One of the most versatile food items in the country is the humble khichdi. Add fresh veggies, or even dry fruits, or hey, sweet or salty; it never goes out of fashion. This one pot wonder is what we turn to every time we think of something comforting, or just a quick-easy meal that can fill the tummy and leave you satiated.
We've got a few favourites that we gotta share, especially since this is also a monsoon specialty. A dash of yum with a spoonful of ghee? We certainly think so!
We're going to start our list with our favourite. If you haven't been to Tresind yet, we're giving you the perfect reason - of gastronomical proportions, mind you! When you sample their chef tasting menu (drool), you're introduced to this magical dish. As you wait in anticipation, you'll find the server rolling in with a trolley full of little white bowls with ingredients from all across the country. The khichdi is humble-looking, but then, the magic begins. There are little bowls on the map of India, where the server tells you the story behind each ingredient and which state it's from. Then, it's all mixed together, one by one, till it's this delicious bowl of goodness that smells and tastes like heaven. Phew! We've gone on with this one, so let's jump to the next.
FYI: You don't need to order the entire tasting menu if you just want to try their delicious khichdi. It's available as a separate item on the menu also.
On The Pocket: INR 595 plus taxes.
If you like to try out something different, Monkey Bar has an interesting butter chicken khichdi that is infused with ghee and served with papad, dahi kachumbar and achaar. If you're big fans of butter chicken, this desi twist is sure to leave you wanting more. If you're vegetarian, they're happy to serve it with paneer as well.
Next time you head here, try something different!
On The Pocket: INR 450
If you're one who believes in varieties, then Khichdi Samrat in Girgaum surely won't disappoint. With over ten different types of khichdis to choose from, you could opt for their Vrindavan special khichdi, or just go all out and try their dry fruit khichdi (erm, yes.) They even have a cheese khichdi, schezwan khichdi, makai paneer khichdi, makai khichdi, masala khichdi and a harayali khichdi. Their khichdis are served in both vegetarian and jain varieties, if you're wondering. Moving on to our next item on the menu...
On The Pocket: Price ranges between INR 100 to INR 185
Banana Leaf is one of the staples that pops up every time you crave some South Indian food. From their rasam to uttapams, there's a lot to love here. And nestled inside one of the pages of their menu is the Oats, Daliya or Soya Khichdi, that's in their healthy options section. For those of us who are diligently trying to eat healthy, this is one thing you shouldn't miss.
On The Pocket: INR 200 each
Omg, heaven. Well, that's what we usually think of when we think of Soam. Located right across Babulnath temple, Soam is paradise for Gujarati food lovers. And with that, is their special masala fada khichdi with kadhi that is like an explosion of delicious flavours in your mouth. You'll find that it's a vegetable khichdi, thicker than your usual fare, which is accompanied by piping hot kadhi to soothe the senses. And, they even have a variant - the palak fada khichdi with kadhi. *brb, too hungry to write*
On The Pocket: INR 300
The legendary Swati Snacks has always kept us happy and satiated. Consistently consistent, they serve generous portions and are absolute value for money. Now, they have this dish called the baked masala khichdi that is a bowl full of goodness served with crunchy fried onions to add to that oomph factor. If you haven't had this yet while here, you have a new reason to visit. Seriously.
On The Pocket: INR 294
Tucked away in Marol, as the name suggests this tiny joint specialises in an array of matka khichdi. From classic options like Prime Minister plain khichdi to paneer tikka khichdi - they've got tons of options if you're craving for some comforting hot khichdi. But what caught our eyes on their menu was the matka global and fusion section with options like Thai curry, Mexican and Chinese Khichdi. If you're up for some experimentation, give these a try.
On The Pocket: INR 250
Another joint only for Khichdi. Our favourite? Hot and warm khichdi garnished with melted cheese, macaroni and Italian herbs. Yummmm! While this one's our favourite you can opt for many other unique khichdis as well including Amritsari Khichdi, corn capsicum khichdi, cheese and chilli khichdi, Swaminarayan khichdi and lot more.
On The Pocket: INR 325
Called Khichdi Garden, this fine-dine in Borivali serves 101 types of Khichdis. If you're looking for Khichdi with traditional south Indian spices, opt for their South Indian style khichdi. Expect strong sambar masalas, toor dal and loads of veggies. Another option in this category could be Konkan Kinara khichdi garnished with coconut and cashews.
On The Pocket: INR 285