From classic chicken, double breast and giant supremo burgers to shawarmas, *pita* rolls and their famed whole grilled chicken, the menu at Grill Republica has a simple yet mouth watering mix… enough to make one pay another visit to the joint.

There’s an extra cheese option for all those who are not counting the calories while munching into the goodies.

Proprietor Jitamrit Borah has already opened three branches of the eatery — on GS Road, which was opened a year-and-a-half ago, on MG Road in Uzanbazar and the latest one in the Zoo Road area.

“We are the first in the city to introduce *shawarma* (an Arab meat preparation) and the stuffed *pita* bread rolls. Already, it has many takers,” claimed Borah.

But that’s not all. The whole roasted chicken is also a highlight of the place. Have it barbequed or smoked or grilled in a range of sauces that is exclusively made by the restaurant and one is sure to crave for more.

“It is the most sought after dish on our menu. People relish it and we know it because we always run out of it in just a couple of hours,” Bora said.

While there is no mocktail or juice served, the colas go well with the chicken. The tuck-ins at the place are moderately priced as well. Although the food does burn your mouth, it won’t do the same to your pockets.

“A meal for two comes for Rs 300-350,” Bora added. So you have a full stomach and a not-so-empty wallet.

The restaurant has plans to introduce the “slider”, which is a smaller version of the burger that is very popular in the West, on its menu soon.

Grill Republica is also planning to hit the streets across the country shortly. “We are opening a branch in Bangalore soon. Even in the Guwahati outlets, we have customers rolling in from Nagaland and Shillong, which augurs well,” he said.

*P.M.*

*(Inset Image Caption: Grill Republica)*
*(Bottom Left Image Caption: Barbecued chicken)*
*(Bottom Right Image Caption: Chicken pita roll)*

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### **O MAA GO OFFERS GUWAHATIANS THE BEST OF FISH AND PRAWN DISHES**

*(Image Caption: A Bengali platter)*

# **A taste of Bengal**

*(Image Caption: Diners at the eatery)*

*Rui macher dum, alu jhinge posto, narikol sorse chingri*, mutton *kosha* and a lot more. Browsing the menu of this latest Bengali joint in town can be a mouth-watering drill.

As a matter of fact, Guwahatians are no strangers to Bengali food.

With a sizeable Bengali population in the city and a common love for fish and rice shared by the residents, any restaurant serving *macher jhol* and *sorse chingri* is bound to be chock-a-block during the peak hours.

Restaurateur Ishpreet Singh Anand has tapped into this shared love for food by coming up with O Maa Go, an ethnic Bengali restaurant at Paltan Bazar.

Barely four months old, the place already has its takers. Also, partly because of the location, in close proximity with the bus and railway stations, there is a steady influx of travellers who drop by at regular intervals.

“The expression, *O maa go* in Bengali, is used to denote amazement or happiness and that is exactly what I have in store for people who come here. Also, *maa* means mother, so I want them to enjoy the food here so much so that it reminds them of their own mother’s cooking,” says Anand.

Quality and hygiene are at a premium at O Maa Go.

“You are what you eat. So it’s important to eat good and clean food. I want people to walk in and see how well we maintain the eatery. The ambience is homely. Food quality and hygiene are accorded topmost priority here,” he says.

The main attraction at the eatery is the *thali* comprising rice, dal, *bhaja* (fries), a vegetable curry for vegetarians while for the non-vegetarians, there is meat and fish.

The meal ends with a small bowl of sweet and tangy *tomator chutney*, which people relish after tucking into the spicy stuff.

Anand insists on opting for the *thali* because it has a bit of everything from the menu.

“The best part is that the *thali* keeps changing on a daily basis although rice, *dal* and *bhaja* stay constant,” he adds.

Other than the *thali*, in the a la carte section, the must try would be the mutton *kosha*, *chingri bhaja*, *ilish bhapa*, *alu jhinga posto* and *shukto*.

The items are also reasonably priced. A meal for two comes for Rs 250-300.

*Pallavi Majumder*