NeedGrub.com Blog

Time to celebrate … how about a movie followed by dinner or alternatively let’s hit the disc. Well, disc – maybe, but then what about the food? Been a long time haven’t had some quality time together. Why don’t we just skip the movie and the disc part? Then?? We can check out a nice restaurant and talk endlessly, like those old days. Hmmm, sounds good, but where??

Assuming you are a part of this conversation, what would be your choices? If you have to decide upon a suitable eatery for the perfect dinner with friends or family, what would be the selection criterion and decided result? A five star hotel with quality food, the classy ambience, stylish décor and skilled serving etiquettes or specialty standalone restaurant serving excellence cuisine with amicable interiors and pleasing staff manners, minus the expensive five star bills. Let me guess, the choice would most probably be the latter; and that it is.

The statement is not baseless, there are proofs to validate. Statistics suggest that foodies have shifted their eating preferences in favour of standalone restaurants, as against the five star hotels, which has seriously disturbed the profit margins of the latter. Names like South Indies are increasingly becoming popular.

And if you would not like to believe any third source, a self managed search is easy. Simply check the Needgrub restaurant review section and it would inform about the very many who have tested and rated the various stand alone food joints, as against the few who’ve posted their comments upon the culinary presentation of a five star hotel eatery.

The explanation part is quite straight. Standalone restaurants serve specific cuisines, have renowned chefs managing them, who in turn are making every possible effort to make a mark, complacency is yet to make way and thus superior culinary experience is assured. No room for further doubts is it; we obviously celebrate at Kobe Sizzlers, or maybe Mainland China.

We have been rather busy with lot of little additions to Needgrub, which explains the silence on our Blog. Most of  you might have already noticed a lot of great reviews from some of our new reviewers. Our new expert reviewers have been busy visting restaurants around town and give our users a "real" deal about the place, including a lot of pictures, tips and truth. So now, you not only have the views of other NeedGrub users, but also the review  of our"expert" reviewers. Keep checking for a lot of expert reviewers on board with us and making NeedGrub a lot more fun and useful. 

Restaurant also have a great opportunity to showcase their business on NeedGrub by inviting us to review the restaurant. Our expert reviewers will be happy to check out the restaurant and help the business gain its deserved spot on NeedGrub. So restaurant owners, do contact us and let know if you would like NeedGrub to pay you a visit. 

We have a lots of exciting features coming up, we will keep you all posted as we get them launched in the next few weeks.

If this write up title reminds of a chilled can of beer, than hang on, because the innuendo is towards drinking healthy and thus beating the heat this summer. The idea is to apprise with few handy consumption tips, which would essentially help great times, despite the scorching heat.  

To begin with, start thinking of H₂O i.e. water, at all times, irrespective of the thirst quench. This is because, water by enabling body heat release in a proven way, helps staying cool. Which otherwise does not happens, due to high humidity. Moreover, drinking water also assists with the pertinent elimination of body wastes and toxins. The body ph level is maintained with decent water intake, which in a very explicit sense, prevents and cures diseases. Drinking water further lubricates internal organs and joints; the relevance of this does not perhaps requires extensive elaboration. Other positives directly associated with drinking ample water include increased possibilities of healthy radiant skin, good eye health, metabolic breakdown of proteins & carbohydrates, which promotes weight loss, regulation of body temperature, easy shedding of excess water and more. The list is certainly comprehensive and thus compelling enough to drink yet another glass of the economic yet effective drink, known as water. 

Don’t drink… 

Drink water but do not drink frozen liquids, as they fail to extend the above stated benefits. It might be a relief for few minutes, but thereafter, the positives are blurred. Also strictly avoid consumption of caffeinated beverages, especially those with high sugar content. These drinks are basically acidic in nature and thus lead to eventual fluid loss. Moreover, excessive intake of soft drinks with preservatives, colours and added sugar, could adversely affect the digestive tract and separate calcium from the bones, which logically is hazardous.        

