Food review: Gajalee is for seafood addicts

Gajalee, synonymous with coastal delicacies is situated in the heart of Vile Parle. Over the years, the chain has expanded with the addition of three more restaurants at Parel, Juhu and Andheri West. But my favourite has always been the one at Vile Parle.
I have been to Gajalee a couple of times in the past few years.

The influence this restaurant has over its customers can be seen from the stretched queues with approximately 20-30 minutes waiting, especially on weekends! But all your worries about the waiting time is put to rest  once you are seated and the food is served!

Ambience: Well-spaced tables give you enough privacy as well as a view of the entire restaurant from wherever you are sitting. Floor to ceiling glass windows allow you to look over the busy traffic even as they shut out the sound of it. Soft lighting and comfortable seating add to the ambience.

Food: The highlight of the restaurant is its coastal cuisine. One can experience the delight of live seafood that is brought to your table for you to choose the size. They display the catch of crabs and tiger prawns before serving you.

From my recent visits to the place, here is what I dined: Their crab soup is delicious and a wonderful appetiser. The Butter Pepper Pomfret was excellent. Nice tender flakes, nicely baked in butter, just enough hints of pepper and garlic, and slight charring of skins that add to the taste. If you like your Bombils perfectly crunchy,

Gajalee is your best bet. The tandoori  crab is unbelievable  and is the peak of gastronomical ecstasy. The Green Chilli Crabs is an extraordinary dish (a must try). Other than the tandoor, the tangy prawn curry (with coconut base) goes well with both chapati and steamed rice.

There is a variety of fried fish too. The vegetarians need not worry, as the menu offers a wide range of veg dishes too. Paneer Makhanwala and Vegetable Kolhapuri top my ranks since they are delicious and quite spicy to boot. Sol kadi, a kokum-flavoured, pink-coloured aperitif — a Mumbai staple — goes perfectly with your food plate here.

Service:  The service is efficient and friendly, though it may be a tad bit slow on weekends. The cordial staff ensures to dilute your long waits to get your table.  What I like is that unlike most seafood/ coastal restaurants, these people are committed to make sure you have a good time.

Verdict:  Every time I go,  I try a new dish and I find it hard to find even a single thing that’s below outstanding! The fish are fresh, the cooking is clean, and the taste is mouthwatering. You have to just go get it!

Raveena Tandon is an actress and a foodie.

Rating: ****
Meal for two: Rs 1,500 to 2,000
Gajalee
Kadamgiri Complex, Hanuman Road
Vile Parle East
Call: 022 26166470