Militatry Cafe - Caramel Custard

Military Cafe is inside a narrow lane near Fountain, Fort (South Mumbai).It is one of the oldest Parsi resturants here and serve amazing the most amazing food. I was told to try  Mutton Keema ,Mutton Salli and Caramel Custard. If you plan to go then go during afternoon time before 3. They prepare the food for people in and around the office area. So if you don't reach on time you might end up getting nothing. The place is very simple and easy on the pocket. They serve breads no naan or roti. Try their raspberry soda. Have heard mixed reviews about the soda, personally i didn't like it very much. I go their for Keema, Mutton Salli and Caramel Custard.

Caramel Custard.

I would recommend everyone who comes to Mumbai to try this other wise your trip is incomplete. Just reach Fountain and ask anyone about Military Cafe.

Things to Keep in Mind While travelling in Mumbai

They say travelling is the toughest part for every Mumbaikar or people living in Mumbai. Well it is absolutely true. Specially in the monsoon and reaching Office/College can be a task. It takes me normally around 2 hrs to reach Andheri from thane via road, but during one dreaded monsoon day it took me 5 hours just to reach half way. If you can handle travelling then half the battle is won.

Travelling to work and then back to home consumes approx 4 hours for most of the people. Funny thing is people stay in rented house near office and visit their family on weekends to avoid the pain of travelling. Well for me it was tough, Firstly never ever i had traveled in a public transport and then, after that too much time spent in public transport was a harrowing experience. But I have become used to it and don't mind it as it has become part of my life now.

TRAVELLING TIPS

1. Always carry a water bottle to keep you hydrated in hot and humid weather.
2. Something to Munch as long travelling time, empty stomach = irritation or might make you loose or temper which is not good (if your reaching office or going back home). Also Munching on snacks is a good way to pass time. Kindly avoid fattening snacks, once a while its fine but not everyday, (you get amazing snacks at railway station and bus station like popcorn,sukha bhel,vadapav etc
3. A Good pair of headphones well if you love music or love listening to radio then it is an ideal for passing time.
4. If you are not too much into music then reading is the next best alternative, buy a newspaper and enhance your knowledge and pass your time. Well I was never into reading the newspaper but now I make it a point to read every news possible,
5. You can carry a Novel if you find  newspaper too boring. To start with you can start reading Chetan bhagat's novels they are quite interesting and you might enjoy them.
6. Well if you don't have the above habits then kindly force yourself to follow one of them.Will help while travelling

Travelling in a Local

If you have recently shifted to Mumbai I am pretty sure you will not be fond of the Mumbai local. Well slowly gradually if you will get accustomed to it. You can love it or hate it but cant ignore it, So gradually you will get used to it.
Here are a few tips and tricks for travelling in Mumbai Local

1. If you are not a frequent traveler buy a Coupon booklet. The booklet is valid for 6 months or so and you don't have to stand in long queue. If you are a daily traveler, god help you but then go for a pass.
2. Travel light and keep a small sized bag. If you can manage without a bag then even better.
3. If you have a bag then put your wallet or mobile in it. The train might be very crowded and pickpockets are most active at that time.
4. Don't stand near the doors. Also don't talk on phone when your near the doors, even though train is moving as there are many sick minded people standing on poles with a stick. They will hit your hand and your phone will be gone. This is really sad, plus many people have fell of train when they were hit and have died.
5. If you are need some information or help just kindly ask people will help you.
6. You should know well in advance which side you have to get down. Many a times if you are standing on the wrong side you will not be able to get off.
7. If you thought boarding the train was a  task, Well surprise surprise getting of the train is a bigger task . Don't be the first one to get down as people are in real hurry. People start getting of the train before it stops. So if you are the first one in the line you will have to do the same.
8. If you get a seat well consider yourself lucky. If you don't then stand on aisle near the seats that helps you avoid the pulling and pushing near the foot-board. In short try the non busiest part of the train to stand.

Vada Pav

Well you say the word Mumbai the next word that automatically that comes to the mind is Vada Pav. What is Vada Pav? Well in simplar terms aloo vada or bonda in a pav (Buns) with mint chutney and dry garlic chutney. I personally like the just the dry garlic chutney. It might seem very simple but very few people have mastered the art of making it the right way. This is one snack you should definitely try when you visit Mumbai. I am a die-hard fan of fried food and vada pav is one of me favourites. I used to have it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Well i wont ask you to do that as i ended up gaining 10 kilos. Well you will spot a Vada-Pav stall after every 500 metres.Though not all places serve the best Vada-Pav. Few places which serve the best Vada-Pav are in this link
Fresh vada coming out of frying pan brings tears of joy in my eyes. I am hungry again time for a another one.

Pros of Vada-Pav                                                                                                                      

1. Quick Snack in such a hectic and busy in mumbai
2. Easy on the pocket
3. It is the yummiest thing in the world

Mumbai Local

Well Mumbai local- The life line of mumbai!! Here are some fun facts about Mumbai Local

1. It has an Automatic service, People will push you in and Push you out.
2. It is so crowded that it is impossible to move your hands and legs. People who travel everyday still manage to sleep while standing, eat sukha bhel or popcorn and  surprisingly read a newspaper which is kinda hard to imagine as it is fully packed. Well people fold it into a size as small as a postcard.
3. For First time travelers put your bag-pack in-front, it acts as a hindrance while boarding the train and also is better way to protect your stuff from theifs and all. Keep your wallets and cell phones in your bag packs it is easier for pickpockets to steal stuff from pockets and they are so good you wont even realize.
4. You still will find Hawkers selling variety of items from torch, lighters,cards etc. Well must admit they have amazing marketing and sales skills. I many times have bought stuff from them which i never use.
5. Try buying coupons(6 Months validity they have) so that you avoid the long queue at the ticket counter.
6. People are really friendly so if you feel lost ask for help.

Why this GullistanRadio

Gullistanradio is a combination of my pet name "Gullu" and my habit of Chitter-Chatter(Gupshup). Since i was a little kid i had a habit of Chitter-Chatter so dad started calling me guppistan radio. So i modified it to gullistanradio. Sharing my life experience through this blog. I hope this blog can bring a smile to your face.