Meat matters in Bandra

Meat eaters rejoice. Your search for the ultimate foodgasm ends here. Tucked in the bylanes of Bandra, you might not even notice if you pass by Meating Joint Imbiss, but at '600 for a meal for two - with every possible meaty combination - you will want to stop and stare.

Beef Roast. Pics/ Sunil Tiwari

In today's time of fancy restaurants, over-priced meals, snooty service and blaring music, Imbiss is a welcome addition to the food capital of Mumbai, Bandra, minus the frivolous frills and fancies.

A quirky indoor and outdoor seating area maximises the available space. The beautiful soft lighting, wall hangings and arty ceiling lights give it an artsy Bohemian feel perfect for a late night romantic meal as well as for socialising, art and food.

The menu at Imbiss is a mix of German-inspired cuisine deliciously peppered with the local traditions of Bandra's Catholic cuisine. It offers a multitude of options and it will be days before you can try them all.

Bavarian Ham and Cheese Sandwich

We begin with the best sandwich on the menu. The Bavarian Ham and Cheese Sandwich (R155) that is essentially thin slices of cured bacon served in farmer's bread grilled with cheese and served in a rich brown stock. It satisfies the senses and it doesn't drip all over you.

The ham isn't scrimped upon and is plenty flavourful. The sandwich has a distinct flavour and is nothing like you've tasted; it is one of the best open sandwiches in the city.

From the smokehouse comes the Beef Roast (R180) that is thick and succulent slices of roast beef dunked in pepper sauce and garnished with caramelised onions.

There is no other well-known British dish than the Roast Beef, and Mumbaikars can now relish the national dish of Great Britain too. This is an extremely slow-roasted brisket, braised in a tangy liquidy pepper sauce base. Perfectly done, it's tender and melts in your mouth - and the flavours are the best I have ever tasted in a beef roast. This little piggy will have their roast beef, over and over again.

Finally the Chicken Escalopes with Fries (R180) comes with flattened chicken breast, crumbed and fried, served with crispy fries drizzled with a generous helping of garlic mayo.

This dish takes the humble chicken breast and transforms it into a piece of deliciousness. The chicken is encrusted with seasoned breadcrumbs and delivers on interesting flavour and a hint of crunchu00a0We also tried the world's spiciest chili (R50) pickle as an afterthought. It cleared out sinuses and cold with just a lick. Enough said.

Eating out
Imbiss
Food: excellent
Service: attentive
Ambience: excellent

At Meating Joint Imbiss, 14, Ben O Lil Haven, Waroda Road, next to St Stanislaus School, off Hill Road, Bandra (W)
Call 26416485
Imbiss didn't know we were there. The Guide reviews anonymously and pays for meals.