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Our culinary journey through regional food in the Capital now brings us to the southern part of India, which is known as #39;the land of spices#39;. Cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, nutmeg, chilli, mustard, curry leaves – the list of bounty from this region is neverending. The ubiquitous dosa and sambar are just a succinct trailer to otherwise extensive and colourful cuisines from the five states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and the two union territories of Lakshadweep and Puducherry – each of which has its own culture, language and cuisine.
For the last in our series after North, West and East, we delve into a world of aromatic filter coffee, soft idlis and piping hot rasam as we explore local and indigenous fare – across restaurants, delivery outlets and stores.
MALABARI
The cuisine of Kerala offers a multitude of dishes ranging from the traditional sadya to rich non-vegetarian delicacies. While chillis, curry leaves, mustard seeds and tamarind dominate the dishes, another important ingredient is coconut that is used in gravies or as oil for cooking.
Where To Eat: The newly opened Mahabelly has been winning hearts for its excellent variety of dishes at reasonable prices. Try out their Pachakari Bhajji (Rs 200), Mutton Varathatu (Rs 400), Kozhi Porichathu (Rs 300), Potato Roast (Rs 220) and Appam with Chicken Stew (Rs 220).
Also try out the Verghese Vendakka Porichadu (Rs 180), Pothu Erachi Varattiyathu (Rs 320) and Karimeen Pollichathu (Rs 420) at The Toddy Shop.
For a budgeted meal, head to the popular Anna’s Hotel and dig into favourites like Thattu Dosa (Rs 7), Kappa Biryani (Rs 75), Crab Pepper Fry (Rs 220) and Fish Moilee (Rs 140). Other options you can check out include Golden Malabar, Samrudhi and Hotel Annapurna.
Where To Buy: The South Indian Store on Gold Souk Road, Gurgaon, Kerala Store in Indirapuram, Annapurneshwari Kerala Store in Lakshmi Nagar and Triveni Kerala Store are apt for buying spices, chutneys, pappadums, banana chips, jackfruit chips, pakka vada and herbal teas.
CARNATIC
Carnatic cuisine is diverse and heavily influenced by the produce, lifestyle and culture of its people. Of these, Mangalorean food is known for its spices and rice-based delicacies, the Udupi region is strictly vegetarian, the Kodagu region has a very distinct variety of primarily spicy non-vegetarian dishes, and the North Karnatak area sees wheat and jowar rotis rule the menu.
Where To Eat: Dosa and idli fans can head to Karnataka Food Centre and Karnataka Restaurant and explore signatures like Coconut Rava Masala (Rs 155), Mysore Plain (Rs 90), Butter Rava Paneer (Rs 140), Rava Idli (Rs 94) and Lemon Rice (Rs 80).
Since rice is a staple food in this state, you will find an exciting range of rice delicacies at Southy and Sagar Ratna including Curd Rice (Rs 120), Lemon Rice (Rs 120), Tamarind Rice (Rs 120), Coconut Rice (Rs 100), Sambar Rice (Rs 85) and Rasam Rice (Rs 110).
Our go-to spot for authentic fare is Carnatic Café that serves delicious originals like Paddu (Rs 125), Neer Dosa (Rs 155) and Malleshwaram 18th Cross Dosa (Rs 140). For a thali trail, check out Karnatic Kitchen, Naivedyam or Vaango.
Where To Buy: For spices, namkeen, pickles and chutneys – Food Centre in Naya Bazaar, South Indian Hot Chips in Mayur Vihar and Mangalmart South India Enterprise in Lajpat Nagar are ideal.
ANDHRA
Andhra cuisine is known for its fiery taste and rich seasonings. After the separation of the Telangana state, many of Andhra’s dishes became Telangana’s signatures. While the two states are quite diverse, the similarities between them lie in the style of cooking. Ingredients that dominate this cuisine are red chillies and gongura leaves – used for the preparation of pachadi, pickles and curries.
Where To Eat: Andhra Bhawan Canteen for its signatures like Dum Biryani (Rs 75), Chicken Fry (Rs 110), Mutton Curry (Rs 120) and the unlimited thali (Rs 100) offering phulka, rice, mixed veg, dal, sambar, rasam, papad, pickle, curd and a sweet. If you#39;re up for it, do try out the fiery Andhra Chicken Fry (Rs 200) and Pomfret Roast (Rs 390) at Country Curries.
For more variety, check out Andhra Biryani House for their Andhra Chicken Pulao (Rs 266), Mutton Vepudu (Rs 309), Godavari Prawn Iguru (Rs 396) and heavenly Buttermilk (Rs 52).
Where To Buy: Right in front of Andhra Bhawan, there are sellers retailing homemade pickles, snacks, spices and vegetables. Also check out Food Centre in Naya Bazaar.
HYDERABADI
Hyderabadi and/or Telangana cuisine is an amalgamation of Persian, Turkish and Afghan fare. Ingredients like corn, peanuts, tamarind, mango and sugarcane are the key flavour enhancers and are used extensively in their dishes. While Telangana is known for dishes like Pulihora, Nalli Massam and Egg Pulusu; Hyderabad is the star for Baghare Baigan and Biryani.
Where To Eat: Biryani and kebab lovers will be spoilt for choice with the wide range of options available at Biryani Blues. Try out their signatures like Mutton Shikhampur (Rs 250), Nargisi Kebab (Rs 225), Chicken Nizami (Rs 225), Bagara Baigan (Rs 200), Mutton Dum Biryani (Rs 275) and Tomato Cashewnut Curry (Rs 275).
Other options include The Golconda Bowl and Hyderabad House. The former boasts of popular delicacies like Hyderabadi Murgh Kofta (Rs 350), Gosht Chowgra (Rs 375), Khatti Arbi Ka Salan (Rs 300) and Thandi Subj Kheer (Rs 175); Hyderabad House flaunts unique dishes like Khatti Dal (Rs 120), Bagara Rice (Rs 120), Haleem (Rs 200), Tala Mutton (Rs 320) and Double Ka Meetha (Rs 80). Complete your meal with a steaming cup of Irani Chai (Rs 60) from Hyderabadi Biryani Wala.
Where To Buy: The South Indian Store in Savitri Nagar and Mangalmart South India Enterprise in Lajpat Nagar sell good quality spices, pickles and dry fruits.
TAMILIAN
Whenever we talk about Tamil Nadu, the first thing that comes to mind is their warm hospitality. The region has a rich cuisine characterised by the use of rice, legumes and lentils. Its distinct aroma and flavour is achieved by the blending of spices and ingredients like curry leaves, mustard seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg, coconut and rosewater. The traditional way of eating a meal is sitting on the floor, being served on a banana leaf and eating without any cutlery.