Bangalore, in addition to being a metro city, has another qualification to ensure a definite slot in the list of those regions, most capable of spoiling eating habits. It is the city’s work culture. The call centric civilization here ensures inflow of young talent from all across India. While these bright professionals are striving to make a mark professionally, they are also struggling to cope up with the ‘away from home’ life pattern.  

Among the various issues, which then bother, the foremost is dependence upon an unknown, external kitchen for every day food. And in such circumstances, it is not a surprise to read news excerpts, like Bangalore is the destination for junk food or maybe Bangalore steps up yet another stair in the ladder to almost make it to the top in the list of regions serving unhealthy food.  

Anyways, this is not an attempt to join the troupe of those further annoying, the already uptight work machines, with their writings, but the idea is to help. How…? By offering some suggestions and thus enlightening with healthy food choices in Bangalore. 

Eating out: Pizzas and burgers desperately need a break. While the popular food chains like Barista & Mc Donalds could hop in with their whole bread sandwiches and wraps respectively, the more native options like Pure n Natural could be considered as viable substitutes with their salad platters and juice options. Remarks Taika too is a choice for those looking forward to an exquisite spa cuisine, while relaxing over the weekends. The choices are further enhanced by the Mast Kalandar’s healthy and yummy food.  

Cooking in: If you love too cook for yourself, but fail to locate the right source for ‘that’ healthy ingredient, here is a list to refer.  Natural food products can come only from the rightly equipped kitchen. For Bangalore foodies this kitchen happens to be that of a private limited company, incorporated by the name Fit Forever Foods Pvt Ltd. Fit Forever specializes in three key products, which they claim, can help stay healthy and even support as a pertinent healer for specific ailments. These are Wheatgrass, Pomegranate & Water Melon Juice. The same & various other organic food items can be purchased from All Saints Departmental Store Ashok Nagar, Namdhari's, Nilgiris, Thom's Cafe Wheelers Road & Vinayaka Medicals New Thippasandra. 

Packed health: If neither cooking, nor eating out tempts enough, check the Chulah flavour. Chulah is a professional tiffin service, delivering North Indian vegetarian & non vegetarian delicacies at your door step.

For a restaurant, the prominence of online presence further augments with the increasing popularity of online food reviews. Food patrons confer due attention to eating quality food, in a manner, which they would like to be served. And to this end, they do not really mind reading through the comments of others who have tried a restaurant before. Chances are that a restaurant with relevant online presence would earn readability, followed by footfalls, succeeded by reviews & ratings and thus the desired popularity. Moreover, when compared with other advertising components, online presence certainly scores the highest. With the stated logical arguments in background, why wait? Just add your restaurant to the list of those enjoying internet popularity and relish the taste of online spices.

Win a free MYNTRA t-shirt EVERY WEEK! 

You don't have to really do much, just do what you always do. Write great Reviews about restaurants you vist and win a free t-shirt!
How can win? To increase your chance of winning, make sure you write a great review. Be as descriptive, creative, funny, cool, as you can be, with your writing. We love unique perspectives on the subject, we love creativity and we of course we like well written reviews with no grammatical or spelling errors!

Read more details and rules

NeedGrub - the Myntra way

Needgrub is now affiliated with Myntra.com! Needgrub users can now get fabulous personalized products from Myntra.com.

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Being a part of the ‘NeedGrub Authority’, invariably implies, an access to the world of privileges and joy. With NeedGrub as the preferred choice, chances are scares that you would need to check any other source, for unadulterated entertainment. In connection with the same, NeedGrub opens yet another door to the mystic bonanza – the door to ‘The MYNTRA’.

Myntra is an online excursion. It is a portal to express creativity and thus present, what you are, to the rest of the world, the way you are. Options are almost endless with Myntra at access. The bouquet of offerings at Myntra, begin by letting you design customized products, in the simplest way you would like.

