The brilliance of Indian food becomes all the more exquisite under the mantle of right chef. It is all about how you tackle the cuisine as every hand can make the same dish differently. It is about perspective and execution. In Indian gastronomy Chef Mukhtar Qureshi is a well-known name and under his firm hand the cuisine as found a new life. To taste his genius one has to visit ‘Neel Indian Kitchen & Bar’ situated at Powai in Central Mumbai. If you want to experience Indian cuisine in its most delicious and traditional form, then Neel Indian Kitchen & Bar is the place to be. The restaurant is immensely famous with the locals, who appreciate the chef’s vision and skills that reflects in his cooking. And as the restaurant is an all-day dining space one can pop in anytime for a bite.

Neel Indian Kitchen & Bar is all about traditional Indian cuisine that hops all over the country and adapts cuisines from Kashmir to Southern Coast with everything in between. The chef uses forgotten spice mixes belonging to old world to bring the food alive and use of ethnic ingredients sets the menu apart from every other Indian restaurant in the city. One has to try their signature cocktails like coastal ride and kala khatta to marry the appetizers. Nibble on, nadru ke shammi, sukka squid, Tellichery pepper chicken, samosa kadhi, lucknowi galowti, murgh banjara tikka, malbari paneer and don’t forget their specialty, raan-e-mukhtar. Their bread section is mention-worthy and goes with the curries beautifully. Kozhi mulagu chettinad, uttari lahsooni saag, khasta keema, fish pollichattu, paneer khada masala and chowk ka chicken curry are delightful.

Coddle your sweet buds with an assortment of Indian desserts as the finale to a great meal. Malai phirni, jalebi rabri, malai kulfi, agra ka elaichi jamun and angoori rabdi will do beautifully. As far as all-day dining establishments go, Neel Indian Kitchen & Bar takes the casual youthful approach. No plush sofas or chandeliers here. It’s all about approachable laid back perspective. The interiors of Neel Indian Kitchen & Bar resembles a trendy café or pub with light-weight furniture and a chic yet rustic room. The bar is the focal point of the room with a glowing signage on the back wall grabbing the eye. Neel Indian Kitchen & Bar is not excessively expensive, rather it fits the pockets quite nicely.