Shivaji
A decrepit corrugated roof shack on the side of the main road going from J.P. Nagar to Banshankari. I've passed by this place numerous times and have never even seen it.
There's no sign outside proclaiming the eatery's name. It has a dhaaba like ambiance but not really! Walking inside, a small board reveals itself to you and the cryptic name S.M.H appears in a small font. Below that, in huge letters, it says NO OTHER BRANCHES.
You really need to go here with a regular patron because otherwise, the service will take forever. There are a couple of kids who are most adept at weaving in and out of the kitchen and it's best you tell one of them what you want. Again, there's no menu so you better know what you want.
We ordered the chicken biryani, mutton chops and the chicken fry. The biryani arrives in a bowl made of dry leaves (very hygienic!) as do the other orders. You can either get a banana leaf or a steel plate with a banana leaf on top.
Biryani is made Marathi style here so it's slightly yellowish in color and very consistent unlike a dum biryani or Hyderabadi biryani. It's quite spicy and the chicken pieces taste great. Don't be squeamish about the oil you see though. I'm sure all that can be burned off in a few years. The mutton chops are also spicy but the meat is tender and done to perfection. Chicken fry was no less tasty and the ensemble with some onion raitha ensured that I slept for the remaining part of the day.
Next time I need to try the mutton biryani. Also, I have received news of a similar joint in Balepet, a overly crowded market area in Bangalore. Look for a review and comparison with SMH soon!
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