"My visit to Swagath in Hamilton, prompted by a friend's recommendation, turned out to be a wonderful surprise. At first, I was hesitant due to the Google images that depicted paper plates and cups, leading me to assume it might be a fast food joint. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the actual ambiance of the restaurant. It features a well-arranged dining area with cozy booths and central tables, far from the casual setup I had envisioned.
Our culinary adventure began right at the table with a serving of Rasam, which quickly won us over with its bold flavors and spicy kick, perfectly whetting our appetites. We kicked things off with Onion Pakora as an appetizer, while my son chose the Mysore Masala Dosai. My wife, who avoids onions and garlic, received great assistance from our waitress, Preethi. Her friendly demeanor and in-depth knowledge of the menu made it easy for us to find suitable options. We decided on Lemon Rice and Puri Bhaji, both of which fit our dietary restrictions.
The Lemon Rice was exceptional, featuring a subtle lemon flavor that was nicely complemented by a zingy lemon pickle—an excellent touch that allowed diners to customize the citrus intensity to their preference. The Mysore Masala Dosai was another highlight: perfectly crispy and served with delightful Sambhar and Chutney. The Thali was impressive as well, showcasing a variety of vegetables that were quite enjoyable, except for one dish that reminded me of a Maharashtrian specialty I'm not particularly fond of. I set the spinach paneer aside for my son and focused on the other elements of the Thali, including the fluffy puris and well-cooked rice.
The Puri Bhaji was delicious in its own right, further demonstrating the kitchen's versatility and thoughtfulness regarding dietary needs. Preethi's exceptional service added to the warm and homely atmosphere, making our experience all the more enjoyable.
Overall, I would definitely return to Swagath in Hamilton and highly recommend it. The restaurant offers a delightful mix of delicious food, accommodating service, and a comfortable dining environment that pleasantly contradicts any initial doubts."
