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Yes, the same Leopold's Cafe as featured in Shantaram. I have not met Gregory David Roberts (though it is possible we were at the same venues without being introduced), nor have I read his book, but plan to as he seems like an interesting character.

The rolls are "Mutton Rolls", which is also shown in the last picture of the same post. It consists of a thin roti with egg wash, rolled with a goat mince. Unlike a springroll, this was delicate and just melted in your mouth. It was truly delicious and so cheap (less than $1). The square ones are indeed murtabak, popularly called Beida (egg) roti.

Rona, Think of a mix of Sichuan (without the Sichuan peppercorns) and Indian flavors. A popular dish is "Manchurian" which consists of a meat or fish or paneer with onions, peppers, garlic, ginger, green chilies, garham masala, soy sauce, etc. Manchurian Chicken Beef American Chop suey, a tomato based sweet, sour, spicy sauce over crispy noodles and a fried egg on the left As for the Frankie, it was chicken in a spicy sauce, similar to chicken tikka.

Also managed to squeeze in a trip to Leopold cafe, a popular hangout spot with ex-pats since 1871, which was unfortunately a target in the 2008 bombings in Mumbai. Mango shake Fresh lime soda Chicken chelo kebab - unfortunatley it was a bit dry and I should have gone for the beef (or was it lamb?) version Indo-Chinese peppered chili beef

Many moons ago, as a kid, I lived near Swati, which is now a very famous snack place and there is a constant line to be seated, but it is worth the wait. After a 30min wait, we ordered Amiri Khaman Dahi Puri - one of my favorite chaat snacks, but it was not as good as I remembered and preferred Kailash Prabat's version, where I believe the puris are fried in pure ghee, giving it a rich flavor and crisper texture. Misal Gujrati Dal Dhokla - a tasty vegetarian version of chicken and dumplings served with a Papad topped with the oil from pickle or Achar Fresh Sitaful ice cream Kala Khatta ice gola - sweet, sour, touch of spice from the chaat masala

Yes, but be careful with the amount of rosewater you use as it can be a strong flavor.

Back to some Indian food, this time at the critically acclaimed Punjab Grill, owned by Chef Jiggs Kalra, known as the "Czar of Indian Cuisine", where we ordered Kesar Lassi - which had some pendas (sweets) Tandoori Lambchops Tandoori mixed Grill Punjab Meat Kashmiri Biryani - with almond stuffed morel mushrooms Towards the end of the meal, they bring you a finger bowl, which seemed to confuse a few on the large table of Europeans seated next to us.

Sorry for the lull in posting, travel and internet connection issues got in the way. Having been to Iron Chef Morimoto's in Philadelphia a few dozen times, I wanted to check out his restaurant Wasabi at the Taj Palace near Gateway to India. We went for the Omakase, which included- Edamame Kobe Beef Carpaccio Signature Whitefish Carpaccio Hamachi and Jalapeno Spinach with Sesame sauce Rock Shrimp Tempura in Spicy Mayo Sauce Sushi and Sashimi - Spicy tuna, Salmon, O Toro, Unagi with the real Wasabi from Japan, rubbed on Sharkskin. Beef Teppanyaki Fried Rice Seabass Miso marinated Black Cod Barley tea - nice nutty flavor Cool tea pot Green tea ice cream and sweet red beans Wasabi infused Creme Brulee Overall the experience was quite good and in typical Japanese style was subtle but highlighted the key ingredient. The quality of food and service was on par with the other Morimoto restaurants I have been to, which is to say it is quite good. The price was also in the same ballpark, which is to say it is about 2-3 times higher than other fine dining restaurants in India.

Ajitg, sure - let me know which recipes you would like.

Though I have only been able to peek throughout the week, it has been enlightening and fun. Will have to go back and read in more detail. Thank you.

