Falafel in Vadodara

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

Samish Dalal recommends some great multi-cuisine vegetarian picks at Melange in Vadodara.

Vadodara may not have much to offer in terms of nightlife but, besides museums and parks, you do have a variety of restaurants and eating out places to choose from.

My favourite place -- my wife and I love to spend our weekends here -- is Melange, a 'new generation' food counter.

On the menu

Located off R C Dutt Road, a prime locality in Vadodara, Melange offers an array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisines -- Lebanese, Mexican, Thai, Continental and Indian.

We usually savour their Salad Mediterranean, Red Thai Curry, Lebanese Platter (falafel and other Lebanese goodies) and the Mexican Platter (tacos and other Mexican fare).

The Chocolate Fudge is great dessert option. You could also smoke the hookah here if you like.

The damages

On an average, vegetarian dishes are priced between Rs 85 to 110 per plate and non-vegetarian dishes, Rs 95 to 120. The portions are more than satisfying; one plate is really enough for two people.

So, for a vegetarian meal (I am vegetarian) for two, you would cough up approximately Rs 325 to Rs 370.

The garnish

This isn't a self-service place, and the waiters are friendly and cooperative.

The ambience is just wonderful. You have upbeat music mixed by a deejay. There is soft lighting and the interiors are a modern fusion of East and West. The tables are trendy, as is the cutlery, and the walls have a unique texture.

You have a 'show' kitchen, which is separated from the seating area by a glass panel. This allows you to see how the food is being cooked.

You have tables for two, four people and family-size tables too. The place emits an aura of cleanliness and warmth.

The restaurant is managed by Balaz Verge, who is from Hungary.

Rating

On a scale of one to 10:

Food: 9

Service: 9

Address

36, Alkapuri Society
Near HDFC Bank
Off R C Dutt Road
Vadodara -- 390 007

Phones: (0265) 2322963, 5520905

Samish Dalal, 31, CEO, management consulting firm Scud Marfin Private Limited, lives in Vadodara.

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