Ku Kooch Ku

Last evening, I had to get some chicken tikka as a dinner side at home. I was thinking of getting it from Harvest Club. We have tried it before and it is close to home. But somehow during the day, Borawake's Ku Kooch Ku came to my mind. It has been years that I have eaten the tandoori chicken from Borawake's. So, I decided to get the tikka from Borawake's. 

The joint is still in the same place opposite the Deccan Gymkhana bus stand. It is small and the tandoor and the "kitchen" is besides the coupon counter. Earlier, it used to be behind the counter. The seating is also restricted to about 4-5 tables in front of the coupon counter. 

I went and checked the menu. They had Chicken Tikka (6 pieces) for Rs.120. A half Tandoori Chicken was for Rs.115. I paid for the tikka. Was thinking of also trying out the Paneer tikka, but the manager said it was over.

Handed the coupon to the "kitchen" manager and sat in one of the empty chairs. Asked the manager if there is a renovation going on for the place. He said "shejaari complex hotay!",  gesturing to the building construction going on besides. I asked him again if the joint will remain this way. Then he replied that they are going to shift into the new complex when its complete. 

The tikka was ready in 15 minutes, packed in an aluminium foil box. All the while I was sitting there, I could not resist looking at the marinated chicken, skewered and kept hanging in the "kitchen". There was rain all day and the climate was perfect for a Borawake's Tandoori Chicken!!! Some other time!!! Definitely!!! :-)

Back home, got cleaned up ASAP and then tasted the chicken tikka! It was tender, nicely marinated, nicely roasted, smoky and DELICIOUS!!! Moreover, there was no red color on it. With some lemon juice on it and onion on the side, it was a treat!!! Delightful!!! 

After having got used to certain preparations and standards of foods in the US, I had met with many disappointments here in Pune. Darshan was the biggest of all. But Borawake's has definitely lived up to its reputation. I wish I had clicked a picture of the tikka for you to see. Maybe, next time with the tandoori chicken. ;-p

~Sandeep