Trishna

Hype and hoopla surrounds this seafood joint in Fort. Sports legends, Hollywood and Bollywood stars, Presidents and heads of state of various countries have all dined on the seafood here! I ate at this award-winning restaurant to check if there is hope behind the hype and came away happy and contented. It continues to be packed to the gills. The seating isn't comfortable at this twin-halled, air-conditioned eatery, tucked away in a grotty lane of Mumbai's business district, and it can get crammed and noisy because it's always packed (reservations are needed), but the focus here is on the food. I love wearing the black bib (they give) and getting my fingers into the King Crabs (ask for crab crackers and marrow spoons too!), savouring throughout their lusty garlic and butter flavours. Other must-order items that remain as good as ever: superb Hyderabadi Pomfret, delicious Bombil Fry, Prawn Gassi and luscious Dal Hyderabadi. Squids, crabs, pomfret, rawas, lady fish, surmai, lobster, jumbo prawns, shark, chicken and veggie dishes meet Tandoori, Schezwan, Chinese Sauce, Koliwada, Chilli-Garlic Masala, Butter and Pepper 'n' Garlic to form various spectacular combinations (and prices to match, especially with crab!). This time we actually check out the Chinese food (yes the omnipresent Chindian) and find it as chatpata as ever. Lousy Caramel Custard, but sweet and spongy hot Gulab Jamun here. A must visit.