Restaurant Review: Moksha

This is it. My lunch at this Chembur restaurant was certainly my most heart-warming meal ever. It was also the first time that a 15-year-old discerning foodie gave me his invaluable palate opinion. Siddharth Bakshi sparkled our lunch with his knowledge, wit and warmth making it impossible to realise that he is facing learning difficulties and is a student of the amazing not for profit Gateway School of Mumbai for children with special needs. And this is exactly what the gorgeous, inspirational founder Indira Bodani (whose son has many challenges) and the co-principals aim to achieve; not just to help them be independent but also be productive members of the society.
We had great fun and delicious lunch that zigzagged between dim sum, Rogan Josh and Nasi Goreng. And Siddharth, who cooks really well and exchanges recipes in school, had an opinion on each dish. Our review follows…

DECORPlonked on the first floor of small-budget Jewel of Chembur Hotel, this compact eatery is comfy and functional with tones of brown and burgundy.

FOOD
Surprises galore! Robustly spiced succulent Tangdi Kebab and subtle and thin-skinned steamed Dim sum too (ask for the chicken and vegetarian). Do try the Tandoori Davaat with a choice of well-spiced and tasty Mutton Seekh, Chicken Afghani and Chicken Tikka. Mutton Rogan Josh is dense with flavour and masala and is delightful when mopped with Tandoori Roti. Chaat lovers delight in the tangy, Aloo Chaat, the creamy soft Dahi Vada drizzled with tamarind chutney. The VFM non-veg thali (`475 with three non-veg and as many veg dishes) is a must try. Since it is part of the “festival season”, it is being discontinued at the end of the month. Tasty and gluten-free Chocolate Gooey Cake and the velvety Chocolate Ganache, too.

MINUS POINTS
The kitchen misses the mark completely when it dishes out its impostor versions of Thai Curry and Nasi Goreng. Murg Maskawala lacks the Kasoori Methi flavour; Kheema Mutter has no punch and the Baked Cheesecake could do with more of the Philadelphia cheese.

MY POINT
If only they’d introduce the thaalis (`475/425) permanently and either improve or remove the exotic Oriental dishes. Kudos Ashish Sajnani for the consistently good quality, moderately-priced, robust North Indian offerings of kebabs, gravies and chaats. From gluten-free Chocolate Cake to dim sum... Moksha is a happy surprise in Chembur.
PS: It was inspirational! I refer to my visit to this one of its kind cheerful, motivational nurturing Gateway school, located in Chembur. It sprawls over one acre, bustles with 68 confident children and almost as many qualified teachers and therapists and each child is the star. Therein lies its magic.