The review was first published in Bangalore Mirror. Though the tattv remains the same, the presentation has been changed 😉
For those familiar with Umerkot in Koramangala, this one belongs to the same family – AST foods. Gautam had mentioned this earlier to me, and given me enough of a glowing recommendation to warrant a visit before the official review. So I dropped in on a Sunday that also saw me ogling at Harley Davidson bikes and merchandise and then dragging the vehicle to fix a puncture. No, not the Harley, my Activa. 😀
Tattv is on Lavelle Road, just before Mocha, Java City and above Barista Lavazza. That’s one crossroad to be at when coming down Lavelle Road. If you go back, Shezan and 3 Storys, turn left and there’s Spiga, The Egg Factory, (one way notwithstanding) turn right for Khansama and other UB City splendours, and go straight for coffee floods and Tattv. What we chose, is elementary.
If you, like my guests for the day, agree that valet parking on Lavelle Road is a boon in itself, then consider yourself blessed. A stylised yet understated ambiance, using red, gold and black to good effect. The stone jaalis, the jharokhas and the menu with the golden tinge, all lend a touch of class to the place and ensure a setting that matches the richness of the food. Vegetarians would specially appreciate the different colored drinking glasses. And if you get the seats that face the road, you also get a view of the Harley Davidson store. 🙂
According to various Indian schools of philosophy, a “Tattv” is an element or aspect of reality conceived as an aspect of deity. Wikipedia agrees, but when a menu says that on the front page, you wonder if the heavy, deity food for thought will overshadow the real reason for visiting the restaurant – the dietary aspect. Thankfully that elementary part of a good dining experience– great food, is completely taken care of at this new restaurant on Lavelle Road.
The idea here is to present cuisine samplings from across the sub continent and Central Asia, using five culinary elements. So you find Goa mixing with Rajasthan and Kerala with Lebanon in the same menu section. Intrigued? Here’s the menu (click to enlarge)
As you can see, it consists principally of five culinary elements – Tandoor, Sigri, Tawa, Kadhai and Curries. Though there are enough choices that tempt you to consider a kebab-only meal, there are many main course dishes that will vie for your attention too. The Bhutte ke kebab with its tender corn is a great start for the vegetarians. The Tandoori Tamatar Shorba, though, was particularly bland and conspicuously absent was the tomato flavour. For the non vegetarians, the mutton seekh kebab, with pomegranate as the surprise element, is quite a good choice, as is the Murgh ki Chaanpan, with its dash of paprika.
Among the main course dishes, the Dal Makhni, was a favourite. But the Dum Olav, though promised as a spicy curry, turned out sweetish. The Machli Dum Pukht, seer fish stuffed with salmon, and the Laal Maas with an obvious red chilli base, are must-have items. The Murgh Dhaniwal paled in comparison to the non veg titans! The light-as-a-cloud Gilafi Kulcha, and the ghee laden heavy Warqi Paratha are both good, but the Ulta Tawa Paratha steals the show.
And if all that’s not enough, some unique desserts seriously compound your worries on what to focus on while ordering. there’s no pardon if you haven’t left space for the sinful Chocolate Gujia, and if you’re not really a chocoholic, you could try the Gulab Jamun stuffed with Gulkand.
On the cost front, for Rs.1500, you could share a non veg starter, a couple of non veg main course dishes accompanied by a few rotis, and a dessert. When you consider the quality of food and the ambiance, the cost does seem justified.
Tattv gets a high five and is definitely worth a visit on all counts. Great food, classy ambiance, courteous staff and some splendid music together ensure that all the elements are in place for a great experience.
Tattv, 1st Floor, 25/4, Lavelle Road, Bangalore – 1. Tel: 41552225