Where To Eat: If breakfast is on your mind, Flavours Of Chennai has reasonably priced combos (Rs 110) featuring vada, idli, mini dosa rolls and filter coffee. Other good options are Madras Cafe and Saravana Bhawan for their excellent Poori Bhaji (Rs 125), Masala Vada (Rs 70), Appam with milk (Rs 95) and Dahi Idli (Rs 80).
For a taste of Chettinad cuisine, Dakshin and Zambar are ideal destinations. The former is known for their Paalkati Pattana Masala (Rs 775), Chettinad Chops (Rs 1250), Ennai Kathrikai (Rs 700) and Badam Halwa (Rs 495); while the latter serves star dishes like Potato Roast (Rs 195), Chettinad Kari (Rs 265), Prawns Thokku (Rs 565) and Chicken Chettinad (Rs 365).
Where To Buy: Rama Store in Munirka, Balaji Stores in Gurgaon, and the Madras and Tamil Nadu Stores in Karol Bagh are where you get authentic Tamil groceries. Be it masalas, rice, coffee powder, idiyappam puttu mix, idli/dosa batter or murukkus – they have all.
Want to revisit the full series? Check out the North, West and East editions.
Hauz Khas Social will be hosting a Sunday night gig where Tarik, an audio-visual act from Shillong, will be launching their latest album. Their music is a blend of punk rock and radical themes, with a traditional Khasi twist. The band’s music largely uses radical politics for their songs and over the years, they have garnered a cult following in Shillong. At this gig, they will be joined by The Jass Bstards.
Taking movie buffs on a cinematic journey of Japan will be The Japan Foundation with a film festival as part of which will be screened acclaimed Japanese movies. The schedule is as follows:
7 December: Dearest
Director: Yasuo Furuhata | Duration: 111 mins
A prison instructor receives a post-dated letter from his late wife asking him to spread her ashes in her hometown. To fulfill her last wish, he sets out on a journey to her hometown, Nagasaki.
8 December: Fruits Of Faith
Director: Yoshihiro Nakamura | Duration: 130 mins
Akinori is a farmer who attempts to grow organic apples for his wife who has fallen ill because of agricultural chemicals. The quest throws his family into abject poverty, but he persists in growing organic apples.
9 December: Friends Naki On The Monster Island
Director: Takashi Yamazaki, Ryuichi Yagi | Duration: 87 mins
Based on a famous Japanese nursery tale, this movie depicts the interaction between human and monster children. Kotake is a human child who wanders into the land of monsters and soon befriends them.
10 December: A Boy Called H
Director: Yasuo Furuhata | Duration: 122 mins
The movie, based on an autobiographical book, depicts the life of a tailor’s close-knit family. They stay together and maintain their convictions till the events leading up to World War II cast a shadow on their bonds.
11 December: Hospitality Department
Director: Yoshishige Miyake | Duration: 122 mins
Kakemizu is a young public servant who is transferred to the Hospitality Department so as to stimulate local tourism. He later brings in the imaginative and down-to-Earth Yoshikado as a prt-time staff member to help him.
Entry: Free
Delhi has always fascinated one and all, and quite rightly so. Brimming with history and heritage, it’s a perfect example of the old thriving alongside the new. If you want to explore the city, here are 4 fun ways to go about it.
RICKSHAW TOURS
The by-lanes of Old Delhi are best explored on a tricycle. The rickshaw tour gives you a real taste of the city, as you soak in its true colours and irresistible charm. The ride takes you back in time as you zip past architectural marvels of a bygone era and also observe age-old practices that are still prevalent. The tour starts from Chandni Chowk, one of the most famous and historic streets of the city designed by Shah Jahan’s daughter Jahanara in the 17th century. From there, you head towards Jama Masjid, one of the oldest mosques in the country. The tour ends at Red Fort or Lal Qila which is known for its Diwani-am, Diwani-Khas, Rang Mahal and more. The 4-hour ride has English-speaking guides who help you understand the history behind each and every stop in the tour. Unearth the local flavours of one of the greatest heritage cities in the world and discover some hidden gems along the way.
Timings: 10 am - 1 pm
Cost: Rs 1,000
For bookings, click here
HOP ON HOP OFF BUS TOUR
An initiative by Delhi Tourism, the Hop on Hop off Bus Tour lets you explore the city at your own pace. These air-conditioned buses ply every 40 minutes. The tickets are available for 2 routes – Red and Green. Each of the routes features around 12 to 14 landmarks including Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, National Gallery Of Modern Art, Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple, Dilli Haat, Safdarjung Tomb, Purana Qila, Raj Ghat, Central Cottage Industry Emporium, Jantar Mantar and more. Tourists can simply hop on and hop off at any of the stops along the way. As you board the bus, there is an on-board informative guide that introduces each destination. As the bus moves past the charming lanes of Purani Dilli, one can also savour culinary delights and catch fleeting glimpses of the city’s heritage and history. You can also shop for souvenirs and artefacts at places such as Baba Kharak Singh Marg, a hub for handicrafts with the street housing 18 state government emporiums.
Timings: The first bus starts at 8.50 am. HOHO buses do not operate on Monday.
Cost: Rs 500 for Indians and Rs 1,000 for foreigners
Book your tickets here
SEGWAY TOUR
If a Segway ride is something that excites you, then the Segway tour around Rajpath is a great way to explore the city early in the morning minus the traffic. The first 5 to 7 minutes of the tour familiarises you with the vehicle complete with demonstrations and essential handy guidelines. The 45 minute tour takes you to the South Block Secretariat where you can catch an unobstructed view of Rashtrapati Bhavan. You will be accompanied by 2 expert guides to help you through the tour, and the tour supervisor gives you all the information you need about the city’s landmarks. Make a quick pit-stop at the Secretariat building for a photo-op. As you glide past the city, the beauty of various ministry buildings that you cross will enchant you. The tour comes to an end at India Gate with Amar Jawan Jyoti at the backdrop. The meeting point is Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Timings: 5.15 am, 6.15 am and 7.15 am (weekends and holidays from 5.15 am to 9 am)
Cost: Rs 1,370
For tickets, click here
YAMUNA TOUR
DelhiByCycle, an initiative by Dutchman Jack Leenaars, is known for its unique tours and experiences in and around the city, such as the Yamuna Tour. The route is an ode to the river that has witnessed both the downfall and rise of the city of Djinns. The tour starts early in the morning at the by-lanes of Shahjahanabad and cycles will be provided to the participants. Park your cycles and walk past the walls of Red Fort, and you will reach the quiet banks of the Yamuna at Nigambodh Ghat which is around Kashmere Gate. According to mythology, Lord Brahma had bathed here to recover his lost memory, hence the name Nigambodh Ghat. The boat ride also gives you an understanding of the pollution level in the city and helps create awareness about how you can make Yamuna healthy and clean again. Shayam, the trusted boatman who has been living on the banks of the river since generations, gives helpful insights into the place. The ride concludes with a magnificent view of the Jama Masjid.
