Restaurant Review: Chaat Zara (Mangalore)

Published by 12 Comments

I love Chaats! I never knew something like this existed till I came to India for college. I used to stay in hostel during that period of time and my roomie was from Delhi. She used to crib about not getting good Dilli-waali chaats in Mangalore but she wanted me to try it nonetheless. So one Sunday when we were in first year, she dragged me(there were a series of dragging incidents and this was just one of them) to discover what Chaat really was. At that time in Mangalore there were no good Chaat 'haunts'. Now there are so many. So we went to a local gaadi outside our college and ate the most crappiest chaat so happily on the street. It was an explosion of flavours inside the mouth and even though I cannot compare that to a real chaat, I quite enjoyed it. It cost, I think maybe, around Rs.10 for a plate at that time.
Fast Forward couple of years, Mangalore is brimming with shops that cater to only selling chaats and this review is all about just one of them. Chaat Zara.
It's located close to Canara College and that's how I saw it when I passed by one day. Initially when it was inaugurated people were raving about the amazing chaats so I took my time and went a year or two later, I think.
I liked the look of the place, though the seating was quite congested. People streamed in from the nearby colleges and the crowd comprised mostly students.
I think on the day I went to check it out, things were not going so great for them. I saw one or two flies, the ac was not working so the door was left open, the place wasn't as clean as expected. I could see the flies sitting on the covered food trays. The impression was to make things look neat and clean but I was not happy with the hygiene. I am sure they use good oil to cook( I hope). So I decided to order Bhel Puri. If it was good I thought I'd try Sev Puri too. Many people ordered Paani Puri but I wasn't sure with all the flies, I was too squirmish. But it looked like the hot favourite there.
It took them quite a while to make it and my mouth was watering as soon as I saw it. But I was very disappointed with the first crunch. It wasn't crunchy at all, it was quite soggy  like the rice puffs were lying in the sauce for a while. It was not stale but it was not tasty and it did not have that awesome tangy kick to it. I was sorely disappointed.
I think they have some nice delicacies too but after the first round I didn't want to try anything more and made a hasty exit. I think it might have cost me around Rs.25-30. I can't remember. But I thought I will not write off this place so soon, I will give it another chance and probably visit next year. Hopefully by then they will have the ac working, the flies all booted out, a better chef and work on the hygiene. Until then I will continue visiting my usual chaat place which serves way better bhel puris for the same price :)
If you guys have had better luck with this place, do let me know. 
But do tell me where you have eaten the best chaats. I might want to tickle my tongue some time :)

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12 comments

  1. NieshaDecember 8, 2013 at 1:12 PM

    I hope the next time you visit that place, its much more neat and hygienic. I feel like going for a bhel or sev puri right now. :)

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    1. coralcrueDecember 8, 2013 at 2:26 PM

      Even me, I can't stay away from tongue ticklers. Hope you are having a great Sunday, Niesha :)

      Delete
  2. Megha SarafDecember 8, 2013 at 5:30 PM

    Mouth watering post. I too hate why the restaurants keep their gates open :(

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    1. coralcrueDecember 8, 2013 at 11:10 PM

      Hi, Megha. Yes and then they find it even more tough to get rid of the pests! lol

      Delete
  3. UnknownDecember 9, 2013 at 10:44 AM

    I am craving chaats after reading this!!! Absolutely best thing in thw world!! :) :)

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    Replies
    1. coralcrueDecember 12, 2013 at 2:15 AM

      I know, Abhida, what's your favourite chaat place?

      Delete
  4. Lisha B.December 10, 2013 at 1:13 PM

    Made me crave for a papdi chaat uaaaaan! If u come to Delhi then do visit BTW ..the best tikki and chaat in the world!!

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    Replies
    1. coralcrueDecember 12, 2013 at 2:16 AM

      hahahhaa Lee, I will definitely keep a look out for BTW. Can't wait to come to Delhi some time. It's been ages and I've been there only once!! but i loved it!!

      Delete
  5. Reubenna DuttaDecember 12, 2013 at 12:05 PM

    When I studied in Indore, I had the best chaats near Saraafa Bazar. I really miss that

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  6. UnknownDecember 12, 2013 at 6:41 PM

    Yep..I wish they improve..This post reminded me of my stay at Mangalore a year back..Awesome place it is :) And I have a weakness for bhelpuris...Going to have it now :) ;)

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  7. MeghanaDecember 16, 2013 at 2:13 PM

    oh. wow. ur post made my mouth water. I loved the masala puri among all items.

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  8. KalyaniDecember 17, 2013 at 3:34 AM

    The first picture looks divine!! aah.. to have an authentic chaat again..I just hopped over to your blog and like your posts and ideas:-)
    Kalyani
    klassystylefiles.blogspot.com.au

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