It’s impossible to be anywhere in the larger Gurgaon area and not be surrounded by the flurry of newly launched eateries. But at a time when sushi spots and sandwich shops are gaining popularity, the suburb is also doing its bit to preserve old school recipes with regional options. Serving everything from fluffy appams to hearty biryanis, here are the 3 more recent additions.
Coastal Reef, Baani Square
The speed at which eateries are opening in Baani Square is astounding. From a neighbourhood haunt to a burgeoning food square, this area is home to both hole-in-the-walls and chains like Big Wong. It’s also good testing ground for newer ideas, which is why Coastal Reef makes sense here. Assembling a much needed dose of homely dishes from the major coasts of India – they traverse through Mangalore, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Malabar, Andhra, Bengal, Pondicherry and even Goa.
The décor itself is warm with a brightly lit space that is non-traditional and hence, a little disorienting considering the food being served, but all that is an afterthought once your order arrives. The menu is extensive with seafood as a must try and samplers that are a good way to start. We highly recommend the Prawn Mappas (Rs 475) – a cocunut heavy Kerala specialty that is fragrant and addictive, as well as the chef suggested Chicken Milagu Varuval (Rs 275) – a fiery and peppery Chettinad dish.
If you’re an Appam (Rs 45) fan, like us, the Prawn Stew (Rs 495) makes for a delicious pairing. It tasted fresh and just like it should, though our herbivore friends weren’t impressed with their vegetarian variant. We also mopped up the Nilgiri Mutton (Rs 475) with Malabar Parotta (Rs 55), but whatever you do, don’t leave without trying their Simmakkal Kari Dosa (Rs 195-275). The mutton and chicken versions are too good to pass on, and are meant for winter evening cravings.
Call 0124-4272650 for delivery
Orangezeb, MG Road
More of a takeout and delivery spot than a sit-down space, the curiously named Orangezeb is a wholesome biryani spot in the otherwise boring DLF City Court. They claim to have hired khansaamas from Hyderabad, Telangana and Marathwada who’ve concocted a menu that includes curries and kebabs. We’d suggest keeping your focus firmly on their biryani, although the Chicken Nizami (Rs 250) we sampled as part of our meal combo wasn’t half bad and there are promising dishes like Palak Mutton (Rs 250) and Chicken Korma (Rs 225) in the mains.
Hyderbadi is their forte, so both the Chicken/Mutton Hyderabadi Biryani (Rs 225-275) were aromatic, spicy and satiating. The rice is cooked well and the meat is juicy as well as generously layered. This is one of the better versions we’ve eaten in the city, and at a price that is serious value for money! In case you prefer something lighter, the Egg Biryani (Rs 200) also comes with two whole boiled eggs and a non-greasy light flavour. Go for their Value Meals for 2 or 4 that start at Rs 499 and can feed 3 to 5 people easily.
Call 0124-4242600 for delivery
Motuu’s Qila, Baani Square
Another gem tucked away in Baani Square, this one is a few months old. Serving up Sindhi, yes Sindhi, food – Motuu’s is styled like a posh dhaba that is always busy, noisy and packed. In fact, their success has encouraged the family who runs the joint to expand into a mini-empire with more outlets in the area serving Mumbaiya-style biryani, street food and quick bites. The original is the best of the lot though, especially since Sindhi dishes are hard to come by.
The accent is on homestyle fare, so expect sleep-inducing goodies like koki and sanna pakora. We sampled the Dal Pakwaan (Rs 230) along with Sai Bhaji and Bhuga Chawal (Rs 300) as well as a Non-Veg Thali (Rs 475). Our dining companion for the evening was a true blue Sindhi with a mother who cooks like a pro, so while we enjoyed the first two dishes, he did not think they were as authentic as they could be although it made him nostalgic. The thali came with Foto Bhuno Chicken and Egg Curry. The chicken was oilier than expected, but the egg curry was brilliant and made us want seconds. This is the kind of food your friendly aunty would make, so don’t go expecting gourmet and instead get your fill of some comforting treats. Next up, we’ll be going back for their Sindhi Kadhi and Chawal (Rs 350)
Call 098998 59958 for delivery
It’s impossible to be anywhere in the larger Gurgaon area and not be surrounded by the flurry of newly launched eateries. But at a time when sushi spots and sandwich shops are gaining popularity, the suburb is also doing its bit to preserve old school recipes with regional options. Serving everything from fluffy appams to hearty biryanis, here are the 3 more recent additions.