Timings: 6 am - 10 am
Cost: Rs 1,850
You can book your tour here
Our culinary journey through regional food in the Capital now brings us to the southern part of India, which is known as #39;the land of spices#39;. Cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, nutmeg, chilli, mustard, curry leaves – the list of bounty from this region is neverending. The ubiquitous dosa and sambar are just a succinct trailer to otherwise extensive and colourful cuisines from the five states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and the two union territories of Lakshadweep and Puducherry – each of which has its own culture, language and cuisine.
For the last in our series after North, West and East, we delve into a world of aromatic filter coffee, soft idlis and piping hot rasam as we explore local and indigenous fare – across restaurants, delivery outlets and stores.
MALABARI
The cuisine of Kerala offers a multitude of dishes ranging from the traditional sadya to rich non-vegetarian delicacies. While chillis, curry leaves, mustard seeds and tamarind dominate the dishes, another important ingredient is coconut that is used in gravies or as oil for cooking.
Where To Eat: The newly opened Mahabelly has been winning hearts for its excellent variety of dishes at reasonable prices. Try out their Pachakari Bhajji (Rs 200), Mutton Varathatu (Rs 400), Kozhi Porichathu (Rs 300), Potato Roast (Rs 220) and Appam with Chicken Stew (Rs 220).
Also try out the Verghese Vendakka Porichadu (Rs 180), Pothu Erachi Varattiyathu (Rs 320) and Karimeen Pollichathu (Rs 420) at The Toddy Shop.
For a budgeted meal, head to the popular Anna’s Hotel and dig into favourites like Thattu Dosa (Rs 7), Kappa Biryani (Rs 75), Crab Pepper Fry (Rs 220) and Fish Moilee (Rs 140). Other options you can check out include Golden Malabar, Samrudhi and Hotel Annapurna.
Where To Buy: The South Indian Store on Gold Souk Road, Gurgaon, Kerala Store in Indirapuram, Annapurneshwari Kerala Store in Lakshmi Nagar and Triveni Kerala Store are apt for buying spices, chutneys, pappadums, banana chips, jackfruit chips, pakka vada and herbal teas.
CARNATIC
Carnatic cuisine is diverse and heavily influenced by the produce, lifestyle and culture of its people. Of these, Mangalorean food is known for its spices and rice-based delicacies, the Udupi region is strictly vegetarian, the Kodagu region has a very distinct variety of primarily spicy non-vegetarian dishes, and the North Karnatak area sees wheat and jowar rotis rule the menu.
Where To Eat: Dosa and idli fans can head to Karnataka Food Centre and Karnataka Restaurant and explore signatures like Coconut Rava Masala (Rs 155), Mysore Plain (Rs 90), Butter Rava Paneer (Rs 140), Rava Idli (Rs 94) and Lemon Rice (Rs 80).
Since rice is a staple food in this state, you will find an exciting range of rice delicacies at Southy and Sagar Ratna including Curd Rice (Rs 120), Lemon Rice (Rs 120), Tamarind Rice (Rs 120), Coconut Rice (Rs 100), Sambar Rice (Rs 85) and Rasam Rice (Rs 110).
Our go-to spot for authentic fare is Carnatic Café that serves delicious originals like Paddu (Rs 125), Neer Dosa (Rs 155) and Malleshwaram 18th Cross Dosa (Rs 140). For a thali trail, check out Karnatic Kitchen, Naivedyam or Vaango.
Where To Buy: For spices, namkeen, pickles and chutneys – Food Centre in Naya Bazaar, South Indian Hot Chips in Mayur Vihar and Mangalmart South India Enterprise in Lajpat Nagar are ideal.
ANDHRA
Andhra cuisine is known for its fiery taste and rich seasonings. After the separation of the Telangana state, many of Andhra’s dishes became Telangana’s signatures. While the two states are quite diverse, the similarities between them lie in the style of cooking. Ingredients that dominate this cuisine are red chillies and gongura leaves – used for the preparation of pachadi, pickles and curries.
Where To Eat: Andhra Bhawan Canteen for its signatures like Dum Biryani (Rs 75), Chicken Fry (Rs 110), Mutton Curry (Rs 120) and the unlimited thali (Rs 100) offering phulka, rice, mixed veg, dal, sambar, rasam, papad, pickle, curd and a sweet. If you#39;re up for it, do try out the fiery Andhra Chicken Fry (Rs 200) and Pomfret Roast (Rs 390) at Country Curries.
For more variety, check out Andhra Biryani House for their Andhra Chicken Pulao (Rs 266), Mutton Vepudu (Rs 309), Godavari Prawn Iguru (Rs 396) and heavenly Buttermilk (Rs 52).
Where To Buy: Right in front of Andhra Bhawan, there are sellers retailing homemade pickles, snacks, spices and vegetables. Also check out Food Centre in Naya Bazaar.
HYDERABADI
Hyderabadi and/or Telangana cuisine is an amalgamation of Persian, Turkish and Afghan fare. Ingredients like corn, peanuts, tamarind, mango and sugarcane are the key flavour enhancers and are used extensively in their dishes. While Telangana is known for dishes like Pulihora, Nalli Massam and Egg Pulusu; Hyderabad is the star for Baghare Baigan and Biryani.
Where To Eat: Biryani and kebab lovers will be spoilt for choice with the wide range of options available at Biryani Blues. Try out their signatures like Mutton Shikhampur (Rs 250), Nargisi Kebab (Rs 225), Chicken Nizami (Rs 225), Bagara Baigan (Rs 200), Mutton Dum Biryani (Rs 275) and Tomato Cashewnut Curry (Rs 275).
Other options include The Golconda Bowl and Hyderabad House. The former boasts of popular delicacies like Hyderabadi Murgh Kofta (Rs 350), Gosht Chowgra (Rs 375), Khatti Arbi Ka Salan (Rs 300) and Thandi Subj Kheer (Rs 175); Hyderabad House flaunts unique dishes like Khatti Dal (Rs 120), Bagara Rice (Rs 120), Haleem (Rs 200), Tala Mutton (Rs 320) and Double Ka Meetha (Rs 80). Complete your meal with a steaming cup of Irani Chai (Rs 60) from Hyderabadi Biryani Wala.
