Stalking the deep with king 'pawns' This week let us join Mukul at `Samudra' which serves seafood. Mukul feels that there are problems with seafood. Mukul says, he knew of a city restaurant which offered a choice of big fat prawns done to death in oyster sauce and soya but still managed to exude a sense of sleaze in its clientele, cosiness and customer relationship. In Samudra, the problem is with the seating arrangement and it would remind you of our trains. So you agree we do have a problem with seafood. On to Mukul.......
My saat phera was the only female around for hours, and while I have no hassles with an all male crowd - and in fact, enjoy it as often as possible - it does begin to reflect on the type of establishment sooner or later. Obviously this place is for `regulars' and mine host made no bones about it as he greeted with flourishes of waving hands those who dotted their favourite tables with their favourite drinks. Speaking of which, the reason one went to checkout the joint was the offer of lager. A pitcherful, however, did do much to soften the impact of the environs.
"You want Chinese?" we were asked. "No," I said, "the name is Samudra, and I want comestibles relating directly to the sea."
Immediately, we were served squid. If not for anything else, this is one of the best dishes they offer, being a concoction of a total Indian masala variety and actually very tasty. A lot of people do not eat this animal, I know, but in the process they probably miss out on a palpable treat which when the original unwillingness can be got around can be thoroughly enjoyed. On its heels, as if in order, came fish fry and king prawns fry respectively but he warned that though the former is delicious and lives up to its name, the `king' in the prawns were sadly missing. They were minuscule. King prawns would have seen a better alternative.
Then the naan and chicken and fish masala. Yes, this was good.
And price wise there is no way one can complain. Take a look at the following: for starters which they call "short eats", you can have finger chips,vegetable pakodas or dry fried green peas for Rs 25; for the main meal, crab, cuttle fish or prawn chilli for Rs 60; and mutton kurma, egg masala or malai kofta for between Rs 45 to 60. Of course, if you're in the mood for lobster then prepared to shell out Rs 250.
Address: Samudra
25, L C Road, Bangalore 560 001
Telephone: 5592394
Cuisine: Seafood (but with extras)
(Courtesy The Times Of India)
Probably a bit too hefty on your purse but definitely not on your tummy. Right!
