There’s nothing like an overhyped mithai shop in a city that is soaked in history and heritage. Laxmi Misthan Bhandar, housed comfortable in the middle of tourist-friendly and chaotic Johri Bazaar in Jaipur, is one such outlet. Signed as LMB on its signage, it is busy from the word go. The moment you enter, you have to make your way through localities, inbound and outbound tourists. They surf across the shelves of mithais, both Jaipuri and Indian, and chose the ones that would suit their palates. You safely conclude that LMB does brisk and highly lucrative business. Though it is not a large chain like a Haldiram’s or a Bikanerwala, its prices are no less. And they leave no stone unturned when it comes sales. Saree-clad women with notepads, spotted across the floor, urge you taste and purchase. Seemingly, most customers cave in.
Right next to the big hall, is the restaurant. When we went there was a 10-minute wait. The man at the entry was not courteous by any standards, and two of us were seated on a table that was closely joined with a family of four (it was pretty much like a table being shared with another family, a concept that I have never liked, especially with renowned restaurants). The whole restaurant remains as cramped as a 9AM DTC bus. The corridor between the rows of tables is barely good enough for two people to pass. The noise is unbeatable and the menu elaborate. The biggest put off was that right below the Thali menu they wrote in bold letters: “Not to be shared.” For a restaurant that charges Rs 400 for a thali, it was a disappointment. Lost between pedestal and premium, LMB is a restaurant that is solely inspired to make money basis the popular name that they have acquired over the years. Given the ambience, furniture, service and quality of staff, it is certainly grossly overpriced.
Since none of us had the appetite to have the whole thali, we ordered a portion of Bela Rajasthani (4 cubes of fried chickpea in gravy) which was spicy to the core, missi rotis, steamed rice and dal. The quantity was barely okay for two of us. The food, despite being positioned as pure Rajasthani was a disappointment (we had a better evening meal at Chokhi Dhani later in the evening at half the price). Despite the restaurant doing brisk business, they took 20 minutes to serve food. We could see other customers also constantly checking for their order.
Overall, the experience left a bad taste in the mouth (pun intended). I did not buy any sweets even if I was tempted to, though my wife bought kachauris and namekeen. After 75 minutes of struggle in LMB, we were relieved to back in fresh air when we got out. Next time, we would know where NOT to go at least. Having said that, I am sure LMB would remain as a hotspot forever.
Image: Jaipur-indiahotesl.com