Where To Buy: The South Indian Store in Savitri Nagar and Mangalmart South India Enterprise in Lajpat Nagar sell good quality spices, pickles and dry fruits.
TAMILIAN
Whenever we talk about Tamil Nadu, the first thing that comes to mind is their warm hospitality. The region has a rich cuisine characterised by the use of rice, legumes and lentils. Its distinct aroma and flavour is achieved by the blending of spices and ingredients like curry leaves, mustard seeds, cinnamon, nutmeg, coconut and rosewater. The traditional way of eating a meal is sitting on the floor, being served on a banana leaf and eating without any cutlery.
Where To Eat: If breakfast is on your mind, Flavours Of Chennai has reasonably priced combos (Rs 110) featuring vada, idli, mini dosa rolls and filter coffee. Other good options are Madras Cafe and Saravana Bhawan for their excellent Poori Bhaji (Rs 125), Masala Vada (Rs 70), Appam with milk (Rs 95) and Dahi Idli (Rs 80).
For a taste of Chettinad cuisine, Dakshin and Zambar are ideal destinations. The former is known for their Paalkati Pattana Masala (Rs 775), Chettinad Chops (Rs 1250), Ennai Kathrikai (Rs 700) and Badam Halwa (Rs 495); while the latter serves star dishes like Potato Roast (Rs 195), Chettinad Kari (Rs 265), Prawns Thokku (Rs 565) and Chicken Chettinad (Rs 365).
Where To Buy: Rama Store in Munirka, Balaji Stores in Gurgaon, and the Madras and Tamil Nadu Stores in Karol Bagh are where you get authentic Tamil groceries. Be it masalas, rice, coffee powder, idiyappam puttu mix, idli/dosa batter or murukkus – they have all.
Want to revisit the full series? Check out the North, West and East editions.
‘Tis the season to let go and munch on gorgeous food around the Capital. With more than a couple of new launches every week, we bet you’ll need a calendar to keep up with these newbies.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Jamie’s Pizzeria, Gurgaon
Everyone’s favourite British chef, Jamie Oliver, makes his foray into the country with this much-awaited pizzeria in Ambience Mall, Gurgaon. Does it live up to the hype? It’s a big ‘Yes’ from our side. If you’ve diligently watched every single episode of Just Jamie or The Naked Chef, you will know that the celebrity chef is big on flavours and loves cooking with fresh vegetables as much as meat. This is reflected on the menu here, which quite obviously tilts towards pizzas, and we’re not complaining one bit.
This retro pizza place pays homage to the humble dough. It’s evident in the way the Hand-stretched Garlic Bread (Rs 129), for instance, is presented; it’s thin and flaky, almost like naan, and is sprinkled with rosemary and accompanied by a tangy olive tapenade brimming with the goodness of sun-dried tomatoes. A bit of Asia rears its head as you bite into the crispy Okra, Chilli and Lotus Root Fritti (Rs 129), served with a Green Goddess dip with subtle hints of parsley and dill. The pizzas, however, are the real heroes. Scoff all you want, but the Paneer Piccante (Rs 379) with spicy paneer, roasted bell peppers, lemon, ginger, coriander and super stretchy mozzarella was an unlikely winner. The deceptively plain Marinara (Rs 199) with fresh tomatoes, oregano, garlic and extra virgin olive oil was refreshingly light with big, bold flavours, and we couldn’t get enough of the Courgette Pomodora (Rs 349) with crushed tomatoes, marinated courgette, crispy potatoes, mozzarella, parsley and rosemary. If you like your pizzas spicy, we dare you to try their Chicken Alla Diavola (Rs 429) topped with a secret chilli sauce that ought to come with a statutory warning. The dough here is prepared in-house every day, which explains why the pizzas seem so light, airy and fresh. Also, the pricing is surprisingly reasonable.
Price: Rs 800 for two
Timings: 11 am – 11 pm
NOW OPEN
Georgia Dakota Artisan Kitchen, Vasant Vihar
Michelle Kalsi, an expat baker in the city takes her home baking skills to a full-fledged outlet in Vasant Vihar. After almost an year of spoiling us with healthy baked sugar treats, she is now in the process of setting up an outlet which should be operational in the coming few weeks.
Her signature Rocky Mountain Granola (Rs 650 for 450 gm) is made with oats, sesame seeds, amaranth, nuts, coconut oil and honey – the perfect way to start a busy day. Her breakfast offerings also include a variety of muffins and the must-try Cinnamon Swirl Banana Cake (Rs 600). If you don’t want to forego your love for desserts in a bid to eat healthy, we suggest you check out her Chocolate Zucchini Muffins (Rs 350 for 6) or the Wheat Free Spiced Belgian Cake (Rs 850). But if, like us, you throw all diet concerns out of the window when faced with rows upon rows of sinful desserts, do check out the Double Peanut Butter cookies (Rs 650 for 12) and the Belgian Chocolate Peppermint Slate (Rs 875 for 200 gm).
Check out the complete menu here.
Price: Rs 600 for two
Timings: 11 am to 6 pm
Filmy Café by Deez, CP
We love movies almost as much as our food . Keeping this in mind is this 10-day old newbie inside the Plaza building in CP. Perfect to continue your conversation after you finish watching a movie at the theatre above, walk in here for Indian grub and kitschy interiors with posters and movie memorabilia.
Price: Rs 800 for two
Timings: Noon to 12:45 am
The Village Deck, Hauz Khas Village
For all those who continue to throng the Village aka HKV and are looking for new places to hang out here, this one’s straight out of the textbook. Fusion food, wooden interiors and a huge terrace overlooking the hustle and bustle of this popular party destination. A great space to hang out with friends and watch your weekend slip away – we recommend you look for Indianised versions of all your international favourites including a Chicken Malai Tikka Sushi!
Price: Rs 1, 400 for two
Timings: Noon to 1am
OPENING SOON
Junkyard Café, CP
Umang Tewari#39;s latest baby is touted to be a luxurious and spacious cafe with junkyard charm combined with plush comfort. Expect barrels, car and truck parts, old radios, TVs and chipped board furniture at this 13,000 sq feet space. There are sofas with chipboards, a live stage with two private VIP zones and a menu that offers healthy grub at reasonable prices.
Launch date: October 24th
The Groghead, Green Park
Come November, a new vibrant space is opening just a little away from the Village. Promising us inspired food and innovative cocktails, The Groghead looks equally appealing with muted interiors in a large fine dine area. Watch this space for more info soon.