Coastal Reef, Baani Square
The speed at which eateries are opening in Baani Square is astounding. From a neighbourhood haunt to a burgeoning food square, this area is home to both hole-in-the-walls and chains like Big Wong. It’s also good testing ground for newer ideas, which is why Coastal Reef makes sense here. Assembling a much needed dose of homely dishes from the major coasts of India – they traverse through Mangalore, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Malabar, Andhra, Bengal, Pondicherry and even Goa.
The décor itself is warm with a brightly lit space that is non-traditional and hence, a little disorienting considering the food being served, but all that is an afterthought once your order arrives. The menu is extensive with seafood as a must try and samplers that are a good way to start. We highly recommend the Prawn Mappas (Rs 475) – a cocunut heavy Kerala specialty that is fragrant and addictive, as well as the chef suggested Chicken Milagu Varuval (Rs 275) – a fiery and peppery Chettinad dish.
If you’re an Appam (Rs 45) fan, like us, the Prawn Stew (Rs 495) makes for a delicious pairing. It tasted fresh and just like it should, though our herbivore friends weren’t impressed with their vegetarian variant. We also mopped up the Nilgiri Mutton (Rs 475) with Malabar Parotta (Rs 55), but whatever you do, don’t leave without trying their Simmakkal Kari Dosa (Rs 195-275). The mutton and chicken versions are too good to pass on, and are meant for winter evening cravings.
Call 0124-4272650 for delivery
Orangezeb, MG Road
More of a takeout and delivery spot than a sit-down space, the curiously named Orangezeb is a wholesome biryani spot in the otherwise boring DLF City Court. They claim to have hired khansaamas from Hyderabad, Telangana and Marathwada who’ve concocted a menu that includes curries and kebabs. We’d suggest keeping your focus firmly on their biryani, although the Chicken Nizami (Rs 250) we sampled as part of our meal combo wasn’t half bad and there are promising dishes like Palak Mutton (Rs 250) and Chicken Korma (Rs 225) in the mains.
Hyderbadi is their forte, so both the Chicken/Mutton Hyderabadi Biryani (Rs 225-275) were aromatic, spicy and satiating. The rice is cooked well and the meat is juicy as well as generously layered. This is one of the better versions we’ve eaten in the city, and at a price that is serious value for money! In case you prefer something lighter, the Egg Biryani (Rs 200) also comes with two whole boiled eggs and a non-greasy light flavour. Go for their Value Meals for 2 or 4 that start at Rs 499 and can feed 3 to 5 people easily.
Call 0124-4242600 for delivery
Motuu’s Qila, Baani Square
Another gem tucked away in Baani Square, this one is a few months old. Serving up Sindhi, yes Sindhi, food – Motuu’s is styled like a posh dhaba that is always busy, noisy and packed. In fact, their success has encouraged the family who runs the joint to expand into a mini-empire with more outlets in the area serving Mumbaiya-style biryani, street food and quick bites. The original is the best of the lot though, especially since Sindhi dishes are hard to come by.
The accent is on homestyle fare, so expect sleep-inducing goodies like koki and sanna pakora. We sampled the Dal Pakwaan (Rs 230) along with Sai Bhaji and Bhuga Chawal (Rs 300) as well as a Non-Veg Thali (Rs 475). Our dining companion for the evening was a true blue Sindhi with a mother who cooks like a pro, so while we enjoyed the first two dishes, he did not think they were as authentic as they could be although it made him nostalgic. The thali came with Foto Bhuno Chicken and Egg Curry. The chicken was oilier than expected, but the egg curry was brilliant and made us want seconds. This is the kind of food your friendly aunty would make, so don’t go expecting gourmet and instead get your fill of some comforting treats. Next up, we’ll be going back for their Sindhi Kadhi and Chawal (Rs 350)
Call 098998 59958 for delivery