A. Rama Nayak – Father of Udipi Hotels
A. Rama Nayak’s Udipi Shri Krishna Boarding – Oldest Traditional (Banana Leaf) South Indian Restaurant
Yesterday, I visited one of the oldest South-Indian restaurants in Mumbai – Cafe Mysore, situated near Kings Circle, Matunga East but the restaurant was closed – since the last two months – as told by the nearby shopkeeper.
Today, I decided to visit another one of the oldest South-Indian restaurants – A. Rama Nayak’s Udipi Shri Krishna Boarding, situated next to Matunga Central Railway Station, Mumbai.
Yesterday was too tiring. I was driving Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350. There was lots of traffic on road. I almost lost the way to reach Kings Circle but today, I decided to park a motorbike nearby Matunga Road Railway Station (western line) and walk via Z-bridge. It was definitely easy to reach. Google Maps on mobile was very helpful.
A. Rama Nayak’s Udipi Shri Krishna Boarding as said is next to Matunga Central Railway Station, on the first floor, above the market. The entry to the restaurant is from the building’s side lane.
Few steps to the first floor. You will see a display board mentioning 1942 and the platinum jubilee year – 2017 and finally the entrance of the restaurant.
At the entrance – an important Covid-19 slogan:
I reached the token counter and enquired about the lunch.
The person at the token counter first took my temperature to be sure I am not having a fever.
250 rupees – He said for lunch.
Paid. I received a handwritten bill mentioning temperature and table number, where I have to sit and lunch will be served but before that, I was requested to wash my hands.
I followed the advice and then walk toward the table number.
Note: Hand-wash area was neat and clean with liquid soap available. The restaurant and its tables were also very very clean.
Banana leaf was placed on the table and then the menu was served.
I requested the serving person to enhance my knowledge about the serving items.
Dahi, Sambar, Rasam, Kakdi sabzi, Chana Subzi, Banana Subzi, Papad, Puri, Roti, Rice (Pure Ghee on top), Achar, Namak (salt) and Chaas.
That’s it? May I start eating now? – I question the waiter.
No. More three things to come.
Ok-said I with a smile.
Chawli, Bhindi, and Aalu (potato) were served.
Before starting lunch I decided to click the photograph of the served food items on a banana leaf – for you – the website visitors.
Mount-watering? Isn’t it?
I observed – Waiters were very courteous. Numerous times they visited and asked – anything else sir?
Anyway, I started lunch, and a voice behind – I will give you a soft copy of today’s menu. Don’t worry.
And below is today’s menu:
That was not the end. In the end, the sweet dish was served with varieties of options. I selected – Rasgulla (two pieces).
I was happy with the lunch especially because very rare in big cities you will find a traditional South-Indian way of serving food. Maybe this is an indication from above to start the South India journey in the coming months.
Anyway, after mouth-watering lunch, the time was to meet the owner to know the History of A. Rama Nayak’s Udipi Shri Krishna Boarding.
A. Rama Nayak (born: 02nd May 1902) at the age of 11 years sailed from Mangalore to Mumbai leaving his village Akkar, nearby Mangalore in Karnataka (known as Madras province during those days), and settled down in Santacruz, Mumbai. He started doing jobs in a couple of Mumbai restaurants and finally in 1942 decided to open his own restaurant because he saw – you can get omelet pav, vada pav, and misal pav but hardly one can get sambar rice especially if the tourist is from South-India. Thus, he started South Indian food at this very location by serving on a banana leaf.
I question: From where do you get so much banana leaf on daily basis?
He said: Jalgaon (Maharashtra) and Kerala are two places from where banana leaves arrive in Mumbai and then we purchase. 4 Annas was the cost of the lunch or dinner at that time. Nowadays the cost is Rs. 250/-.
I question: Menu items – Today the same as it was in your father’s time?
Yes, no change. The only change is the cost with the time. And please note: The menu also changes daily. for example: Friday we serve Chana, Sunday is Aalu..like this since father’s time.
Covid-19 has affected the restaurant business very hard. The sale is now 25% only in comparison with business before Covid-19. Earlier, the restaurant was open from 10:30 morning to 3 pm and then from 7 pm to 10 in the night but nowadays it is open only from 10:30 am to 3 pm. Earlier, Monday was closed but now from October 1, all days are open. We have started home delivery recently. 15% is home-delivery (within 5-6 Kms. by our staff) business nowadays and 10% is walking visitors.