Launch date: Early November
We all love our chaats, pakoras, puris and everything in between and we rely on our neighbourhood vendors for these treats. Bringing all Dilliwaalas a quintessential street food experience from across the country under one roof is Imly.
AMBIENCE
Imagine our surprise and excitement when we spotted a 250ft long train in the middle of the city! You can catch a glimpse of a toot-tooting engine that’s going to be spewing steam, with wheels that turn too. A complete trip for the kid inside all of us, once you step in, you notice all the little details that have been carefully put together by Varun Puri and Vivek Bhargava. The place has a chair car like set-up; there are two rows of tables across the length of this train and there is a juice bar bang in the middle. You can see a bunch of chefs from different regions working their magic in the open kitchen. With bright interiors, colourful cutlery and TV screens projecting the view from the window seats of a train, dining here is a beautiful experience.
FOOD + DRINKS
The menu has a wide selection of timeless street delights from all parts of India – the north, south, east, west and centre – reinvented with delicious twists in terms of flavours and presentations, with state specials clubbed under various taglines. With over 100 dishes currently available and the team’s ambitious goal of adding something new every few months, you’ll never be bored of eating here. As we settled in, we were served a complimentary dahi phuchka as an amuse bouche in a mini giant wheel and mixed juices in banta bottles. This was followed by the innovative Tokri Chaat (Rs 75) from the UP Junction with our favourite dahi papdi served in a tart-like paapdi. From the Delhi Terminal, we tried the much recommended Gol Gappa (Rs 45) that comes in a cart complete with a barrel for the water and crispy gappas atop tiny glasses filled with chutneys and potato mix; this DIY activity got a thumbs up from everyone.
Moving to the Rajasthani section, we tried the crispy Kalmi Vada (Rs 85) and Bikaneri Parantha with Gatte ki Sabzi and Dahi Gujia (Rs 150). Heading south but only to try more, we ordered ourselves a portion of Spring Dosa (Rs 120) and Fried Idli (Rs 85) that came with yummy chutneys including an inspired version from Mumbai’s ITC Grand Central.
If you’re looking for a sugar fix, there’s an entire section dedicated to desserts from all over the country. We sampled the Halwa Moong Dal (Rs 60), Rasmalai Tiramisu (Rs 60), Gulab Jamun (Rs 60), Malpua with Rabdi (Rs 60) and our current favourite, Bundi Pag Rabdi (Rs 80).
There’s a videshi segment too with pastas, momos and pizzas. We sure are going back for these soon.
IN A NUTSHELL
WH Verdict: A hygienic and economical stopover for all street food cravings.
Meal For Two: Rs 600
Cuisine: Street Food
Review and Other Details: Imly on What’s Hot
They are also on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imlyxpress
**The writer was invited by the restaurant to preview their menu**
We love our city, but let’s face it – our streets can be highly unsafe for women. That’s why it’s a good idea to learn some self-defence techniques, so you can always be prepared, with the fitness boost as an added bonus. Sign up for any of these 5 combat programmes at these centres.
DYNAMIC KICKBOXING (CROSS TRAINING FITNESS)
This is the first fitness facility to launch Muay Thai Kickboxing and Combat fitness in the city. Founded by Amrit Singh, the fitness centre boasts a range of self-defence techniques from Krav Maga military defence system, Russian kettlebell system of dynamic strength and fitness and cross training fitness to various boot camps, body conditioning and competitive fighters#39; training. All of the programmes have been formulated keeping civilians (men, women and children alike) in mind, with techniques that could save your life.
Street Defence and Combat Tactics is a 3-month (18 sessions) course designed by Dynamic Kickboxing Club. Borrowing from Krav Maga, Filipino Boxing, Muay Boran and Panantukan, the course is a handy guide on practical self-defence techniques for any situation.
Where: Dynamic Kickboxing, A-120, Sector 92, Noida
Timings: Monday to Friday (6 am - noon and 6 pm - 9 pm) Saturday and Sunday (6 am – 7.30 pm)
Cost: Rs 3,000 to Rs 30,000 per person.
KRAV MAGA INDIA
Founded by Imi Lichtenfeld (Sde-Or), this centre teaches you self-defence, self protection, fighting and combat skills, with Krav Maga being its area of expertise. Krav-Maga was developed in Israel and the centre uses real-time situations to train students.
Where: Delhi Rock, Opp M-39, GK2 (Inside the Nanaksar Gurudwara compound)
Timings: Monday to Friday (7 am – 8.30 am and5.30 pm - 8.30 pm) Saturday (7.30 am – 8.30 am) and Sunday (10 am – noon)
Cost: Rs 1,000 registration; Rs 3,500 per month
CROSSTRAIN FIGHT CLUB
Whether you aim to learn self-defence, lose weight, or compete in mixed martial arts competitions, this place could be a great starting point! A fully-equipped mixed martial arts facility, the centre offers training in disciplines such as boxing, Muay Thai (kickboxing) as well as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and wrestling, besides strength training to ensure you are fit..
Where: B 7/120A, Lower Ground Floor, Safdarjung Enclave, (Near Sukhmani Hospital and Hotel Deer Park)
Timings: Monday to Thursday (7.30 am – 8.30 am) and Saturday and Sunday (11 am – noon)
Cost: Rs 2,000 – Rs 5,000 a month
FITCOMB - THE PROTECTION PROFESSIONALS
This is the only defence centre in the city to have a woman Kapap instructor trained in Israel by the founding father - Lt Col. Chaim Peer. The fitness facility conducts reality-based combat training, with a focus on practical and specific self-defence techniques. You can choose from programmes such as Advanced Commando Combat System, Royal Marine Commando System, Jeet Kune Do, Karate, Muay Thai, Grappling and Philipino Combat Systems.
Where: 417 (Basement), Sector - 56, Gurgaon, (Behind Jal Vayu Towers)
Timings: Tuesday and Thursday (8 am - 9 am), Saturday and Sunday (8 am - 9 am for children and 9 am – 10.30 am for adults)
Cost: Rs 2,500 per month (10% discount for girls /ladies)
NEW DELHI AIKIDO DOJO
Founded by Sensei Paritos Kar, a 4th Dan Black Belt from Aikikai Hombu Dojo Tokyo, this place promotes Aikido Dojo. A unique and contemporary Japanese martial art form, Aikido encompasses a range of training styles, based on individual capability. While it is an effective form of self-defence, the martial art can also nurture one’s inner strength and boost your spiritual quotient. The facility has recently started women-only Aikido training programmes too.
