If you step out in search of the true taste of a country, its soul, its essence - take to the streets, authenticity doesn’t come with pristine linens and fine plating. India is no stranger to this concept and a love of street food is one of the few things that transcends the nation’s inherent classism with vada pao vendors plying their wares to princes and paupers alike. Though hardy, the common Indian palate tends to be suspicious and consequently restaurateurs are wary about exploring exotic cuisines and more often than not, prefer to Indian-ise their offerings to placate their wary diners. One place that has refused to make that compromise is the German eatery Mahlzeit, who today will be making their grand entrance onto Mumbai’s restaurant scene.

When Milan Pal – the owner and gourmand behind the brand Mahlzeit – gave up his work as a consultant he didn’t foresee the success in store for his little street food outlet in Koregaon Park, Pune much less the day he’d be opening a second branch in the multicultural suburb of Bandra. Milan is of German and Indian descent and he spent much of his life in Berlin. The only reason he decided to venture into the fiercely competitive restaurant business was a craving for his favourite Currywurst sausages (a pork sausage with curry sauce). He couldn’t find a satisfactory substitute anywhere and rather than give up, he took it upon himself to make his own, and our collective stomachs are very glad that he did.

Although his favourite may be the Currywurst, according to Milan, most people tend to favour the doner kebab. He believes doner is an art form singular to every region, each will come with its own seasoning, sauces, and condiments not to mention the meat itself can vary hugely. At Mahlzeit they try to keep it as authentically Berlin as possible while working with the best ingredients they have at their disposal.

I think it’s safe to say that the honour of the best culinary trifecta belongs to the combination of meat, bread and potatoes - a holy matrimony the Germans have mastered. Mahlzeit’s sausages and kebabs may be the heroes of the dish but the supporting characters cannot be ignored, crispy fries and freshly baked bread with mustard and their signature mayonnaise (which is possibly the best you will ever have the privilege to try).

Aside from the regular menu there are plenty of other goodies to be found here as well. They are the only people in India importing the popular German beverage Club-Mate, a non-alcoholic, caffeinated malt beverage that is the sinful love-child of coffee and beer. They also have a selection of organic jams and preserves available made by artisanal confectioner Ilka’s in Pune. So if you’ve been craving a hearty meal, or have always wanted to sample some traditional German fare, Mahlzeit is the place for you.