Natkhat - home food away from home

Natkhat, as the name may sound is not a kids shop. Its also not a khaadi bhandaar type of clothes shop. It is a small restaurant situated in Vijaya Bank layout, near Bannerghatta road in Bangalore. For history sake, this was started around 4-5 months back by a software engineer from Allahabad, who was tired of sitting in front of the monitor and writing code. He got a few cooks from his native place and Viola!!! we have Natkhat.

The place is like a mess with seating available for 10-12 people and it is self service and self pay. You go to the counter and order and go to the till and pay. The menu has chaats (evening only), paranthas and roti subzi's. Recently launched is the chinese cuisine of gobi manchurian, paneer manchurian, veg noodles and fried rice. This is a no-frills place, with enough lighting but no decorations and this is a veggie joint, no meat (this coming from me, might surprise some people).

Last week me and my better half happen to go there on a Sunday afternoon as this was the nearest to home. Fairly decent crowd, mostly for takeaways. We ordered a plate of Pudina Parantha and meals (4 phulkas, 1 vegetable, 1 daal), butter milk and sweet lassi. The pudina parantha actually had pudina in it, unlike a few joints who serve stuffed parantha for namesake. Along with that came a tomato and potato curry which delicious. The meals had dry alu-gobi (potato & cauliflower) veggie and yellow daal. The taste was amazing. Very delicious yet not a trace of oil, masala or excessive decorations to enhance appeal. The quantity of the veggies and daal was very decent, enough for one person to eat with 4 phulkas, which were served hot, right off the pan. The butter milk was perfect. Just the right amount of salt and masala. The sweet lassi was absolute bliss. The waiter kept malai in a separate plate and added a spoonfull to my glass. Reminded me of the lassi in saddi dilli. Absolutely amazing lunch.

Now to the damages. All this cost us Rs.80/-. Good value for money, neat, clean place, no butter, oil or extra masalas. Just simply good food. Must-go place, especially for those who hail from North India and really miss good north Indian food in Bangalore or end up spending quite a bit to get it.