17 December,2010 07:29 AM IST | | Parth Satam
Never mind the high prices, restaurateurs have realised that they would lose customers if they do not serve the staple accompaniment with meals, so when they are asked for more onions, they are dishing them out.
MiD DAY reporter Parth Satam discovered that it is not curtains for onions at several popular eateries in the city.
Nanumal Bhojraj, Tardeo
03:45pm
The restaurant was not too crowded since it was way past lunchtime. I ordered a simple 'jeera rice' and a 'dal fry' the food arrived along with a separate dish containing onions and cucumber. Half way through the meal, I asked for some more onions, to which the waiter readily brought another dish of the accompaniment. I was surprised since we were expecting a polite refusal or at least a little hesitation. When the bill arrived, I discovered that no extra charge was levied.
Sardar Refreshments, Tardeo
04:00pm
Better known as Sardar Pav Bhaji, the place was packed to capacity when I entered. After a five-minute wait, I managed to find a table, and ordered 'pav bhaji' with two 'pavs' to which the waiter curtly warned us that the order would take time since the 'bhaji' was over and had to be cooked afresh. After 10 minutes, the first thing that was served was chopped onions and lemon wedges. After finishing off the dish, I ordered for some more onions and they were brought at no extra cost.
Baghdadi, Colaba
04:45pm
The famous Moghlai joint at Colaba was the only odd place out. Brimming with patrons the restaurant had a lively atmosphere. A prominent board on a wall read: 'Sorry for no onions'. I ordered a half chicken tandoori and decided to try my luck by asking for some onions.
An embarrassed waiter was apologetic as he said no onions.u00a0u00a0
Jai Hind, Currey Road
08:30pm
Famous for traditional Maharashtrian 'Misal Pav', the place was crowded when I entered. I ordered the signature dish and it arrived in a jiffy along with an accompaniment of onions and lemons. After finishing the snack quickly, I ordered some more onions and lemons. I was surprised to discover that the waiter was already on his way with some more since he had guessed that I might ask for seconds. Here too, there was no extra charge.u00a0
