It’s fair to say, finding a plate of pocket-friendly dal-roti in Visakhapatnam is still like finding needle in a haystack. Especially if you like your rotis served warm. But luckily for us, we found Shree Shyam, a homely eating place, where one can enjoy a meal in peace.
Rajesh Sharma, the owner says, “My father started this place 20 years ago, after handing over the family business of sweets to his brothers. Since then we have been serving north Indian meals because there hasn’t been much demand for Rajasthani cuisine. However, we take orders if someone requests us to make dal baati or kichadi kadhi for 10 or more people.” According to him, the restaurant is most busy during lunch hours.
I order the largest thali on the menu with a glass of lassi. It looks legit. In many places a portion of sambar finds itself included in the thali, but not here. Instead, its got all the favourites from up North.
I am served matar paneer, the classic aloo ki sabji, mixed vegetable, yellow dal, jeera rice, dahi boondi, chopped onions, aloo paratha, missi roti, chapati and gulab jamun.
I start with aloo paratha and curd, and what a delightful combination this is.. The paratha goes just as well with yellow dal and matar paneer.
The crunchy top layers of the paratha conceal within a piping hot filing of mashed potato redolent with a dash of red chilli powder. I finish the paratha in a matter of seconds.
The mixed vegetable has more gravy than vegetables and is a bit too watery. After tasting the mixed vegetable, to undo its after-taste I reach out for the lassi and stop with just one sip as it’s too sour.
Next, I try the missi roti and chapati. But they fade in comparison to the paratha. The matar paneer and dal are just right. For anyone who has a soft corner for home-style dal rice, the jeera dal here is sure to flood you with memories of a lazy afternoon meal at home.
My dinner ends with the delicious gulab jamun. It’s got the perfect texture — it’s not too soft or hard and thankfully isn’t over powered by the sugar syrup either.
