Making the most of their empty lot space, Banjara Indian Cuisine on Bloor Street has set up a street stand, recognizable by its big umbrella, serving you all-natural juice on the spot. Sweeten up your day and drop by to pick up freshly juiced sugar cane and oranges.
The idea to set up their made-to-order beverage cart on the street came about through the restaurant group, owned by Rajesh Veerella, wanting to contribute to providing healthy drink alternatives to customers and additionally bring back the in-person engagement they missed from indoor dining. Prashant Prabhakaran. an employee at Banjara, notes how when dining at most restaurants, you normally don't get to see how the food is being prepared and made, but they liked the concept of creating something right in front of the customer's eyes.
"When you buy things from inside you don't know how it's being made, but when we freshly squeeze something in front of you, that makes a whole difference," says Prabhakaran.
Nothing beats a refreshing drink on a hot day. According to employee Bhanu Prakash, a big reason why they chose to serve fresh juice is due to the beverages' multiple health properties. Often used in traditional Indian medicine, Prakash says this includes aiding in the increase of immunity levels, adding additional anti-oxidants to your diet and it's ability to be a natural energy booster, so maybe skip your afternoon coffee and grab a sugar cane juice instead.
To add additional flavour and health benefits to your sugar cane juice, you have the option to add mint, lemon, ginger and pink salt in whatever combination you prefer for no extra cost.
Look forward to more refreshing fruit juice options being added to the menu this summer including pomegranate, pineapple and even coconut.
Banjara Indian Cuisine is open seven days a week with patio dining and takeout available. Find them and their juice stand outside Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:20 p.m., then from 5 p.m. until 10:20 p.m. and weekends from 12 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., and then from 5 p.m. until 10:20 p.m.
Since their juices are only available in person and not for delivery, you can find out when they'll be adding to the menu by dropping by and seeing for yourself.
From left to right: Prashant Prabhakaran, Chef Velraj Palani, Bhanu Prakash and Ranjith Nagothu (manager)
