Khandeshi cuisine unleashed -II, at Khandesh Express, Kothrud, Pune

Continuing the hunt for Khandeshi food in Pune brought me in Kothrud. Such fiery hot food is typically liked more by the youngsters than elderly ones. Being host to students from all parts of Maharashtra, Kothrud has a number of outlets serving  Khandeshi Food. But their quality of food, taste and hence popularity has been volatile. The cuisine in itself is perennially popular hence there is  always one or the other restaurant attracting crowd. Khandesh Express is at its peak now a days. Weekends here are especially busy and will test your patience. But wait seems worth as you dig your teeth into luscious pieces of piping hot chicken and mutton. 

Not sure if they have a la carte options as Thalis looked more attractive choice. One can either go with Chicken Thali or Mutton Thali. As elsewhere, both the thalis come in two options. The first one comes with meat cooked in curry itself while the second option has fried chicken – reasonably moist yet not like a gravy.  The chicken pieces are cooked well and absorb the goodness of Masalas on it. What steals the show is of course, beloved rassa in Chicken Thali.  It is fiery hot in terms of temperature as well as taste. So better to have a bunch of tissue papers while you eat it. Can be a great household medicine for chronic cough as they say. The Mutton Thali equally does wonders on palate and the Bhakri accompanying is just a perfect complement.

Vegetarians can also rejoice in the pleasure of quitessential Khandeshi Food – Shev Bhaji. Pithala/Besan is another good option. All of them are super spicy though.

Not heavy on pocket, Khandesh Express is a great way to perk up yourself on a Sunday evening as the thoughts of dreaded Monday mornings start shadowing your mind.