Here the food says it all

Crossroad Café with simple and bright interiors, offering menu with popular dishes chosen mainly from Indian cuisine and some favourites from Chinese and Continental menu - is all poised to cater to not just the in-house guests of Best Western Ashoka, but also quick-lunch seekers from the business district of Hitec city and the families on a lunch or dinner outing from the surrounding areas in Madhapur.

That explains the carefully crafted menu, and the pricing that is value for money. Take for example the starter menu with the best of chicken preparations Reshmi Murgh Tikka, Murgh Malai Sheekh, Thai Pao Chicken, Beijing Sizzling Chicken, Chicken Dimsum, Andhra Chicken Roast, Kodi Pachchi Mirapakaayi Vepudi, Chicken Popcorn, Chicken Shashlik and it goes on. And the lamb preparations are limited yet equally well-liked – Mamsam Vepudu, Barbequed Lamb Chops and so on. The all-day dining offers short eats, sandwiches and more from the continental cuisine as well.

Considering the popular taste, spice levels have not been compromised; so if you have less spice tolerance levels, do specify. Manchow Soup in that order stays true to its form, sharp on palate with its green chillies and red chilli sauce intact, just as you like your Indian Chinese. Indonesian veggies tossed in plum and oyster sauce, spicy corn rolls, soft inside and crunchy outside, methi and shred cheese stuffed in mushroom grilled in tandoor and Chandni Murgh- the Maharashtrian tikka made from boneless chicken marinated in hung curd and cashew nut paste are just a few of the many lovingly prepared starters one must surely try.

The main menu is also about much in demand dishes and Chef Harinath’s experience of working in various cities has kept him in good stead as he goes by the pulse of the people in devising his dream menu. In addition to the likes of Paneer Tikka Masala, Vegetable Manchurian, Dum Ka Murgh, Butter Chicken, Gongura Mamsam, Nellore Chepala Pulusu, Dal Tadka and Dal Makhni are the chef specials like the Vegetable Jaipuri (vegetables simmered in cashew nut and onion paste and tomato puree), Paneer Peshawari and Andhra Egg Curry that are made for the buffet. There are the tandoor rotis, naans and the king of main course – Hyderabadi Biryani.

And to top it up are the Indian desserts like the Gulab Jamoon with icecream and Rasmalai that are inevitable choices if you like Indian and if you have a sweet tooth.At Rs 333 plus taxes, lunch and dinner buffets at the Crossroad Coffee shop of Best Western Ashoka Hitec City, is great pricing for the expansive choice that chef promises to offer on the menu. Our Verdict: Crossroad is the place to be with your workmates or family, when you know what you want, which is regional (Indian) and you just want it to be good.

By:Rajeshwari Kalyanam