At first glance, Swaraj Indian Cuisine doesn’t look like much more than a stereotypical Indian restaurant, but when you step inside, it transports you to a cultural getaway.
The ambiance of the place is a surprising and refreshing contrast to the bustle of the street outside. The walls of the restaurant are covered in detailed, hand-painted murals, displaying a visual representation of the different types of Hindu celebrations from all over India.
Aside from the restaurant’s captivating appearance, the food took me on a journey through the central state of Maharashtra. I started off with a drink–a Maharashtrian take on the classic mango lassi, originating from the state of Punjab. The mango lassi itself was served in a traditional copper glass topped with saffron. The spice’s flavor was very heavy and overpowered the drink so if you are looking for a traditional mango lassi this would not be the drink for you.
On their appetizers menu, I tried the pani puri and chili chicken fromthe chef’s specials. The pani puri wasn’t authentic to India’s street food but was served in a very regal way. It differed from regular pani puri as the potato base was replaced with a Maharashtrian curry of white lentils. Despite being untraditional, I found it to be very flavorful and fresh–a perfect start to a heavier meal.
The chili chicken was also served in a traditional banana leaf, adding to the feeling of authenticity initially felt from the first step into the restaurant. It was spicy and packed a punch when it came to the masala, creating a unique flavor.
Moving on to entrees, I tried the Sukha Mutton and the Saoji Chicken. Both curries were very warm and comforting. The spicy aroma balanced with the crispy roti made it a perfect combination as both dishes were unique and displayed a unique take on styles of cooking in India. The cozy and culture-riddled walls of the restaurant brought back the feeling of childhood nostalgia and warmth, served along with the food.
The owner and founder of the Swaraj Indian Restaurant Ganesh Gaursar, views food as “a journey meant to have no stops, but one that goes on forever.” This mindset echoed throughout my time there, understanding the true meaning of food and the tastes of the memories we make.