Tough-Time – said I.
For home-delivery download Wefast app. Wefast boy delivers to your address.
We do home delivery only in nearby areas such as: Matunga East/West, Dadar East/West, Sion, Shivaji Park, Mahim, Wadala, Dosti Acres, Bhakti Park, and Prabhadevi.
Our work starts at 6 am. By 10 am everything is ready.
What’s your name sir and the person at the counter? – I question.
Myself -Satish Nayak and he is my son – Shashank Nayak.
What about spices? Do you buy it from the market or do you self-prepared it?
Our spices are different from the market. It is self-prepared by us.
Is this your only restaurant? You never thought of opening more branches? – I question again.
My father opened eleven restaurants in Mumbai from 1942 to 1955 but now only four are functioning – Cafe Mysore (Kings Circle), Udipi Air-Conditioned Restaurant, Udipi Idli House (Kings Circle), and this one. Father was titled “Father of Udipi Hotels” by late M. V. Shetty, Gen. Secretary, Federations of Hotels and Restaurants Association.
Great – said I and Thank you. Will someday visit again this and your other restaurants too for sure. Simplicity – in one word.
It was time to leave but I decided to have a look around.
A statement on the wall makes a customer happier and i.e.., The Owner of This Restaurant also Eats Here.
And then Satish Nayak ji gave a Handbook About – A. Rama Nayak. Thanks again – said I.
Visitors, if you want to know more about A. Rama Nayak and his journey, visit the restaurant.
Update
Tomorrow – 14.01.2021 is Makar Sankranti and Pongal in India. There is Sankranti Special Menu at A. Rama Nayak’s Udipi Shri Krishna Boarding. Must try – Pongal Avial and Sakkar Pongal.
Not only Sankranti Special Menu, but they are also having Til Ladu too.
Hope if you guys reading, visit for sure to celebrate Makar Sankranti and Pongal at A. Rama Nayak’s Udipi Shri Krishna Boarding, Matunga (Mumbai, Maharashtra).
Update – II
Today – 14.01.2021 is Pongal & Makar Sankranti. I visited A. Rama Nayak’s Udipi Shri Krishna Boarding (Matunga, Mumbai) and had a wonderful lunch on Plantain leaf. The best about them is: that we eat with our hands.
?????? , ???????? in-short.
And I saw a Shlok to Recite before Every Meal.
50,000+ km – RE Thunderbird 350 Seat Cover Replacement for the Second Time
Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark 350 – I purchased it in 2010 from Mumbai.
Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark 350, Seat Cover Replacement for the First Time, I did in Rishikesh in the year 2013, November.
By that time I had driven solo more than 29,000 km. And how much do I pay?
Rs. 300/- only for rexine seat cover and was made within one hour almost exactly the original seat cover design.
The current year is 2020 (almost ending). There was a need to change the seat cover again as it was torn and the foam inside was also damaged.
I enquired at Royal Enfield service center in Mumbai – How much for Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350 Seat Cover replacement?
The reply was – somewhere between 550 – 600 rupees. I enquired another seat cover maker and the reply was Rs. 1000.
Big difference – a thought.
Then, I also enquired about a brand new complete seat and the price was – approx. 1800 rupees and Rs. 3000 approx.
Again, big difference. Maybe Rs. 3000 is the original Royal Enfield complete seat and Rs. 1800 – The local made.
Finally, I decide to visit (personally) seat cover makers and I found – Salim Seat Cover Works at Juhu Lane, Andheri – West, Opposite: Shri Mahavira Jain Vidyalaya (nearby Navnit Motors) – almost at a traffic light junction.
Salim and his son was busy. Upon query about seat covers availability, Salim showed two types of rexine cover for the seat.
One is for 350 rupees and another for 550 rupees.
I selected another one and requested him to give some discount.
Salim said – Last price – Rs. 500.
I told him – the last time I replaced the seat cover (rexine ) was in 2013 and the cost was Rs. 300 only. It lasted for 7 years.
He said – Don’t worry.
Salim said – He is having 33 years of experience in motorbike seat cover making. He has spent thirty years at Grant Road and then three years at a nearby location and now since last four months at this location.
