Malaka Spice

Malaka Spice has become somewhat of an institution in Pune, a reflection of the passion of Cheeru and Praful Chandawarkar, the owners who have laboured from a small space in Lane 6 to a large sprawling restaurant in the next lane. They seem to have the right formula for success in this city - a good menu driven by passion which caters to the local tastebuds. As for the food, Malaka Spice has been serving consistently good Oriental food for several years. The Chicken Yakitori, boneless chicken on skewers in a soya, mirin and sugar marinade, is quite authentic, and the old favourite Chicken in Pandanu Leaves is always a winner. Krathak are good-sized prawns wrapped in a spring roll and deep-fried. And quite irresistible is the Satay Javanese, boneless chicken flattened on skewers and served with a peanut sauce. Soups like Tom Yum Kung, and Prawn and Spinach Soup are satisfying. Try the Grilled Thai Mutton Chops in a peppery marinade, Top Hats are a signature, Mutton Pepesan, an Asian version of the Galouti Kebab, Duck Salad, Whole Red Snapper and Tiger Pprawns. Other dishes to try are the Lamb and Duck Stir-Fries, and the Mee Siam, one pot noodle soup. The salads here are always fresh. The prices are still unbelievably reasonable for this kind of food.