It is difficult to say whether the samosas made Lamakaan popular or Lamakaan made the samosas popular. Which Samosa? The potato-stuffed samosa which in the eastern parts of the country is called ‘singara’. The reason behind the popularity of Lamakaan’s samosa is that they are made just the way it is made up north and towards the east and northeast. The wrap in which the alu bhaji is wrapped and fried, is crunchy with crispy edges and removed just before the entire samosa becomes crispy and brittle. Thanks to the canteen at Lamakaan, many non-locals who know this address don’t miss this ‘anytime snack’ . A sweet, tangy and hot chutney which they call ‘sauce’, that is served with the samosa, also makes for a good lick long after the samosa is devoured.
Run by K.K. or Kay Kay this canteen was opened to provide tea and small snacks to the visitors who come in there for ‘free’ theatre and discussion evenings. But the entrepreneur in KK saw the need for a little less than an elaborate menu. And this idea must have occurred to him during summer and he introduced nimbu pani. An instant hit again. Then he included sandwiches. Cucumber and tomato slices between generously buttered milk bread slices. Regulars lapped them up. Then came roti / bread with egg bhurji or omelette — the perfect mid-day snack for those who wrap up early and then head out to meet friends. When not in the mood for food, try the lassi here.
Lamakaan also serves Hyderabadi dishes like khichdi and khatti dal. The generous portions justifiy the price and are served in big saucer bowls. Good on taste, these will keep you sated for a long time.
On a day when it is hot and humid make sure to try their nimbu pani. Rest assured, no one will stop at one. Also when not in the mood to cook, walk in after 10 a.m. with your tiffin boxes and get your lunch packed and still enjoy the flavours of home cooked food. The chicken curry has a hint of packet ‘meat masala’ and is oily. So this is not the dish for weight watchers and for those who live by the rules of healthy and simple eating. As for the rest, this one will have no complaints.
However, if not in the mood for food, grab a tea and a biscuit and sip it while sitting under one of the huge trees as you fall in love with nature.