Great – said I.
He started the work. The seat plate was removed. It was too rusty.
Maybe I have to change it completely (*if available), after six/twelve months.
*(I was told by a friend that Royal Enfield has stopped manufacturing Old Model Thunderbird Twinspark 350)
Salim removed the old cover and found that the foam of the seat was also damaged and torn.
He said – Don’t’ worry, I will fix it. What’s the use of experience, if, I can’t fix it.
He inserted new foam at the damaged torn seat/foam area and fixed it brilliantly. I was impressed.
Salim did all the job excellently. The new seat cover was ready and fixed. Problem solved – only for Rs. 500. I was happy.
He completed the job within 20-30 minutes. Remarkable.
Isn’t it fantastic? It is.
Thank you, Salim & Son.
50,000+ km – First Time RE Thunderbird 350 Handle Bar Right-Hand Switch Replacement
50,000+ km – that’s what the speedometer was showing, and as said before, I was at Ishna Wheels at Nehru Nagar, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai for Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark 350 servicing. I had already made an appointment.
Jesu, the service advisor was present at the counter. He came and thoroughly inspected the motorbike.. gave a rough estimate, but more than that, he showed Handle Bar Right-Hand Switch – which was loose. The lock (red circle in the above image) was broken, and the switch was not available with them.
That means I have to purchase it from any other Royal Enfield authorized service center or from any other Royal Enfield spare parts shop.
I enquired with Sharda Motors and Sons (Goregaon, Mumbai). They do service only for Royal Enfield motorbikes and sell Royal Enfield spare parts too.
The switch was available with them for Rs. 280/-, and it is original – The reception person said.
Before going to Sharda Motors and Sons, I enquired with another Royal Enfield spare parts shop, and the switch price was Rs. 300, and The make – Minda.
I dialed Sharda Motors again and a question – What’s the make of the switch?
The owner of the shop enhanced my knowledge by saying – Royal Enfield only makes Engines.
But if I remember correctly, Royal Enfield spare parts are neatly packed inside Royal Enfield marked packets/boxes.
Anyway, whatever… After servicing at Ishna Wheels, the next day I reached Sharda Motors and purchased the switch.
Fitting charges – Rs. 70, which I think is a little more. Rs. 50 is Ok.
Anyway, readers, you must be wondering what the Handle Bar Right-Hand Switch looks like.
The above-shown switch is the original one that came with the brand new Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350 in the year 2010, and the make was Minda.
Now the original one is fixed too and is working fine. Thanks to Sharda Motors and Sons.
One request to Royal Enfield – please display Royal Enfield spare parts on your website with the price. Possible?
Note: Royal Enfield displays accessories with a price on their website, but I wish them to display spare parts and their price also.
50,000 Kilometer – This Time RE Thunderbird 350 Service at Authorized Centre
50,000+ km, that’s what the speedometer was showing, and it was time for Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark 350 service, though as per the owner’s manual 51,000 km was the correct time but I thought let’s go for service a little early because self-start was again not working nor horn was at its best.
But this time, not at Sharda Motors and Sons (Goregaon, Mumbai) because I wanted to check the service difference between the Royal Enfield Authorized Service Centre and the non-official service centre.
I selected Ishna Wheels at Nehru Nagar, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai. Ishna is a Royal Enfield Authorized Service Centre.
Upon reaching the service centre, I was requested to make an appointment. The mobile number was provided.
I dialled and tomorrow’s appointment at 10 am was fixed.
Thank you – said I.
Tomorrow, the service centre opens at 9:30 am. I arrived at 9:45 am.
Jesu – The service advisor was present at the counter.
I told him I have an appointment for a motorbike service.
He inspected the motorbike thoroughly, pressed a few keys on his tablet and requested to check mobile as an SMS was sent.
I checked my mobile – There was an SMS regarding the cost estimate for the service – Rs. 2849.92. Now it was up to me to go for service or not.
Ok – not too much – km driven is 50,000 plus – just a happy thought.
I told Jesu – that the self-start is not working…horn also a few times not working though the neutral light on the cockpit is showing a perfect green light. Please note: I have changed the battery recently, so I hope there is no battery issue.
He said – Don’t worry, we will check everything, and if there is a self-start issue and horn issue, we will inform you via mobile.
