I am at Surat and am determined to taste the famous Surati tawa fry that is popular among the 25% Muslim population here. Since this is an evening cuisine it takes me some time to find an area where it is open for lunch.  The search has taken some time to take us to Chowk Bazaar and so we are famished. We follow our nose and enter the first restaurant we see.

We sit inside and reel out our order. I am taking pics with my phone which makes the young owner, Zuber Sayyad come running to me looking concerned and asks if I am taking photos because I am having some trouble here. I assure him that this is not the case.

The food is phenomenal. Bheja Fry and Gurda Fry (both Rs 40) are fresh from the griddle with an amazing flavor and enjoyable spice level.

                      Bheja Fry                                             Gurda Fry

Prawns Fry (Rs 90, the most expensive dish on the  menu) have a fresh from the ocean taste and mercifully have not been overcooked. Fish Masala (Rs 40) has Rohu fish and tastes a bit like Fish Kalia. The highlight is saved for the end. Green Mutton Fry (Rs 40) has a green masala with lots of hari mirchi in it. It is a superb dish, something that will hunt me in my dreams.

               Prawns Fry                                              Mutton Fry

It is these humble restaurants in middle India, waiting to be discovered, that remind me of India’s varied and amazing culinary legacy. These tastes cannot be experienced in hyped, posh restaurants. This is the flavor of our roots that can only be experienced on the streets.

The review was anonymously done after paying for the meal.

Ratings (Out of 5)                                         

Food: 4.0 | Ambience: 3.0 | Service: 4.0 | Value: 5.0 | Overall: 4.0

Meal for two: Rs.300 | Alcohol: No | Credit Card: No | Wheel chair friendly: No

Address: 1/3977 Huseni Plaza Shop 1, Chowk Bazaar, Surat. Tel: +91 8000722221