Tao, Tunga Regale, Andheri East

Tao is the fine dining Chinese outlet of Tunga Regale hotel. The decor is classy and of fine dining standards as is most of the food. Unfortunately as is the fate of most such restaurants in office infested areas in Mumbai, the positioning of the outlet as a fine dining experience is obscured by the great value for money buffet that is served at the restaurant and is devoured in plenty by ravenous Chinese food seeking office goers in the SEEPZ/ MIDC areas of Andheri East.

Tao gives you an upmarket fine dining feel with its decor, the only area of improvement would be the spacing which is slightly cramped due to reasons of economy. The staff is well dressed, polite and attentive. They are willing to go out of the way to get a few dishes to the table also.

The buffet spread is fantastic, ranging from a choice of soup, to a large array of starters and main course. Tao also has a fair choice of 4 to 5 types of dessert to choose from which nicely rounds off the selection. You get all this for the great price of Rs 249 for Vegetarians (the spicy baby corn is really nice) and Rs 299 for Non Vegetarians (no sea food but the price in unbelievable given the quality).

The food itself is well made and very tasty, the spread offers 3 to 4 types of Chinese preparations of Vegetarian and Non Vegetarian dishes. The preparations are good, I particularly like the Hong Kong Chicken which was there both the times I went, its slightly dry and spicy - exactly the kind of chicken preparation I love in Chinese food. The last time I was there, I also loved the shredded chicken preparation which was prepared in a mild white gravy - the combination with the fried rice was perfect. What I do not like at Tao is the flattish noodle they serve similar looking to Phad Thai. I am sure it tastes great but according to me it does not go with the rest of the buffet. Tao also serves a variety of other preparations of Tofu, Baby Corn, Mixed Vegetable and Lamb - all good but not as brilliant as the two chicken dishes I mentioned.

The dessert had Vanilla ice cream, honey noodles and a few pastries. The best part is that you get all of these for just Rs 299/- inclusive of taxes in the year 2010! Unbelievable and deliciously so!!

A meal for two at Tao without drinks will cost you Approximately Rs 500 - Rs 600 depending on your Vegetarian/ Non Vegetarian preferences.

How to get there: Tao, Tunga Regale is on the MIDC road connecting Mahakali caves road to JVLR. If you are driving towards JVLR the restaurant falls on your left. Take care not to confuse the two Tungas, The Tunga Regale falls to your left. The other Tunga hotel where Something Fishy is situated is far earlier on the right.