Mumbai food: This centralised kitchen in Parel runs 3 takeaway brands!

Bangkok Chicken Pao with Methi Masala pao

When we initial listened of Pao and Bao, we illusory it to be only another eatery, perplexing to money in on a stream food craze, a bao — a feathery steamed bun. But a revisit to their takeaway kitchen in Lower Parel altered a view. In front of us was a setup that looks set to change a Indian food takeaway attention — a centralised kitchen that runs 3 apart takeaway brands — Pao and Bao, Indus Opus and Pan of Asia. We have listened of centralised kitchens before, though not with 3 conflicting smoothness services operative in sync.

Asia in a Box from Pan of Asia. PICS/ BIPIN KOKATE

Kitchen tales
Located during Patel Building nearby a line that leads to Mathuradas Mills Compound from Lower Parel Railway Station, a centralised kitchen can simply be mistaken for a warehouse; with chefs, dressed in 3 conflicting uniforms using around their counters dishing out one plate after another. The setup uses a latest in food record integrating apps, websites and a practical dialing use (that track calls for a 3 kitchens to a centralised call centre) into an always-online indicate of sale system, and has tie-ups with food aggregators like Swiggy and Zomato. It is synergy during a best. But does it come to a food as well? We were to find out.

Chicken Dum Biryani from Indus Opus

Nearly dual weeks after (after we visited a kitchen), we dialled one of a call centre numbers for a order: Anda Pav (Rs 140) in sesame bread, Bangkok Chicken Pao (Rs h Bao — Chicken (Rs 180) and Nirvana Bao (Rs 140). We also called for a plate box, Asia in a Box (Rs 225) from Pan of Asia and a singular apportionment of Chicken Dum Biryani (Rs 195) from Indus Opus. The sequence was large, though it arrived within a betrothed one-hour slot.

Kali Mirch Bao from Pao and Bao

Take a bao
With a thick egg masala omelette and spinach-flavoured mayo, placed inside a thick sesame pao (methi masala pao is also available), a Anda Pao reminded us of a renouned Mumbai omelette pao; solely this chronicle was incomparable and juicier. Likewise, a Bangkok Chicken Pao came with a stuffing of sharp duck mince, layered with crispy onions and peanuts inside a Methi Masala pao. Both dishes make for a full plate and are some-more stuffing than an normal burger.

However, if oil is a concern, we suggest any of a baos on a menu. We had systematic a Kali Mirch Bao in chicken. It came with duck pieces tossed in a black peppers sauce, and a covering of crispy onion. Though somewhat spicy, it combined a piquant hold to a meal.

Looks can be deceiving, and a Nirvana Bao from Pao and Bao (also located in Powai and Marol) did well. Though not aesthetically pleasing, with caramelised banana, candied peanuts and chocolate salsa and stewed fruit salad sandwiched between a chocolate-flavoured bao, a Nirvana Bao is an comprehensive delight. As for a rolls, both a Big Apple Roll and a Moroccan Roll played spoilsport in a joyride until then.

Meals in a box
The Asia in a Box from Pan of Asia (also accessible in Andheri) came with a choice of Rice and Noodles; ours had Noodles Stir-fried with Vegetables, Paneer baked in Kung Pao Sauce (you can also select Hot Garlic and Black Bean), a Mini Chocolate Brownie and Kimchi Salad. The noodles in a plate box were baked good and went good with a Kung Pao gravy. However, a spirit was a disappointment. The salad could have been reduction spicy, too.

The Chicken Dum Biryani from Indus Opus (also in Chandivali and Marol) did probity to a expectations. It was gratifying to finally tuck into a biryani where a rice was softly flavoured, with a aromas of spices complimenting a dish. This came as a much-awaited service from a spicy, curried-rice bottom that many restaurants in Parel finish adult apportionment as biryani. The apportionment is sufficient for one chairman and comes accompanied with a gravy. We, however,
didn’t like a packet raita that came with it.

If we are a non-vegetarian operative veteran in Parel, who is fed adult of Malwani options or takeaways refusing to conduct towards Lalbaug and Currey Road, this setup comes as a godsend.

AT Patel Building, belligerent floor, nearby Mathuradas Mill Compound, conflicting Fish Market, Lower Parel (W).
CALL 65563100 (Pao Bao), 65906666 (Pan of Asia) and 61646464 (Indus Opus).
LOG ON TO Paoandbao.com, Indusopus.com and PanofAsia.in
Pao and Bao, Pan of Asia and Indus Opus didn’t know we were there. a beam reviews anonymously and pays for a meals

Related Posts

• Citing sporting icons, experts speak about how to stay ease in vicious moments
• In speak with Sathya Saran, author of `Breath of Gold: Hariprasad Chaurasia`
• Cosplay and fun: Attend this two-day pop-up in Mumbai this weekend