A T shirt with the holy guru to mark a spiritual message, a mouse pad with a mice moving all over, pen with the I give a dam’m quote, greeting cards with exactly the lines your heart could create, pendants with the photographs of the loved ones and indefinitely many more design variations, are all possible with Myntra.

With just a click of mouse, Myntra lets you express and present the most personalized range of gifts. And there’s more, there is the option of earning royalty for the creativity deployed. The blog sections, polls, community interest topics, further ensure the freedom to communication.

And then there is even more … there is the NeedGrub Myntra association. NeedGrub and Myntra together escalate to another level of expectations. NeedGrub members, in a very exclusive way, can benefit from the above stated and various other delicious benefits of being associated with Myntra. Simply creating an account with the NeedGrub extends the authority to express and ensure popularity of quality food all across.

With Myntra and NeedGrub in one package, this expression becomes even more rewarding. Marked presence in the NeedGrub society, necessarily earns rewards from the Myntra pool of exclusive offerings. Just be a part of the NeedGrub group and keep a check of Myntra and various other such irresistible offers.

Grub Points now offers Myntra Product rewards!

NeedGrub Grub points also now offers Myntra products for rewards!  Start collecting your grub points and exchange them for fabulous Myntra products for free!

Restaurant Review: Red E Drop Zone, Alwartpet, Chennai

"Drop in, take away, drop out"
When you are famished and all you want to do is grab a bite, you really don’t want to give a heed to what the place looks like. I think true food lovers would second me on the statement I made. Red E drop Zone, like the name suggests is one such place. The bright Red name board can’t go unnoticed, at least with the people who keep driving past the busy TTK road.

It is a tight day at work and you just want to compensate to if you family by buying them some good food, this is the place! They are rather experts in offering you quick take aways! So you would think that there is no place for people to sit and enjoy their food; nope! You are totally mistaken. There is a small, decent place where you can eat your heart out!

While I was sitting there enjoying every little morsel of my food, the place was bombarded with phone calls. Yes, their main focus is on home deliveries and take aways. So what does Red E have to offer, really? Great food! Considering they are a part of Cascade, which is a great restaurant by itself. The range of starters is certainly unforgettable. The Cheese Wonton and Murgh Malai Kabab in particular was a treat!

Nothing can beat their authentic Chicken Tikka Masala with steaming Butter Naans! I can’t possibly not mention how delectable the Paneer Jalfreize with Jeera Rice was! If you want a break from Indian food, you could try their Italian. The Spaghetti with creamy tomato basil sauce is mind blowing! I am always in a mood to try out something new and exotic. If you are like me, then shouldn’t miss their Thai raw papaya salad and Chicken Cafreal.

Fitness freaks can resort to their delicious Garden fresh veg creamed with sweet corn salad. There is Chinese, Konkan, Continental and what not? If you are in a mood for burgers and sandwiches, they have that too! The cheese burji sandwich and roast chicken sandwich is sinful! What I like about this place is that there is no restriction to what you can order from home or take away for that matter. What you would eat in a reasonably classy restaurant is what you will at your home, saving time and energy. So give Red E drop zone a shot!

When Domino’s opened their 100^th store in India, elephants danced for the welcome of the man behind the blue and red colors of this pizza brand. It was almost during the same time when Pizza Hut and Domino’s scuffled for even bigger shares of Indian market. And all this happened not because it was part of their global marketing strategy, but because Indians had surpassed even the highest level of expectations and served as the most loyal customers.      

It was yet another time that Indians proved their devotion towards the delicious. But the attempt was not one sided. In fact even the leading pizza brands altered their offerings, to suit the Hindustani flavor. Forks and knives took a back seat, while the spicy panner laden pizzas, suddenly became a must on the menu of the pizza eateries. While all heartily welcomed the innovations, it was the service class, which certainly served as the most prominent eaters. To them, pizzas were a respite from the not so very well cooked meals of the hostel accommodations or any other ready to cook food versions. And then they are filling and economical as well, so why think twice.  Try it yourself! 

