Disappointing, overpriced food !
Restaurant: Savya Rasa
Reviewer: Aalok Wadhwa | 14th August 2019 | Reviewer Rating (Out of 5) 3.13

The review was done after paying for the meal

It is time for another admin lunch. This time we decide to check out Savya Rasa, the southern Indian restaurant that has been making waves in Pune and has now opened in Ardee mall. Not sure it will make that many waves here, because the food is disappointing to say the least. 

The restaurant attempts to recreate a bungalow, like the famous Villa Maya at Trivandrum. We start the meal with Mutton Nenjuelumbu Rasam (Rs 345) a rasam made from mutton ribs, claims to be a perfect cure for sore throat and cold. It’s a precursor to the food to follow – it is a very mild rasam toned down second guessing the Punjabi palate and lacks any kind of depth. The miniscule mutton bits floating in it are stringy and chewy.

  

Mangalore Rava Fry (Rs 745) touted as desi fish fingers marinated with bydagi chilles is crisp alright but the fish inside is bland and characterless, which is a pity because the seerfish inside is flaky. Narukattu Gola Urundai (Rs 595) is mutton and onion finely minced and then tied in banana twine and fried. Though the chef claims that this is the authentic version, but what it tastes like is not a dumpling but a shami kabab fried to death.

 

In the mains, we take special care not to order curries with coconut cream which often can mask the beauty of the spices, but going by the taste and appearance, there appears to be either cream or coconut cream added to all the curries, as would be evident in the photos. Pollachi Kari Kuzhambu (Rs 625), a Tamilian mutton, drumsticks and aubergine curry is pleasant. The coastal Andhra specialty Chepala Pulusu (Rs 795) which is seerfish cubes simmered in a spicy gravy of tamarind, tomato and chilies, is too muted to be enjoyable.

 

The Chettinad Yeral Kuzhambu (Rs 795) or prawn curry with tamarind and drumsticks is too sour and not balanced. And I am sure a price tag of five rupees short of Rs 800 deserves more than 8 small prawns. Our choice of Appam and Ponni rice from the menu are both not available. Among the breads available, Neer Dosa (Rs 125) is pasty and not so pleasant to eat. 

 

Bun Parotta (Rs 125) is lachha paratha in a bowl and appeals to the Punjabi in Shivendu (and along with the papadams the only things he likes in the lunch).

 

Nei Choru (Rs 395), short grained rice tempered with ghee is the most I have paid for what looks and tastes like steamed short grain rice with some orange dots. Elaneer pudding (Coconut water pudding) set with china grass is sent complimentary by the kitchen after I suspect we tell the chef who comes asking for feedback that the food is below par. Shefali likes it. Mutton curry is the other dish she likes. I do not find any dish memorable.

 

All three of us love food from southern states. For me, the clean, robust tastes of the spices is what makes the food so enjoyable. Alas, none of it is present in the food here. It is average at best and far too expensive for what they serve. It has been a disappointing lunch indeed.

Ratings (Out of 5)

Food: 2.5 | Ambience: 4.0 | Service: 3.5 | Value: 2.5 | Overall: 3.0

Meal for two: Rs 3500 | Alcohol: No | Credit Card: Yes | Wheel chair friendly: Yes

Address: 3rd Floor, Ardee Mall, Sector 52, Ardee City, Gurgaon. Tel: +91 9319429735; +91 7428495530

 

 

 

About the Author
Aalok Wadhwa Aalok Wadhwa
Restaurant Information
Savya Rasa Savya Rasa
3rd Floor, Ardee Mall, Sector 52, Ardee City, Gurgaon.
Telephone: Tel: +91 9319429735; +91 7428495530 view on a map
Opening Hours: 12noon – 3:30pm, 7pm – 11pm
Cuisine: South Indian
Average Price: Rs. 3000 - 3500