Cat had been to Nasik recently. Cat had wonderful experience - The auto drivers, shopkeepers, common people, hotel staff, everyone is so positive and helpful that cat is completely amazed.
During education days CAT spent more than 6 months in this city... those old memories of dosa at canada corner, sabudana vada, sev bhaji, Nescafe pastry are so fresh even today.
While entering the city (early morning 4 am) after nearly Ten years there was a mixed feeling - a thought just brushed "are these college-time good things gone now? Especially after seeing the bridges, huge roads, buses, etc...(fear of urbanization?)...
The following places convinced me - that Nasik still retains its charm and the style.
Vishwa Point - Mahila Griha Udyog:
You are promised to get excellent homely, tasty, huygenic and fresh food at this place.
Kande Pohe - remind CAT the one that are perfect 'Sunday Pohe'.
Misal - very good - with all possible healthy pulses; it brings in the unique taste.
Sabudana Khichadi - will force you to go on holy fast.... just awesome. The special cucumber raita is really USP, it just fits in so well with the taste.
Thalipith - will directly remind you of your grand-mom - who would offer 'Home made Butter (LONI)'.
Their are other options as well; however CAT also has limitation on how much to eat in a go.
The specialty of this place lies in - presentation with the apt side choice (just what is needed, not more, not less e.g. Chutney with poha and thalipith, dahi and cucumber raita with khichadi).
The seasonal dishes are the cherry on the top - we were fortunate to enjoy Gavhachi Kheer (Wheat Kheer). Puranpoli, Aliv and Dink Ladu are other such seasonal specialties here.
This place is "Foodie-CAT recommendation" in Nasik. CAT is happy to shout "Miyaon" here.
Sai Chhatra Pan - Maghai Pan Samrat
If you are pan lover + you are in Nasik - you will get blessed by 'Sai Chatra'.
To end the day with the amazing 'Maghai Sada Pan', CAT was guided to 'Sai Chatra'.
Mere entry to the shop convinces you that you are going to get one of the great Pan in your lifetime.
Extremely calm approach of the owner - just similar to the 'Niranjana' / 'Diya' that welcomes you and good attention to all your instructions - coupled with a particular approach in Pan-making makes it 'The THING' you are waiting for.
There are flavor chutney options available. The masala pan gets served in the 'Drona' - CAT honestly believes that - Drona and Palas-Pan brings the natural sense to Pan... those foils, sweets-box, butter paper wraper takes out the fun.
Pan is "Shringar" and it has to be presented like an ornament - WHOLA: just look at the presentation at "Sai Chhatra" - would you still dare to say no???
Flavored Chutney, Packaging, availability of different supari (including chips), availability of all type of pans at any given time makes it a "Foodie-CAT recommendation".
CAT is delighted to chew a pan here - with an agreement that Sai Chhatra is "Maghai Pan Samrat", CAT is happy to shout "Miyon" here.
wonderful people, wonderful food - it's Nasik.
Miyon.