Ok – said I.
He requested to leave the motorbike, and by evening, the motorbike will be serviced. You will be informed by a mobile call.
Ok – said I.
I gave the motorbike key to Jesu and started walking home.
In the evening hours, I got a mobile call from Jesu.
He said – self-start is perfectly fine, and the horn is also ok. The only issue was with the battery, as it was not fully charged and some wiring issues. We have sorted out all the issues, and the battery is on charge. It will take 5-6 hours for the battery to be completely charged, so you come tomorrow morning only.
OK – said I.
I have driven only 10 km daily maximum since last almost a year because of the pandemic. So that may be the reason for the battery to not fully charged.
The next day, morning hours I visited Ishna again.
Jesu was present. He welcomed and handed over the motorbike. I was requested to pay the service amount.
Total amount – Rs. 2832.38.
Amount paid. A service pre-invoice was provided, which includes taxes.
I was very happy. I checked the Invoice, and below are the part description and labour description:
Chain Lubrication & Cleaning, Carburettor & Throttle Body Cleaning, Engine Oil Change, Oil Filter with O Ring Kit, Sump Drain Cap Assy., O Ring-Drain Cap, O-Ring Cap Oil Filter, Copper Washer, Tappet Cover, Filter Gauze Washer Copper, Strap Battery, R&R Front Brake Shoes/Pads(inclusive of wheel removal for drum brake), Paid Service, Wiring Harness Troubleshooting and Washing. That’s it.
Jesu showed the Switch Module, or you could say the Handle Bar Switch was loose. The lock was broken, but it was not available with them.
Now the question is:
What’s the difference between a Royal Enfield Authorized Service Centre and a non-official Service Centre?
Almost nothing as per knowledge.
Authorized Service centres are much bigger in space than non-official service centres. Authorized Service Centre at one-time service 6 or 7 motorbikes and non-official service less number of motorbikes.
Authorized Service centres are much more organized, and one has to take a prior-appointment but as per experience at a non-official service centre you may visit any time and after a few minutes wait you can get your motorbike issues solved.
Authorized Service Centre have their own parts store, and non-official service centres, as per experience, also have RE original parts available nowadays.
Authorized Service centres have motorbike washing facilities, but as per experience, non-official service centres do not have a washing facility. So once the motorbike is ready, one has to visit the washing centre to get the motorbike cleaned. And that cost you Rs. 150 extra.
Authorized Service Centre provides invoices, and as per experience non-official service centre also provides an invoice.
Authorized Service Centre motorbike mechanics are good with their skills and the same with non-official service centres.
Non-official service centres provide roadside assistance within a few km with charges if the motorbike is broken down, and the Authorized Service Centre also provides the same facility if one has registered for RE roadside assistance for Rs. 1000 per year – valid till the 5th year since the motorbike was purchased.
To be honest, as per experience, I found both Authorized Service Centre and the non-official service centre excellent. I called Sharda Motors and Sons (Goregaon, Mumbai) for a Switch Module, and it was available with them for Rs. 280.
So what I want to say is: you have to be on good terms and trust with both centres. You have to keep a balance.
When I was in Rishikesh, I have taken motorbike service with an Authorized as well as a non-official service centre, and I found both equally good.
In short, it depends on how your terms and trust with both types of service centres. I suggest, if you want your motorbike to be always fit and fine, then do not think too much of the money spent on repair and service. Think only about your motorbike’s running condition.
Finally, as per experience: you may visit an Authorized Service Centre or may visit a non-official service centre, but visit only those service centres that are only into Royal Enfield motorbike service & spares, though there are some exceptions.
Here I request Royal Enfield two things – 1. Please display spare parts with rates on your website. And 2. Please provide paid all-India roadside assistance no matter which model RE motorbike is, because sometimes on city/town roads or especially on highways, motorbikes break down, and then there is a big problem for a rider.
Note: Royal Enfield has a roadside assistance facility at this toll-free number – 1800 2100 007. But it is FREE for the first year and from the 2nd year till the 5th year, they provide roadside assistance for Rs. 1000 per year, which is a very less amount.
After the 5th year, Royal Enfield does not provide roadside assistance, which I don’t appreciate. That means we should sell the motorbike when it reaches 5 years. Correct?
