Naati Mane

We have all heard about military hotels sometime or the other. Many times it is associated with a shabby place (read shack), which is so so aesthetically unappealing. The absence of any ambience might put off many people so much that they do not even bother getting into the place to see what's on the menu. The menu might be tempting, delicious and mouth-watering, but first impression being the last impression, many do not even reach the "what's on the menu" stage.

What if one were to get similar tasting food, but with a complete revamped ambience. For starters, you have a proper concrete construction and proper tables and chairs with good lighting and a buzzing atmosphere. This is exactly what "Naati Mane" has to offer. It is located in Koramangala, which might soon be called the culinary suburb of Bangalore.

The place is decently done with a restaurant atmosphere and waiters dressed in white with a red colored chicken embossed on their shirts. As we were in a group of 5-6 people, there was quite a bit of variety in our order. For the main course, we ordered for chicken/mutton donne biryani, served in a bowl made of dried leaves. At such places, the starters usually dominate the main course, which is what exactly happened here. We had mutton keema, coriander chicken, boti and thalai mamasam (head of the goat). All these came in multiple plates and disappeared sooner than they came. Although a bit bland, the biryani was in decent quantity and with a generous helping of chicken/mutton pieces. The thalai mamasam was brilliantly done with masalas and spices well mixed and used generously. Coriander chicken was the drak horse. It was absolutely amazing. Never had anything like this before. The mutton keema is the king in this place. Perfectly cooked with the spices and it goes really well when had with crispy dosas. The icing on the cake is when such food, cooked with moderate-to-high spices and masalas, is washed down with a bottle of ThumsUp.

With so much of variety on offer, this place will cost around 250-300 per person. Be prepared to wait for a table, especially on a Friday afternoon. For vegetarians, don't bother going unless you want to come back starved and famished. There is nothing on offer.

A must-go place for all meat lovers!!!!!!!!