As with any Mumbaikar, the name Kamat is not new to me. Legacy is the exact word that comes to mind when I think of their illustrious culinary ventures. So, needless to say, I was excited to see what their Nariman Point chapter had in store for us. To say that it felt like I was transported to a quaint corner of South India as soon as I entered Kamats Legacy sounds like a cliche but that is exactly how it felt.
Kamats Legacy: First Impressions And Memories
Given that it serves authentic South Indian fare, I rather expected the interiors to be reminiscent of the region. What I didn’t expect was to feel nostalgic, especially since I’ve spent almost all of my life right here on the West Coast. Nevertheless, those were the feelings I was confronted with. I went there with my mother and my aunt both of whom were excited for what was to come.
With framed Kanjivaram saris adorning the walls and ambient Carnatic music playing in the background, we knew we were in for an unforgettable experience. Soon enough, the banana leaves were spread in front of us and our culinary odyssey to South India began. Our first stop was the tangy and spicy Rasam. Already impressed, it wasn’t long before our bowls of Rasam were empty.
Luckily, we had already ordered and our coy-yet-kind server, Heena, was ready with our next dish, Kanchipuram Idli. She also served us three different types of Podis which already dotted our table, Karuveppilai (Curry Leaf), Milagai (Gun Powder) and Ellu (Black Sesame) Powder.
I recognised Ellu Podi from my time in Hyderabad where it was often served as an accompaniment with vadas. At the time though, I was completely ignorant about its nature. Finding this condiment at the restaurant that day and learning about it felt like meeting an old friend and getting to know them all over again.
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A Journey That Only Got Better
Once the Kanchipuram Idli came, the other dishes, too, followed. One by one, Sambar, (more) Rasam, Mysore Masala Dosa, Poondu Dosa, Onion Tomato Uttappa and the star of the show, Vitthal Vada, all appeared on our leaves. There were also three types of chutneys, coriander chutney, tomato chutney, and roasted chilli and coconut chutney, all of which looked no less than jewels fit for a crown.
If we were intimidated at the prospect of eating an item in the “wrong” way, Heena put our anxieties to rest by being our guide on our culinary journey. The dosas were crisp and perfectly spiced. The pillowy idli was the perfect vehicle for the slightly sweet and well-flavoured sambar. If it took us some time to go through the items it was solely because of the abundant quantity and not because of want of flavour.
The Vitthal Vada, which was patented for a long time we were told, undoubtedly shone the brightest. Topped with a generous helping of curd, the vada was embellished with sev (or pusa as it is called in Telugu) and pomegranate arils. It was a savoury and tangy treat that every chaat lover is sure to adore.
Our Rich Ghee-Laden Dessert Experience
Our meals were accompanied by Andhra Chhach which was a savoury and refreshing treat, very welcome after the ghee-laden meal we’d just had. Not long after, we found ourselves thumbing through the menu again for dessert. We ordered a Jigar Thanda and Pasi Paruppu Halwa. Jigar Tthanda was made with Almond milk, rice, and coconut. It wasn’t too sweet which is what I loved about it.
Pasi Paruppu Halwa was what ultimately won our hearts. We ordered it on special recommendation and we’re so glad we did! The main ingredient of the halwa was dal, which melted as soon as it entered our mouths, and what was left was a pleasant and delicate scent of ghee that lingered on our tongues.
How could we end a South Indian meal without having Filter Kappi? So that’s what we did. Refreshed by the strong flavour and scent of the coffee, we made our way out of the restaurant, amply thanking our hosts. I say amply but compared to the gratitude we felt, our thanks seemed quite negligible. We headed to Nariman Point which is only a few minutes walk away from the restaurant to spend the rest of our day watching the waves and tiny crabs on the rocks.
About Kamats Legacy
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A venture by The VITS Kamats Group, Kamats Legacy at Nariman Point is their second outpost. Their first chapter was unveiled in Bhandup where it continues to serve authentic food from five South Indian states, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. And now, through this latest Nariman Point outlet, they are poised to serve SoBo with the same passion for hospitality which has earned them their legacy.
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So if you’re ever craving some authentic South Indian fare accompanied by smiling faces, head to Kamats Legacy at Nariman Point.
Where: Nariman Point
When: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: ₹1,000 for two approx.
Cover Image Credits: Tooba Shaikh
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