Hope after the pandemic, I will restart the journey via another mode of transport, if not the RE motorbike.
50,000 km – 4th Time RE Thunderbird 350 Battery Replacement
50,000 km – that’s what the speedometer was showing, and it was time to change the battery of the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350. Self-start was not working. The horn was not working. Neutral light on the cockpit, or you can say Ignition green light, was also not at its full glow.
It’s more than a year or two since I changed the battery.
Sharda Motors – The one who always takes care of the motorbike, after inspection, suggested changing the battery. Though Sharda Motors and Sons (Goregaon, Mumbai) is not an official Royal Enfield service center, still I am happy with their motorbike service & repair. They do service & repair only for Royal Enfield motorbikes.
This is the fourth time (including the first battery with the brand new motorcycle – Exide MX Freedom – warranty 12 months) I am changing the battery since the motorbike was purchased in the year 2010.
10 years journey. Almost like yesterday only I started the journey.
Anyway, two times I have purchased Exide battery, and one time it was Amaron, if, I remember correctly.
This time, Exide battery for the Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350 was not available in the market. I tried hard to find out if any dealer/distributor has any Exide or any other make battery available for RE Thunderbird 350, but the reply was – No.
I contacted Justdial to SMS the contact numbers of motorcycle battery dealers/distributors. They sent the numbers, but again, after dialing, the reply was – No.
Then I got a call from IndiaMART, and they provided the number of MALLIK POWER (0-81089 01786) from Ghatkopar, Mumbai. I contacted them. The person on the line said – Yes, we have the battery for Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350.
How much does the cost? – I question.
3200 – He said.
Costly – I said.
But then he said – it’s EXIDE Xplore, 14 Ah and with 48 months warranty.
That’s interesting – I thought.
My question: Do you visit home to change the battery? Because the bike is not well in running condition.
He said – Yes.
And what about the old battery exchange price?
Rs. 200 – He said.
I said – fine. In the year 2012, when I changed the battery (Exide Bikerz with 15 months warranty for Rs. 2,400), the old battery replacement cost I got was Rs. 180 only. So that means I have to pay only Rs. 3000. I was happy because finally, I got the battery which is 14 Ah and with 48 months warranty, and during a Google search, I found the price shown by the results was high. I told them to visit home and change the battery. The person reached within one hour and changed the battery.
Rs. 3000 was paid, and the old battery was handed over.
They gave me the warranty card and the Tax Invoice. The motorbike was working fine.
Thanks to IndiaMART and thanks to Mallik Power. I was very happy after lots of calls were done/received.
Now it’s time to restart the journey, but the pandemic is there.
Maybe after a few months.
History of Step-Well, Adalaj – Built by Ruda in A.D. 1498
Click to learn more about ‘Step-Well, Adalaj’.
Photos: Step-Well, Adalaj – Built in Samvat 1555 (A.D. 1498)
Click to learn more about Step-Well, Adalaj.
Tickets:
Indian Visitors – Rs. 25
Foreigners – Rs. 300
(Entry free for childrens below age of 15 years)
Opening & Closing Hours:
8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Heritage House, Ahmedabad to Adalaj Stepwell – How to Reach?
Heritage House is in Khadia locality in Ahmedabad, 10 minutes’ walking distance from Ahmedabad Railway Station. I stayed in the Heritage House during my Ahmedabad tour.
Pankaj – my friend had Ola and Uber apps on his mobile. So we booked an entire auto via the Uber app for Adalaj Stepwell situated in Adalaj village – approx. 19 km (one-way) distance from Heritage House.
There are two ways to reach Adalaj village. One is – if you are alone, book a motorbike via the Ola app from Heritage House and reach the Geeta Mandir bus stand. Bike charges will be 17 rupees. And ride a 22-number bus to reach Adalaj village.
The second option is to book an Uber auto from the Heritage House for Adalaj Village/Adalaj Stepwell and reach within 45 minutes.
We paid an auto Rs. 380 for the to and fro journey to Adalaj Stepwell from Heritage House.
Stepwell is not to be missed if you are touring Ahmedabad because of its history, and not to forget, it is a good location for photographers.
Ticket for Indians – Rs. 25 per person and for foreigners – Rs. 300 per person.
Entry is free for children and those below the age of 15 years.