A delight in its own

I believe khichuri to be the best food in the whole wide world. If possible, I would eat khichuri all day, every day, all throughout the year. In fact, rather than being considered food, it should be considered an experience.

Imagine having a plate full of khichuri in front of you, steaming hot. The amount of turmeric in it is just perfect, not overwhelming at all. To savour each quarter of it, the side dishes are — one classic deshi styled omelette, two pieces of begun bhaja, tomato bhorta, and a small bowl of spicy beef gravy. Did I forget to mention about the spicy mango pickle? Well, you get that too. As dessert, you either have an option of having mishti doi or chilled roshmalai. Now if that is not an experience, then nothing can be!

This scenario is not imaginary but something I first encountered a few years ago in Bhoj. Favourite among the local residents and office goers, Bhoj is in Segun Bagicha, east of Shilpakala Academy.

Sadly, khichuri, the restaurant's best offering, is only served during lunch time. Other lunch options are chicken biriyani, kachchi biriyani and plain rice. Usually they have an assortment of bhortas, each of them a tongue pleaser. The fish fries are quite delectable. 

The best part of eating out at Bhoj is that whenever you go there, they have plenty of tasty food ready to serve. They have a four-part menu, each unique for a specific time of the day.

Number of items are significantly higher during dinner. Options during that time is dominated by Indian foods. The combination of Aloo Parata, Mutton Rogan Josh and Sweet Lassi for dinner can make your Thursday nights extremely pleasing.

The evening snacks are however kept light. Rolls, samosas and other fried food appear to be almost oil-free.

The main reason I personally prefer Bhoj is for its service. The wait staff are extremely cordial with a smile. Plates and utensils are clean. Its minimalistic approach of a décor is always kept spick and span. The food presentation is nothing fancy but very organised.

A big deviant from the crowded and noisy Indian eateries in Gulshan, Banani and Dhanmondi, Bhoj is somewhere people can go for a quiet munch. No wonder it's a sheer favourite!

Photo: LS Archive/Sazzad Ibne Sayed