It’s 8.40 pm and there was just one table left at Haji Ali Fresh Fruit Juices. We grabbed it and frowned over the menu. Given the variety on offer, it was difficult to decide but finally settled for Carronge (Carrot and Orange juice, though my husband made a face), Ganga Jamuna (Orange and Sweet Lime juice) and a plain musambi juice for the unadventurous man; a vegetable cheese pizza, pani puri , cheese pav bhaji and vegetable cheese grill sandwich.
The
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- In case anyone is wondering if this is the branch of the famous Mumbai outlet, Shiva Prakash, one of the owners (the others being Hajiali Noufal and Vimal Kumar), clarifies that this is a branch of the Kochi eatery with the same name.
The pizza,
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So I took a second trip, this time with my colleagues. We chose Sev Batatapuri, Chutney Cheese Grill sandwich, Vegetable Cheese Mix Roll and Mushroom Tava Pulao. The sev was fresh and crunchy and the potato mash tangy. The roll was neatly cut into manageable bite-sized pieces, which made it easier to share. Served with a sprinkling of grated cheese, both the roll and the sandwich were very tasty. The pulao, however, was a bit of a let down. Though hot, it didn't have any discernible flavour but was redeemed by the raita . Thick fresh curd, lightly seasoned and filled with chunks of cucumber and tomato, we requested for a second bowl to help us finish the rice.
The highlight of this trip was the fruit with fresh cream. We ordered anjeer, mango and mixed fruit. The first two had the fruit puréed along with the cream and topped with chopped bits, while the last had apple, banana, grape, kiwi, strawberry mixed with cream and served with a dash of cashew and raisins. As desserts go, all three were excellent. The sweetness came from the fruit and the cream was indeed fresh. There was no extra sugar to make the teeth tingle. Again the service was quick and efficient. We left barely 40 minutes after we entered.
- Where: Haji Ali Fresh Fruit Juices, Uday Enclave, Venktachalam Street, off TV Samy Road West, RS Puram
- Hits: Carronge, Cheese Pav Bhaji, Vegetable Cheese Sandwich, Mixed Fruit Cream
- Misses: Mushroom Tava Pulao
- Cost for 2: Between 500 and 800 depending on your choices
- Contact: 0422-4371437
A third visit was just for the the rose falooda was mildly sweet, fresh milk, vermicelli with rose syrup sticking to it... perfect for a hot summer evening.
So if you’re looking for a quick bite, tasty and filling but easy on the pocket, head to Haji Ali.