'Thulp' it all down!

A soft, juicy one centimeter thick chicken slice placed on a fresh and soft burger bread base ...topped with a mixture of mayonnaise, lettuce and just the right amount of onion that does not make your taste buds cringe. Then comes the burger bun on the top - not too hard, not too soggy with a tinge of butter to complete the oh so heavenly taste. I pick up this giant with my 2 hands (coz one is not enough) and take a bite - all the ingredients coming together in a beautiful harmony to create that one magical taste - and i think to myself "could this mouthful just stay there for a few seconds more? just a lil more...?"

'Thulp!' - what a perfect name for this chic cafe situated in Koramangala. It signifies energy, joy, youth and, of course, a sumptuous meal.

I happened to visit Cafe Thulp one lazy afternoon with friends. There were 7 of us gluttons hoping to have a good meal, since most had not taken breakfast. The cafe, or 'fast food restaurant' as some may refer to it, is designed to look as if it is built in a garage. The entrance is open (no concept of a door) which immediately brings in an informal atmosphere to the place. On your left are a few racks containing a mixture of good books and all time favorite comics. On one shelf you'll find a set of board games, which you can play while you wait for your food.

The cafe serves sandwiches, salads, milk shakes and burgers. I must warn the vegetarians here - this is not really the place you are likely to enjoy. We did have 2 veggies in our gang but they were far from satisfied with the food. The real meat is for the non-vegetarians. The beef eaters will have a field day coz a significant section of the menu is dedicated to Hamburgers. I went in for Bow Wow Wow (Chicken Hot Dog) which incidentally happens to be one of the lightest items in the array, despite having oodles of melted cheese. I added

Cafe Thulp's specialty mustard

- a must try which was like a cherry on the delicious cake. Pigs on the Wing - a playful dish with pork pieces mixed with a tangy barbecue sauce wrapped by a sandwich (white or brown bread) and served with some really good mildly fried masala potato - a dish that I have nicknamed - after my good friend - 'Calden'.

The Grilled Chicken Burger is the best of the lot that I have tasted so far and which I have hopefully done justice to in my opening escapade. For the vegetarians, there is not too much of an option except for salads and a simple Pasta in white sauce. A friend ordered Zorba the Great (veg sandwich) and it turned out terrible.

You might also want to try out a daily special which is displayed on the blackboard. Also do not miss a milk - shake (if you have the stomach space that is) from a variety of flavours - all worth a try, especially the 'Snicker Blizzard'. I am yet to try the desserts but they looked delicious on paper.

All in all, a positive experience with the food. For the not so good thing about this cafe, I would have to say a slightly sluggish service and not too comfortable seating - they could have done with a few couches here and there. Although there is no A/C the place stays cool enough with fans and I guess they would probably insert some coolers during the summer.

I would definitely recommend a visit with friends on a pleasant breezy evening that Bangalore is known for. Dish rates are on a average Rs. 150 - 200 while the shakes are around Rs. 80-100. Its a one dish one person kind of a thing unless you hardly have an appetite.

Café Thulp
998, 1st Main
1st Block
Koramangala
Bangalore 560 034

Phone: 40933344/55

NJOY!!!