Where: Aikido Dojo, 56 Anand Lok, 3rd Floor Dojo, Near Gargi and Kamala Nehru College; Aikido Dojo, Thyagraj Sports Complex Dojo
Timings: Monday to Saturday (6.30 am – 8 am) and Sunday (7am – 8.30 am) at Anand Lok.
Monday to Friday (7pm – 8.30 pm) at Thyagraj Sports Complex Dojo
Cost: The fee for general members is Rs 2,750 per month, and for newcomers, it is Rs 2,500 per month.
It’s a bad time for our wallet and a happy one for our closest. Why, you ask? Because the last few months have seen some top-notch retail brands step into the Indian market and we’ve never been this excited. In fact, things are looking even better in the future with some of our favourites from Europe and USA promising to roll out their stores soon. It’s the season to shop and be merry!
JUST IN
Aeropostale
It’s official! The American casual wear brand is opening its first store in India early next month. Traditionally, Aeropostale caters primarily to teenagers and college students, both men and women. So in an effort to reach out to its target clientele and create a buzz here, the brand is already visiting colleges including SRCC, Sri Venkateswara College, Shaheed Bhagat Singh College and Hindu College among others.
The flagship store is slated to come up right next to the GAP showroom at Select Citywalk, which is already home to every fashion outlet you could think of. The store opens on November 7th at 11 am, so you know where to head for a pair of their famous Seriously Stretchy jeans. As a precursor to the launch, you can also catch Aerofest – an evening of music and fashion – on November 6th from 7pm onwards with performances by Anushka Manchanda and band, DJ Gouri and Aerocrew at Plaza Amphitheatre in the mall. We can’t wait.
Launch date: November 7th
Where: Select Citywalk, Saket
NOW OPEN
HM
We’d been awaiting the launch of this Swedish clothing and accessories brand for quite some time, and so was the rest of the city considering the reception they got on their opening weekend. Spread over 25,000 sq ft on 2 floors, this massive store has individual sections for men, women and kids. Quite predictably though, there’s more here for women – jackets, bags, shoes, dresses, blouses and the like. And the best part is that you don’t have to stretch your budget to afford these clothes with tees priced at Rs 399 onwards, trousers at Rs 699 onwards and accessories starting from Rs 149. However, if you have your eye set on one of their signature dresses, prepare to shell out over Rs 18,000. The brand plans to open about 50 stores in the country, and the next outlet is already coming up in Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj on November 7th.
P.S: GAP is also opening an outlet in the same mall on October 30th
COMING SOON
Remember the euphoria around the launch of Zara? Well, Inditex (that owns Zara) is now planning to bring in Spanish high-street brand Massimo Dutti as well. No details have emerged as of now about dates or location, but watch this space for more!
In other news, our favourite beauty and fragrance brand, Bath Body Works is also toying with the idea of setting up its first store in the country. It could take a few months for that to pan out, but in the meantime, you could pick up their stellar body lotions, perfumes, creams and body wash at this tiny outlet we stumbled upon in Khan Market.
High rises and malls have taken over every inch of our city, but amidst this urban jungle, there are still some green pockets left. Some are well-preserved, some not so much, but each of them has a charm of its own. From the best spots to enjoy a picnic to the ones that help you discover Delhi’s rich history, we’ve rounded up some parks (and even forests!) along with tips on how to make the most of them.
DEER PARK
Best for: Nature Walks/Jogging
It’s easy to miss the not-so-discreet entrance to the Hauz Khas Deer Park when the promise of food and drinks beckon you into the Village. Located right opposite the HKV parking lot, Deer Park is a startlingly quiet spot, more surprising because it is located bang adjacent to the bustling bar scene in HKV.
A paved pathway takes you into the interiors of the park with one side of the walkway cordoned off to keep the animals safe. There’s quite a few spotted deer here and some people also claim to have seen an odd Nilgai here and there, so be on the lookout for that. There is a special trail that takes you to an enclosure for rabbits, ducks and on a good day, you might even spot some peacocks.
This is a huge park with exits at Green Park and Safdarjung Enclave. Delhi Drum Circle often gets together here for one of their sessions so you can always join them for some musical fun.
LODHI GARDENS
Best for: Heritage Walks/Picnics/Pet Walks
A short walk from Khan Market, Lodhi Garden is a definite surprise for first-timers with its sprawling, landscaped gardens, canals and of course, the ruins. The birds and the lovers aside, the garden offers a chance to explore a few decently preserved monuments located within its premises. There are four structures here – Mohammed Shah Sayyid’s tomb, Sikander Lodi’s tombs and two domed structures called the Bara Gumbad and the Sheesh Gumbad (the latter two house graves of unknown people). Adjacent to the Bara Gumbad is also an extravagant, albeit now run-down, mosque. As you walk deeper into the park, do find your way to the Athpula bridge, believed to have been built during the reign of Akbar.
Lodhi Garden is also one of the few parks in Delhi that permit people to bring their pets in. Take your dog on a run with you in the evenings when they can also indulge in a few moments of canine socialisation.
On days when the weather is nice, you can also visit Lodhi Garden with a picnic basket and your family in tow. Pack some sandwiches and lemonade and bring along a Frisbee to spend some quality time outdoors!
NEHRU PARK
Best for: Exercising/Games
Loacted in Chanakyapuri, this green spot in the heart of Delhi is a popular spot, which hosts big food festivals and music concerts like the annual Delhi International Jazz Festival. Spread out over 80 acres, the park has undulating lawns peppered with walkways and trees.
Most mornings and evenings you can find groups of people playing badminton and exercising. Many yoga enthusiasts also come together here to practice in the relative peace and quiet.
MEHRAULI ARCHEOLOGICAL PARK
Best for: Heritage walks/Photography
One of the seven cities that were the precursors to present-day Delhi, Mehrauli has become synonymous with heritage spots largely due to the archeological complex that houses over 100 historical monuments.
A popular structure inside this complex is the Jamali Kamali tomb and mosque dedicated to the well-known Sufi poet Jamali. The tomb of Balban, the slave dynasty ruler, is also located inside the complex, though the site is in dire need of maintenance. The other popular sites here for history buffs include a water reservoir called Hauz-i-Shamsi and two baolis or stepwells. These monuments provide the perfect backdrop for a photography session, particularly at dusk and dawn when the lighting is perfect. Take someone who is well-versed with the complex to help you navigate it easily.
SANJAY VAN
Best for: Nature walks/Bird-watching
Located in South Delhi close to JNU, Sanjay Van, with its wide variety of plants and wildlife, is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts. Spread over an area of almost 10 kilometers, it is a thickly wooded forest that is home to a variety of birds and animals.
