Taste of Rajasthan, in Bangalore

We continue our reader-driven series on great restaurants and eating places across the country.

Chandana Shenoy tells you were to head in Bangalore for a sinful thali loaded with ghee, exotic Rajasthani chutneys, pickles and more.

I prefer not to think of diets, calories or bulges (and I don't mean in the pockets) when it comes to yummy (read fatty) food.

If you have the same bent of mind, then head straight to Dal Tadka located opposite Foodworld on the 100 Feet Ring Road, Kathriguppe, Banashankari III Stage, Bangalore.

Ghee, that sweet slow poison, is what this Rajasthani eatery is all about.

The decor is really nice -- spacious, cosy with bright cushions, heavy duty tables, bright puppets, chimes, the works. You can easily find a place to indulge during the weekdays when an a la carte menu is served, but be there early on weekends when there's only a buffet.

The staff is friendly and courteous.

Try out the Dal Bati Churma, which is really bad for your arteries, but great for your appetite. It's a nice jeera flavoured dal, sweet nutty churma and dough balls floating in ghee.

Also sample the varieties of chutneys and pickles on the buffet.

The Methi Ki Launj -- made of soaked and cooked methi seeds, dates, raisins and jaggery (now this is good for the body and the soul) -- the Mango Pickle, Date Chutney, Lime Pickle etc are quite unlike the readymade varieties in the supermarkets.

The Ker Sangri from rustic Rajasthan -- a pickle-like dish made of dried vegetables and seeds -- is nice and unique.

Also on offer are the Gatte Ki Sabji -- chick pea flour roulades in a curd gravy -- Paratha (aloo, gobi), Rotis, phulkas, papads, dal, raita, veg pulao and, hold your breath, curd rice, rasam and sambhar for those who expect these dishes even when dining in an Italian restaurant.

For dessert, try the Gulab Jamun and Gajar Ka Halwa.

I would say the buffet, priced at Rs150 per head, is a good bet, especially the Rajathani one.

To sum it up, the food is yummy and satiating, and the experience transports you to Rajasthan.

My only complaint: It is a quite hot inside (just like in Rajasthan) but otherwise just forget the weighing scales and indulge in the ambience, good service and great good food.

I'm planning to head back just as soon as I lose those few but stubborn kilos.

Chandana Shenoy, 26, is a homemaker in Bangalore.

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