Tucked in this circuitous borough, HUBERT Vessaoker's kitchen dishes out delightful non-vegetarian savouries at modest prices

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Chapel road's secret is out

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Tucked in this circuitous borough, Hubert Vessaoker's kitchen dishes out delightful non-vegetarian savouries at modest prices

The next time you pass by Chapel Road, Bandra's slice of old-world charm, look out for its many nondescript stalls and take- away services that dot the area; each dish out some of the best-kept secrets from East Indian, Goan and Mangalorean kitchens, in the vicinity.

Hubert Vessaoker along with wife, Rosemary is part of this quiet, enterprising bunch who've been feeding people from Bandra and beyond.

However due to a BMC directive to convert the area into an autorickshaw and hawker-free zone, they moved to a spot closer home, on Chapel Road, about a year ago.
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Every day (except Sundays) their wares go on sale from 5 pm onwards and are sold out by 7.30 pm.

The couple hit upon the idea when Hubert, then out of a job decided to put his culinary skills to better use, on a small scale.

Initially, they sold Foogias (Rs 10 for a pack of 10) and Beef Patties (Rs 25 for a pack of 3) for the churchgoing community around St Peter's Church.

Later, when his wife joined, Beef Cutlets (Rs 8 each), Beef Potato Chops (Rs 8 each), Beef Pan Rolls (Rs 8 each), Fish Cutlets (Rs 8 each), Foogias Pan Cakes (Rs 5 each), Coconut Cakes (Rs 50/ 275 gm) and Chapatis were added.

Hubert and Rosemary hit the kitchen at the crack of dawn and plunge head on once their kids are at school "We prepare these items from original recipes.
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I ensure it is reasonably priced. When ingredients get too expensive I choose not to stock them," Hubert explains. So the Fish Cutlets aren't available daily and Chicken Cutlets, have been discontinued.

When the order reached us, the spread Beef Cutlets Beef Potato Chops and Foogias were devoured in 15 minutes flat.
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The beef mince was well done and held its own, especially in the cutlet and the potato chop versions. The flavours weren't overtly spicy, allowing for the meat to be savoured, as it should be.

The chops were filling and two of these big boys make for a good chomp on the go. The cutlets pleased both the palate and the soul, winning our vote as perfect mood-lifters on a soggy, dull rainy day.

While the Patties looked inviting with their crisply done outer layer, it had less meat in comparison.
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Nevertheless, our beef-inspired snack entourage was complimented by Foogias, the marginally sweetened, rounded East Indian accompaniment made from eggs, maida, coconut juice and toddy.
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Next up, Hubert plans to introduce confectionary and bakery products including croissants. "I'm sure it will do well," he says. Watch this space!

AT Hubert Vessaoker, Enid Apartments, near Lovely Store, 48, Chapel Road, Bandra.
Call 9930699055. Open 5 pm to 7.30 pm (except Sundays).