Never mind the name, or even the location. Kalina's newest no-frills restaurant Chindian Fusion is worth a drop for its robust, delicious desi food. Lndulge!

Nestled in the bylanes of Santacruz, is a small Indian restaurant that doesn't have the flash of some of its suburban counterparts. But where it lacks in elegance and atmosphere, it makes up for in its food. Chindian Fusion's menu spoils you for choice as you browse through an exhaustive choice of north Indian and Chinese offerings.


Mahi Tikka

Judging by the setup, we decided to opt for an Indian meal and started right away with the Tandoori Baby Corn (Rs 110). The baby corn came sprinkled with mixed spices and was perfectly charcoal grilled. Each bite wasu00a0 flavoursome; the crispy baby corn was generously coated with the right proportions of hung curd, red chilies, salt and garam masala, though the garam masala was a tad too much.

The Mahi Tikka (Rs 120) came charcoal grilled with chunks of fillet rawas marinated in ginger, garlic, and yoghurt. The skewered, boneless chunks of fish were well marinated and one could feel the rich aromatic spices in each bite. We only wished it was served with mint and yoghurt chutney; that would've hit the spot as the perfect accompaniment.

But whatever issues we had were buried for good with the arrival of the Murgh Cheesy (Rs 190). Tender, succulent chicken breasts came marinated in garlic paste, ginger, mild spices and stuffed with generous portions of cheese and grilled to a crisp.

The Lagan Ka Qeema (Rs 150) was fresh, fragrant and as seasoned as promised on the menu. Perfumed with garlic paste, yoghurt, onion and ginger, the dish was expertly rendered. The only weak link of the night was the Murgh Lahori (Rs 130). This dish seemed a bit tepid and more Mumbai, than Lucknow. The lack of cashew nuts and the thick consistency of the gravy proved to be a downer. The Roti Tokri (Rs 94) came with an assortment of breads including Garlic Roti, Butter Naan, Lachcha Paratha, Roti and Butter Paratha. Decent. Not spectacular.

At 2, Gwen Apartment, opposite Prakash Jewellers and Axis Bank ATM, Kalina Kurla Road, Santacruz (E). Call 6661952 / 8108532298. Chindian Fusion didn't know we were there. The Guideu00a0reviews anonymously and pays for meals.