ITP Indian Travel Places: Food, Travel, Tourism Business Events and Trade Shows
Address: 3rd Floor, Trade View Building, Kamala Mills, Lower Parel, Mumbai
Time: 12 Noon to 1 AM
Meals for two: Rs. 1,500
Cuisines: North Indian, Continental, Indian, Rajasthani
Facilities: Wheelchair Accessible, Full Bar Available, Disabled Friendly, Private Dining Area Available, Live Music, Valet Parking Available, Dance Floor, Nightlife, Serves Cocktails, Smoking Area, Wifi, Restricted Entry, Above 18 Only, Serves Jain Food, Live Sports Screening
Question: What does the founding royal family of Bikaner have in common with Rajinikanth and Lungi Dance? The name Talaiva? Not really. Don’t get misled by the name (like I was). Talaiva is not about Rajinikant, nor does it have anything in common with (my favorite song) ‘Lungi Dance’. Instead it refers to a Palace, Talaibagh in Rajasthan, and along with the palace, you get royalty — the young and charming Nidhishwar Singh Bika who is always at the restaurant to greet you. I went unannounced, and both times, he was present.
Talaiva, Lower Parel, Mumbai: DECOR
Walk or take the lift up to the third floor and the facade with its golden falcon, the rising sun, a Ganesha idol greet you. Purple back-lit bar, dimly lit interiors studded with carvings, mirrors and unique textures complete the decor.
Talaiva, Lower Parel, Mumbai: FOOD
Enter the “Culinary Kothi” (that’s what the restaurant area is called) and you’re in for a surprise. It’s not just about Rajasthani fare, but well-made prawns lacquered with nose tingling Wasabi are tongue tinglingly good. Happily, even the pizza (though it could do with more goat’s cheese) is tasty. But it’s the ‘Maas Ka Soola’, the traditional Rajasthani Mutton Kebab that is brilliantly marinated and dreamily succulent. The mild and subtly spiced Safed Maas is better than the fiery Laal Maas. Chicken Kebab with its achari vibrancy delights. Vegetarians are taken care of. Flavorsome Daal and Papad Mangodi have just the right flavor. The mellow with ghee Gajjar Ka Halwa delights.
Talaiva, Lower Parel, Mumbai: MINUS POINTS
Disco lights and dim lighting at night, especially at weekends distract from the dining experience. A mishmash of Rajasthani and Continental comfort fare. Stodgy Beetroot Galouti. My favourite Baati is stuffed with Kheema and vegetables. I prefer the traditional version. The gloopy Biryani disappoints the most, as do the Western desserts.
Talaiva, Lower Parel, Mumbai: MY POINT
It’s not just about the Talaibagh (read Talaiva) Palace food here. It’s about drinking, dining and dancing! Disco lights, DJ music and entertainment in the nights (I went back a second night only to check this and Talaiva was packed). Plenty of innovative cocktails, too.
However, if it’s the Rajasthani cuisine dining experience you’re looking for, then this is not where you head to. And considering that Jaideep Singh Bika, the owner of Talaibagh Palace, Amer, and his son Nidhishwar Singh Bika have generations of Rajasthani recipes, it’s great that we got a taste of some of those. It would be even better if we could get a more extensive taste. Till then, this must be the only Royal Rajasthani cuisine restaurant, which transforms into a disco at night. Which brings me back to where I started dancing and singing … Talaivaaaa!
