baba. Located in MM Road of Frazer town, these guys deliver in the vicinity.
Again, cannot comment on overall menu. Our standard order is four falafel sandwiches (please make sure you ask for veggies, else they skimp on it) and one portion of Hummus. Add some Khubus if you like. Fairly prompt service. Apparently close to the real deal (or so the husband claims)... Im kinda not too sure - not having tasted truly authentic arabic food, or if i have, i havent remembered the taste. Call them at +91-80-4091 7163
Dent to the pocket - Veg Meal for 2 - range of 250/- to 300/-Service- Cant comment on dining service, but they dont overly delay deliveryTipping - Havent tipped till date. Maybe we should start!!!

Thai food in Bangalore?

How about Benjarong? Easy to reach on Ulsoor road, it is housed in a building along with Zara, the Tapas bar and The French Loaf. Not surprising, as all three joints are run by the same management.

The first thing you will notice on entering this place are the various statuettes dotting the place. A live vegetable carver goes about her work, and don't be surprised if her handiwork pops up as part of your meal!

The restaurant is on two levels, with neat seating inside, and some seats on the balcony. The view has nothing much to recommend it, but on a chilly Bangalore evening or afternoon, it may be a good idea to take in the fresh air (or as fresh as it can get given the location)

Both lunch and dinner are served here. For Lunch during weekdays, there is a set menu option available. Cannot comment on this, as we are yet to try it out. The a-la-carte menu for dinner/ lunch has a clearly demarcated section (From appetizers to rice) for vegetarians. So no hunting for the little green dot next to the name of the dish!!!

As for the drinks, there is the usual sortie of wines and whiskeys, cocktails and mocktails. The summer cooler (coconut water+mint+honey) is a different drink, given that it is served directly from the coconut. Nothing to complain about the rest of the drinks menu, but then, i am not much of a drinker!

As part of the thai food experience, there is a complementary "Mien Khum" (i just googled for it!)... which starts the whole meal. It is the Thai version of our Paan. There is one or the other leaf (lettuce/ spinach), along with coconut flakes, chilli pieces, lime shoots, chopped onions, ginger and sweet sauce. Wrap it all together and pop it into your mouth. It gets addictive actually, and doesnt kill your appetite.

For the starters, we have our standard favorite - baby corn in rice tartlets. We tried the corn patties and the spring rolls too, but liked the tartlets the best!!! For the main course, we have tried the various semi-currys and gravies, and none disappoint per se. My personal favorite is the Thai yellow curry. Served with complimentary rice noodles , it is best eaten with white rice. Side dishes like brocoli in peanut sauce or veggies in lemon-coriander sauce can complement the meal very well. Listen to the steward, he can suggest the best combination!

The desserts are good as well, be it the "payasam" type dish made with water chestnut or the date pancake with ice cream.

Overall, Benjarong food is great. Definitely worth a visit if you like food, and maybe a regular visit if you like Thai food.

Dent to the pocket - Veg Meal for 2 (without drinks) - range of 1000/- to 1200/- (One starter+rice+2 dishes+ Dessert)
Service- Good: we have never had to ask them the status of our order till date!
Tipping - Service charges at 5% are added to the bill, so tip at your discretion
Reservations - As of now, not required, as i dont think that the place is pulling crowds in yet