The Airport Ashok Coffee Shop An aeroplane circled into our range of vision, interrupting our contemplation of clear blue sky. A complete change in the decor now presents a cool ivory and beige scheme with touches of greenery. The coffee shop is spacious, and an abundance of light adds to the bright look of the place.
The menu, set in the usual coffee shop style, offers specific items at specific times. A continental breakfast of juice, toast or rolls, and tea or coffee costs Rs 105, while Imperial (Rs 205) and Maharaja (Rs 125) breakfasts feature additions of cornflakes or porridge and eggs with ham, bacon or sausages. Indian options like puri bhaji, dosa or idli are also available in the Maharaja breakfast. The a la-carte section has omelettes served with a choice of ham, mushroom, cheese etc (Rs 70), pancakes (Rs 45) and French toast, to name a few.
For starters, one can have cocktail de crevettes (Rs 170), fresh prawns served with a cocktail sauce, or chicken khatta mitha (Rs 105). Vegetarian salads include waldorf (Rs 80) and garden rainbow (Rs 50). Soups, sandwiches and burgers range in price from Rs 70-105.
The mini meals in the Indian menu are tasty, practical and good value for money. Reshmi paneer (Rs 135), shabnam curry (Rs 125), mahi tikka (Rs 200), jhinga maharani (Rs 350) et al are each served either with kulcha or buttered rice or pilaf.
The dessert section, named meethi yaaden, has banana sundae, tutti frutti and cream caramel, to name a few. We chose a Hawaiian ice cream sandwich (Rs 90). Massive, with three layers of ice cream and sponge topped with chocolate sauce, it was delicious and sinfully rich, but we failed to detect the Hawaiian touch.
Considering the quality of the food, the decor and the service, it is surprising that The Coffee Shop is not frequented by more diners. Its distance from the city proper could be one reason, but those who enjoy a drive and a leisurely meal may well consider eating here a pleasant option.