Of course you’ve had pizzas the Indian way on a number of occasions, but perhaps it’s now time, to give your own home cooked pizza, the irresistible Italiano – Desi flavor. All it takes is minor alterations in the ingredients, which are readily available at a grocery store near you. The list includes, pesto or barbecue as sauces, the mozzarella cheese, mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, chili as toppings for vegetarians and Italian sausage, salami, bacon, tuna, shrimp for non vegetarians coupled with oregano, black pepper and chili flakes as seasoning. Permutation combinations are endless, just suit your taste.   

Pizza Restaurants in Bangalore

Pizza Restaurants in Chennai

and many more citiesin NeedGrub.com

The Wonton, Abhiramipuram, Chennai

"The Wonton, a must go!"

“What else is there to live for? Chinese food and women”. That is something that is so true and holds good till date; why else would it still be the most preferred cuisine in this world? Whether they are one of those hi-fi, classy restaurants or the tiny one in an inconspicuous corner of the street, a place can never get enough of Chinese joints. Especially, the not so visible, less sophisticated places serve such great Chinese food, that the big ones might have to take a run. ‘The Wonton’ is truly one such place.

There is nothing elaborate and attractive about the place but presentable enough for the passerby to come and take a peek. It is a good old Chinese menu; not so different from the hundred other menus but the food served was mind blowing. Soups are the best part of a Chinese meal. The menu had different soups such as Tom Yum, Wonton, Chicken Noodles, Lung Fung, and Jade soup to name a few. The Chicken Garlic Soup in particular was exquisite.

Fortunately or unfortunately, you are always almost full after having starters when it comes to Chinese food. This place is no different because the starters they serve are so tasty! There are the usual Lollypop Chicken, Pepper Chicken Sticks, Chicken Fried Wontons, and the delectable Spicy Fried Prawns.

The mouthwatering main course dishes make you go berserk! If you are a chicken lover Chicken Rice Bowl with Chicken Clay pot would be the best bet. You can also give Kung Pao Chicken with Mixed Wangs Fried Rice a try. For the sea food fans, steamed fish, Singapore Chilly Crab, or the Buttered Prawns with steamed rice is to die for! Vegetarians please don’t feel disappointed! Buttered Cauliflower or Babycorn Honkong Style with vegetable pan fried noodles is a must have.

So you are lazy to prepare dinner yet ravenous? You can always walk in with your shorts and sandals to ‘The Wonton’. You definitely won’t regret it!

Love Indo chinese food? Want more of it ?
Click here to find more chinese restaurants in Chennai

As part of our NEW UPDATES, we are very excited to introduce the "EVENTS" feature of NeedGrub.com

Almost every restaurant or hotel seems to be coming up with amazing deals and events, every other week. All happen to talk about it and thus ensure that you feel left out. But ever wondered why this happens. Why is it usually the last day that you come to know about an interesting, ongoing food event at an eatery, you just would not like to miss? Well, it is because the requisite efforts to let you know about it were not in place.

The loss is mutual. The restaurants do not really earn many benefits out of the special efforts they made to earn patronage and customers of course overlook the scrumptious deals. The key issue here is the lack of a substantial information channel between the two parties involved, which would ensure timely reporting on all upcoming food events in town, to those who matter.

An intermediate – NeedGrub

NeedGrub assists with the issue and serves as an intermediate who promises to accurately connect the organizers and foodies. The NeedGrub’s event page offers free space to the restaurants and thus helps them list the planned schedules for all those who would really be interested in this information. In other words, NeedGrub arranges the audience for organizers, in a very simple yet sophisticated manner. Special banner ads, to further promote the events, is also an option at the NeedGrub food authority.

With this in place, it is rare that you would miss, even the tiniest of information on what is happening at the eateries in the city. A simple date and location based event search,