Being Bakasura: Den of Riders : Indian Paratha Company

Being an adventure rider I know how wonderful it feels when you figure out an incredible restaurant on highway which serves the best food. When you are exploring totally strange territory getting a restaurant or motel with good food is an adventure by itself, but when you get such a restaurant unknowingly it becomes a part of your journey diary!

Indian Paratha Company also popularly known as IPC to many riders community is one among such rare highway restaurants which makes you to forget all those strain and stress of ride. Strategically located on NH 7 the popular stretch which connects Bengaluru to Hyderabad, Bellary and popular weekend destinations like Nandi Hills, Skandagiri, etc. it serves best vegetarian food.

LOCATION: Its very easy to find out this property as it stands alone on the left side of the highway (if you are driving towards Hyderabad / Nandi hills). Its about 9 KMs from the first toll you encounter in this stretch. You can depend on Google Maps as its co-ordinates are accurate up to 200mtrs.

AMBIANCE: I would love to call it as Raw! All you need after a long ride is to stretch your leg and have some fresh air. This place is just built for that! Though it has indoor seating, outdoor seating feels more comfortable and close to nature. There are various seating options available; indoor seats are like typical daba style with wooden table and chairs, on the other hand there is a couch, low-leg seat, wooden crafted table and normal all metal table available on outdoor! The restaurant is built around natural rocks and vegetation in the vicinity which adds more raw flavour to the ambiance.
Though from the outlook it appears "Kadakh Bikers Place" in reality its family friendly place. Children love to play around the property and there is plenty of space for that.
As the evening falls and sun sets between small hills located behind this property, the environment drastically changes with the dim lights and music. Suddenly from nowhere an essence of romance spreads in the air! Its a great experience in deed!

SERVICE: Very very quick! Everything we ordered was on our table within a blink! I think service is key factors in restaurants like this. Because people who drop in here will be generally frustrated by the long ride (or even road rage!). A friendly and smiling service can refresh the mood and when it comes to service at IPC, they have managed to deliver such refreshing experience.

FOOD, DRINKS & DESSERT: They designed a special menu for our 24th meetup of FBAB (Food Bloggers Association, Bangalore) which included their special and popular dishes.

Patiala Lassi : After a 35 KMs ride on a sunny afternoon, this welcome drink appeared more welcoming than any other drink I had in recent times. True to its name "Patiala" the lassi was thick and has been churned well! It was rich in Kesar and Badam but the flavour was well balanced. The sweetness was pretty moderate. I must say, this is one among the few places in Bengaluru where you can get perfect punjabi lassi.

Pakoda Platter : One of my favourite evening snack and having it on highway during sunset while I'm on lone long ride is one of the best moments I experience again and again in my life. Whether its having Mirchi bajji (Podi) on State highway next Malpe Beach, Banana Bajji on Marina Beach, Jackfruit Bajji on Kalpetta Junction of Wayanad or Hot Pakoda on swirling roads of Madikeri. It seems like I have to add one more place to this list. Yes! its definitely IPC. They served Onion and Paneer Pakoda seasoned perfectly with chat Masala. A fine quality ketchup accompanied it! The whole platter was very tasty, crispy and spicy. Having it on a wooden deck with fellow foodies and watching sunset was an unforgettable experience.

Achari Masti Paratha : Star of the evening! I had this kind of Paratha for the very first time and I just surrendered myself for its unique and great taste. I'm not sure whether its exclusive invention of IPC or its a Punjabi origin because though I have travelled across Punjab frequently I never came across with such great dish! This Paratha has been brilliantly made with the stuffing of pickles. They managed to keep the raw taste of pickle which is mixture of light sweet, moderate sour and heavy chilli taste. It tasted so better that I didn't even wanted to ruin its taste by mixing it with Pudina Chutney, ketchup or pickle which they served along with it. Just awesome!

Paneer Tikka Parathzza : Generally when I hear name Paneer Tikka, spicy side of my taste buds starts to jump, but here my expectation were bit too high. The fusion version of Paratha with Pizza clearly needs some improvement. To start with, it was too bland, if they could spice it up a bit and serve this dish with seasoning option (like chilli flakes and pickle sauce) this dish will definitely follow the legacy of other great dishes they serve here.

Kulfi : A much needed dessert during the summer, the quality and taste of Kulfi was too good. I saw many of my fellow foodies ordering it twice. A light flavour of pan and kesar will definitely gives a meaning full climax for your dinning experience.

Irish Coffe : Another signature drink of IPC, its a feast for both your eyes and tastebuds. It appears like it came out straight from the chemistry lab as the three layers of coffee is distinguishably separated and it was topped with ice. As much art as it appears, you need to be an artist to drink this coffee. Every layer of this coffee tastes far different from each other and while you mix it you feel like a scientist creating a formula for best taste. Yes! if you mix it perfectly it gives a great taste or else it tastes hard sweet! However, I was lucky enough to figure out different blends like caramel, coffee puree in it. Absolutely delightful and challenging drink.

EVERYTHING ELSE: It has plenty of parking space on the service road, hygiene has been maintained well all over the restaurant. Pricing seems quite high but when we consider the factors like serving such high standard quality food in middle of nowhere and relxation feel you get at this place clearly justifies the pricing. However, they offer some combo plans which will definitely saves some money.

FINAL VERDICT : When rays of setting sun becomes an ingredient in Paratha, When relaxation comes in the form of lassi and When Platter includes the joy as a side dish, I don't see any reason for not applying brakes when I see the sign board - Indian Paratha Company!

BAKASURA RATING