The latest watering hole for those on the lookout for a north Indian meal is Chhappan Bhog at Asilmetta.
It is predominantly a sweet shop but has just the right additions to make it a little bit more than that. Along with the mandatory namkeen, kachori, dhokla and pav bhaji, Chhappan Bhog will also serve you a thali or a roti-sabji combo.
Following passion: Meenal Agrawal, owner of Chhappan Bhog
Meenal Agarwal who owns Chhappan Bhog says it was her dream to start a restaurant and at last she could do it as her kids were grown up enough and she has the time. I decide on the Makke ki roti and Sarson sa saag — a rarity in Visakhapatnam.
- Hits Makke ki roti aur sarson ka saag, thali and kheer chamcham
- Misses Dhokla
- Cost ₹50 to ₹ 300 per person
- 63035 72988
In few minutes, the crispy roti and piping hot saag arrive with generous amount of ghee in the saag (I did miss the butter on my roti). Fortunately, the spices such as the garam masala and the ginger and garlic are used with a light hand leaving ample room for the natural taste of mustard greens to shine through. The combo is served with seasonal vegetable pickles. Something Meenal is very proud of. “People often ask for a second serving of the pickle. Some have even suggested I start selling it,” she says.
Food has a flavour of home and that is because they prepare it exactly the same way it is prepared in her home, says Meenal. And indeed the food is prepared the way it is made it at her home. It would be hard to argue against it after you taste aloo-jeera, chole bhature, raita and dal makhani all look wholesomely homemade. But in case you are on a low-salt diet, do remember to tell them while placing your order. The thali includes which includes shahi paneer, dal makhani, three rotis, rice, raita, papad and a peda.
No wonder, the three-month-old restaurant is garnering a lot of appreciation. “There are many workspaces in Asilmetta. As a result, many people come regularly. I’m glad to have built some goodwill in such a short time,” says a grateful Meenal. Weekdays are especially busy she says.
Bivor Bagaria, says he comes at least once a week ever since Chappan Bhog opened.“Many people claim to have ghar jaisa khana but only few actually do. Chhappan Bhog’s food is simple and tasty.”
The sweet shop: (top to bottom) Kheer chamcham, rasmalai and rabadi
I wrapped-up my session at Chhappan Bhog with their most selling sweets — kheer chamcham, rasmalai and rabdi. Just like Meenal, my favourite sweet was the kheer chamcham made with creamy milk and moderate sugar.