Nilgais, deer and hare are a common enough sight in the forest as are birds such as the kingfisher, koel, cuckoo and the Indian Silverbill. Instead of venturing towards the Mehrauli end of the forest (which is peppered with innumerable graves and open grasslands), stay on the pathways as these are the best spots for sighting birds. Different organisations often conduct walks to Sanjay Van – stay updated on what is happening here.
NORTH DELHI RIDGE AREA
Best for: Cycling
A popular cycling trail in Delhi is the North Campus ridge area, also called the Bonta Park. If you don’t own a bike, you can rent one at the Vishwavidyalaya metro station for a nominal charge. Early mornings are your best bet for cycling through here without worrying about the heavy traffic. Since the ridge is an extension of the Aravalli Range, there are some ups and downs in the trail making it a bit of a challenge for beginners. If you are in the mood, you can cycle down all the way to the Tibetan market in Kashmere Gate and indulge in some thrift shopping and momos.
DISTRICT PARK, DWARKA
Best for: Exercising
Open-air gyms have been a popular concept in the West for some time now but it is only recently that Delhi has woken up to the value of these free-for-all workout zones. The District Park in Sector 6, Dwarka is one of the few parks in Delhi which is operating a free, open-air gym with essential equipment such as parallel bars, air walkers, rowing machines and more. The machines are all weather-proof and cemented to the ground to ensure a longer life. For people who have their exercise regimen in order and are only looking for space and equipment, pass up on those expensive club memberships and check out these public gyms instead.
P.S: Delhi Development Authority has planned more such gyms around the city, so be on the lookout for one in your neighbourhood park!
Eggspectation is hosting a food festival which is offering an amazing fusion of American and Mexican cuisine. Chef Enzo Renda has used influences from these two cuisines to come up with a superb menu that offers dishes like Prawns in Chipotley Sauce, Lemon Peppered Salmon, Grilled Lamb Chops, Cilantro and Lime Chicken Fajitas, Grilled Tenderloin with Salsa, Chicken Quesadillas and more.
Price for two: Rs 2,000++
Timings: Lunch (12.30 pm to 3 pm) and Dinner (7.30 pm to 11.30 pm)
Note: The festival is on-going at all Jaypee properties in Delhi NCR
Alliance Francaise de Delhi will be hosting an exhibition by 5 internationally acclaimed Indian contemporary visual artists – Arun Kumar, Bharti Kher, Probir Gupta, N. Pushpamala and Sheba Chhachhi. The common thread between the works of these artists is gender and their works will include photographs, installations and a short film.
A one-of-a-kind Photography exhibition, The British Council India and The Alkazi Foundation have come together for a photo project titled PHOTOUKINDIA-Origins that draws artwork from the shared history of both countries. The exhibition would feature work of 31 artists namely Arpita Shah, Alan Knox, Craig Gibson, Evan Thomas, Liz Orton, Nupur Nanal, among others along with the launch of a publication by 6 authors including Bhrigupati Singh, Chandrahas Choudhury, Christopher Pinney, Clare Harris, Divia Patel and Janice Pariat. The show has been curated by Rahaab Allana.
Ever wondered if there’s an underground society of lucky people who are always in the know, move around in different circles and have a better time than you? Maybe there are, well okay, we are confirming that such heavenly creatures do actually exist. But we’re about to let you into their world of elite dinners and awesome services. From a card that gets you access to the best restaurants in town to a website that is your own personal delivery – we are letting the cat out of the bag!
PRIMO PRIVILEGE
One card to rule them all! The good folks at Primo have been our own personal discount wagon for 6 months now. Originally, an expat privilege club that was launched last year with the aim to get diplomats and foreign embassies the best deals in town and also invite them to the most fun parties – PP has just started it’s new non-expat membership program. And that’s why we thought it’s time to introduce you to our sexy friend in black.
The brainchild of Prashant and Ayesha Kalra, Primo is a membership only program that now has over 1300 members. And after establishing that base, the team decided to offer a limited round of membership to us common folks. What you get is a card that ensures hefty discounts (upto 20%) as well as benefits at the hottest spots like The Hungry Monkey, Olive Qutub, PCO, ATM and Artusi. Plus, a voucher booklet with great deals and a bottle of vino as a welcome gift! The best part though is their rollicking bashes like Prohibition Night and specially curated 28 (yes, 28) course dinners.
They’ve recently started expanding their network bringing the otherwise reclusive The Imperial on board as well as promising us newly opened Ek Bar and The Piano Man Jazz Club soon. Membership starts at Rs. 7,000++ for a year and we adore the questionnaire that is the only screening process they use to enroll members.
P.S: It’s not all FB centric with spas, salons, designers and even personalised services offering member benefits.
Click here for more
DELHI SECRET SUPPER CLUB
Considering the word “secret” is a big part of their name, it’s not a surprise that the hush-hush team behind these invite-only dinners and copious doses of alcohol wish to remain anonymous. Or at least they try. We believe we’ve found their real identity more than once, and are certain that there’s at least one Brit in the mix, but we’d rather keep the mystery alive and have conversations with Stevie. Stevie is their cool butler-like mascot who sends personalised emails with astounding details that’ll surprise you.
Having been at a few of their rambunctious gatherings, we reckon their social media sleuths snoop around your public profile before deeming you fit for a place on the table. Screening is, of course, necessary considering it’s a strangers-on-a-table concept, which means you don’t get to bring plus ones along and won’t find out who you’re sitting next to until you get there. Once you do, witty name cards will guide you to your seat.
Ranging from sober but decadent meals made lively by a nameless rep from their team popping around periodically for funny games and QA’s to a mingler over cocktails that leads to after-party scenes, DSSC’s soirees’ are unpredictable. Just last week they initiated something called the Disappearing Edition that has Kitchen Aid and Sula Vineyards as their partners-in-crime.
To score an invite, mail them on delhisecretsupperclub@gmail.com
MY BUTLER
If you’d rather stay in and be pampered, the aptly named My Butler is the next best thing to having your own man Friday on speed dial. Perfect for days when you’re craving a fix from your favourite eatery but can’t be bothered to tackle traffic, this new website works on a transparent and seamless delivery format.
Offering a curated list of gourmet restaurants and local retailers – cigars on call, cold cut vendors that only supply to hotels and even caviar – who exclusively deliver signatures through their online ordering system. So whether you want sushi from Guppy by ai, Prawn Moilee from Coast Café or macarons from Sugar Blossoms – it’s all here. Our go-to weekday spot of Le Bistro Du Parc also just signed up with many more in talks.
