“But that is not always the case. So we thought of opening a place that offers good North Indian food without too much of spice,” explains Shivani. And Citra came into being and slowly became extremely popular with office-goers and the students of M S Ramaiah Group of Institutions. A fluorescent green coloured restaurant on New BEL Road, it surely catches the eye of the passers-by. “We decided to call the restaurant Citra as the term is associated with citrus, which signifies something fresh,” informs Shivani.
The delicious and authentic North Indian items like Paratha, Chola Bhatura, Chilla and Pakoda, are a must-have. Or if you want something light, try their range of chaats — either the usual chaat items like Gol Gappa, Tawa Aloo Chaat, Bhel Puri or Raj Kachori, or the unusual ones like Bread Chaat and Palak Papdi Chaat (if you are in a mood to experiment). If you are a roll lover, then you must try out their rolls and frankies like Kadai Paneer Frankie, ‘Corn And Spinach Roll’, ‘Veg Frankie/Roll’ or Paneer Frankie.
Same goes for bread enthusiasts who must dig into ‘Baked Beans On Toast’ or Mumbai Masala Sandwich. Matar Ki Kachori With Aloo Sabzi is one of their most tasty dishes and deserves a mention too. And for the officer-goers and students away from home, there are thalis and different combinations consisting of Phulkas, Rajma chawal, Chola Chawal, Kadi Chawal, Pulao, Yellow or Black Dal, Raita, Papad and salad at extremely reasonable prices, which are ideal for lunch and dinner.
“We want to offer good food without pinching anyone’s pocket,” says Manish.
None of these items are too oily or spicy. “Our basic aim is to dish out the kind of food that we can even feed our own children,” says Shivani. Everything is hygienic and of good quality. “The butter and oil that we use are the same that we use in our own house,” she adds.
You can end your hearty meal with some delicious Indian desserts like Kesaria Jalebi, Gulab Jamoon, Dal Ka Halwa and Malpua. Citra has also got some innovative drinks like ‘Chilli Sprite’ and ‘Green Goddess’ (a grape drink).
The restaurant will be extending its menu soon. “We are planning to include some Chinese, Thai and Italian food items in our menu. We will also be introducing Paneer Shawarma Roll,” says Manish.
“Family crowd is our main target and we cater for weddings too,” he adds.
AJ and Vima, two professionals, are regulars here. “I just love the frankies and phulkas available here,” says AJ while Vima is extremely fond of the Chola Bhatura. “It’s one place where you get quality home food,” she says.
Citra is located on No.1, 1st Main Road, 3rd Block, RMV 2nd Stage, Devasandra, New BEL Road. For details, call 42107788.