Went to a store in Matunga which sells lots of Indian snacks, including Chikki. Picked up some tomato sev and other spices. Outside the store is a place which sells chaat. We got Pani Puri (crispy puri puffs with stuffing and spiced water) and Dhai puri, which has a tanrind and date sauce and is topped with yogurt. The Pani (water) Puri The Dhai (yogurt) Puri Next to them was a Paan guy, so we got some sweet paan to go. For dinner, we went to an area called Borhi Muhllah (by Tavakal Sweets),which is known for making great grilled meats. This area was also featured on Anthony Bourdain's No Reservation Mumbai episode. We got goat, khiri (goat udders), shish kebab, roti, etc. This is stuff is tasty and soo cheap! 4 people were full for less than $10.

Was running some errands around Perviz Hall, which sells Parsi food goodies among other things. We picked up a couple items including patties for lunch. Mutton Kheema Patties and Chutney Patties. These patties are breaded mashed potatoes stuffed with the filling and a boiled egg. A non-veg version of the Vada . Delicious! We had the patties with Kheema and Khidchi.

Malls seem to be springing up in most urban areas across India. While this is good for the economy, it also provides for many decent food courts where you can find things such as: Chicken Frankie Chaat Tokri and Kadhai Chicken with Tandoori Roti

Jenni, You are correct that most Paneer Bhurji has crumbled paneer, though I prefer chunks as well, so this had both Interesting about the sugarcane juice. I have always had it either plain or with ginger and lime, which is my preference. Don't believe I have ever seen the option for spinach in this neck of the woods and even in the US the few places that serve it offer ginger and lime as an option.

Breakfast yesterday consisted of Paneer Bhurji and a Fresh Coconut and Mousambi

These look fantastic! How were they made? The basic masala is the same - turmeric, chili powder, cumin seeds and garam masala. Marinate the meat in turmeric, a little chili powder, garlic and ginger. Sautee the meat and remove. Then add finely diced onions. The Titori has coriander/cilantro leaves. In the French beans, a little desiccated coconut and tomato is also added. Return the meat and cook to desired tenderness.

Sorry, have been busy traveling between cities, so am glad that Jenni and PastaMeshugana are helping out.

For dinner one night we made Titori - a type of broad? bean and French Beans with Chicken (it is usually made with Goat)

While I was out shopping, I picked up Paneer (fresh cheese). Enjoyed a sweet Lassi (note the tasty cream yoghurt on top) while observing young boys prepare the day's meal for the restaurant. and picked up chicken and goat meat. The meat is always fresh, but the processing might make a USDA inspector's head explode.

No problem...if you like Chicken 65, you might also like Chicken Lollipops, which are the drumstick part of the wing in a similar style.

For a snack yesterday evening, I had Chicken Kathi Roll - They make it in batches of 4, but I only had 1 - promise . It is similar to a Frankie, which I still prefer and will try to capture during this trip. Since, I had promised Chaat, we went to Kailash Prabhat, a famous chaat place. Sev Puri Dahi Puri Dal Kachori Falooda Kulfi

Yes, the plate has "Disco Papaya", bananas and orange segments.

I suspect the fruit with the stickers is part of a shipment which may have been destined for export. Yes, the shrimp and potato dish is delicious and easy to make. Marinate shrimp in turmeric, salt and a little chili powder. Sautee and remove it. Lightly fry cumin seeds, mustard seeds, desiccated coconut, tumeric, very little chili powder, curry leaves. Add diced potatoes, sautee and add water and cover until potatoes are almost done. Add shrimp back and serve.

Today, I went shopping for fruit.. and had a Sweet Paan For lunch we had Shrimp with Potatoes - shrimp heads taste delicious and Goan Goat Curry Rice Fruits for dessert

Before leaving Panchgani, we went on a remote hike/picnic, passing small villages, distancing ourselves from vehicles and swapping vehicles for bullock carts. The only buildings were mud huts, farmhouses and the occasional temple or shrine. The only sounds you hear are from the birds chirping, the wind bellowing and the calls from the herdsmen tending to their cattle. Such spaces are becoming a rarer find these days.