The menu is curated to ensure the food will be hot by the time it reaches you, so they even suggest signatures from each eatery that would be best had at the outlet rather than out of a box. Plus, you can choose to get doorstep delivery or pick up an order for takeaway. Prices are the same as the restaurant’s menu and there’s no minimum order. Instead,it’s all based on your zipcode, so once you punch that in, you get Zone A and Zone B options. The former is for deliveries under 60 minutes at a charge of Rs 200 and the latter is for 90-minute deliveries at Rs 300.
They are in an expansion phase, but almost all of South Delhi and highend neighbourhoods like Aurangzeb Road, President’s Estate and Malcha Marg are already covered.
Order here or call 9910017663
ELIXIR COTERIE
Your type of martini, a juggling mixologist and no mess to clean up after! Did you just dream of your weekend haunt? Well, snap out of it because we are talking about a private bar. Elixir Coterie is a one-of-a-kind, highly spirited outfit (just the kinds we like) that puts the best bartenders from around town to work for you. From masterclasses to tasting sessions, the team is all about the booze!
So if putting together some mixers, base spirits and a bucket of ice is too old school for you, their bespoke private bars are available for small shindigs as well as large-scale events. What you get are specially concocted cocktails made using fresh ingredients and the current mixology trends, and a set up you don’t need to worry about. From the glassware to the menu – you can leave it all to them!
We first encountered their able team of barmen serving cocktails in sippy cups and milk bottles at a baby shower do, and were intrigued. Upon deeper inspection, we realised these guys are really serious about what they do. In fact, they are currently busy with the city’s first dedicated Delhi Cocktail Week, which we will unveil more deets on very soon.
Click here for more
Last week, we told you about this two-day fiesta by the South Asian Association for Gastronomy (SAAG) celebrating authentic dishes from the SAARC nations, and now we’ve got more insider info as well as a contest running on our Facebook page. Exploring whether food and culture can blur borders, the debut fest has been grabbing everyone’s attention since it was announced that several pop-up restaurants and cookery demos courtesy chefs from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal and Bhutan were in the offing. But the fact that food festivals will be hosted by these chefs in different hotels across the city had been kept under wraps… until now!
While food is only one part of this cross-border celebration that includes Shashi Tharoor as the keynote speaker, we are excited about their live art installation that attendees can participate in. The Thought Fest portion will also see performances by Hindustani classical vocalist Anirban Bhattacharyya of the Patiala tradition and a junior ethnomusicologist from Kolkata. Anirban is a national scholar in Rabindra Sangeet and you catch him in action on October 17th from 6.30 pm.
The piece de resistance is the news that celebrated Pakistani artist and Coke Studio favourite Javed Bashir will perform at the Plaza at IHC on October 18th. Bashir — who comes from a family of qawwals and loves to straddle classical, pop and rock music — is known for his soulful voice, high notes, powerful alaaps and raags. Now that’s the real treat!
Back to the food though – for folks who buy tickets to this 2-day festival, and we highly recommend you do, here’s another interesting announcement. We are giving away 8 couple meal vouchers for the SAAG-led food festivals at Westin Gurgaon and Le Meridien Delhi. You get an extravagant buffet that will be showcasing the best of Bangladeshi cuisine at Westin Gurgaon and an unsurpassed Afghani buffet meal at Le Meridien Delhi. All you need to do is go to our Facebook page and share the contest post with your friends. People with the highest number of likes will get a prized meal voucher for two at the cost of the ticket, which is for Rs 150 and Rs 300! It’s that simple. So go buy the tickets here first and the participate in our contest.
Where: India Habitat Centre
When: October 17th and 18th
Timings: 10.30 am to 5.30 pm
For more, check out their event page
Call us suckers for old school, but we love it when kitchens keep things simple, especially with pan-Asian flavours. So we were pleasantly surprised to walk into this swish new spot at Sangam Courtyard and find a fuss-free Thai menu that had no fusion play going on. A newbie by Chef Gurmehar Sethi – who has worked with Nobu and Mayfair in London as well as travelled and worked extensively in Thailand – this one is an interesting addition to the Thai scene and opened on October 13th .
AMBIENCE
Located on the ground floor of the soon-to-be full food mall of sorts, Ziu has subtle lights with metallic colours dominating the colour scheme. Dragon wallpaper and low-key wooden interiors are complemented by soothing music. A couple of booths and long tables line the space with a ready to launch bar space and an open kitchen where you can watch the chef and his team at work.
FOOD + DRINKS
The menu is extensive, but sticks to innovative Thai signatures with classics and avant garde dishes next to each other. Skipping the heartwarming soups, we gave the vegetarian version of the Som Tam (Rs 295) a go along with the Kanom Krok (Rs 355) – coconut crème brulee filled with wok sautéed shredded chicken/tofu, galangal, kaffir lime leaves and chilli jam dressing. The former was a zesty salad with crispy green beans while the latter was a restrained but lovely bite sized appetiser that will go well with drinks. Speaking of which, till the liquor license comes in, go for a refreshing version of their Virgin Mojito (price on request) with a coconut touch.
The cigar rolls – Popia Ziu (Rs 355) served with a smokey chilli sauce changed our perception of boring old tofu enough to save the crab version for our next visit, but we were floored by the chef’s Thai version of paan – Meing Khum (Rs 255) that was a savoury dish served in a tiny glass tumbler. Already stuffed, we asked for the volcanic Gai Ob Phulkao Fai (Rs 795), which is chicken that comes with a tangy red nanjim sauce and is flambéd in front of you. It was a tad too dry for our liking, but could be the go-to dish for Delhi’s kukkad lovers. We rounded this off with the Chucee Salmon Rom Kwan (Rs 895) and Jasmine Rice (Rs 150). The salmon was delicious and grilled to perfection and the curry was fragrant.
Gurmehar’s personal culinary experiments pay homage to traditional Thai food and we’d love to go back for the Gaeng Massaman Gae (Rs 895) – lamb shank slow cooked (sous vide style) for 24 hours and Gai Satay (Rs 455) – wild tiger prawns marinated overnight in spices. By that time, there will also be desserts with lemongrass flavours.
IN A NUTSHELL
WH Verdict: Bold Thai flavours in a new avatar.
Meal For Two: Rs 2,000
Cuisine: Contemporary Thai
Review and Other Details: Ziu on What’s Hot
They are also on:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Ziu-Restaurant-1618988995023605/
Instagram: @ziurestaurant
**The writer was invited by the restaurant to preview their menu**