Earlier this year, Chef Vikas Seth from Sanchez took a trip to Mexico City and Oaxaca and discovered some new flavours along the way. Whilst last season they did a Summer special menu, the restaurant now has a seasonal Monsoon menu with regional dishes from Mexico. We picked a rainy afternoon to give the menu a try.
We were welcomed with a serving of Oaxaca artisan Queso Fresco, queso fresco cheese made in-house and served with smoky chipotle chilies and chips. The cheese and chili complemented each other well and the dish disappeared from the table quickly. Mexican soups are unique and flavourful, but rarely found on menus in this part of the world. The Oaxacan style tortilla soup is made with chicken broth, tomato, pulled chicken, cream and tortilla chips. Spicy and hearty, this one will warm you up. The Tlalpeno broth, by contrast, is mild and soothing, with pulled chicken, chickpeas and avocado.
From the appetisers section, we sampled the Chalupas — little, deep-fried corn boats topped with roasted pumpkin, black beans and corn. Avocado toast, all the rage right now, also features on the menu. Topped with cheese, pickled onions and fried capers, this one is a hit. The Gord-itas are delicious mouthfuls of small tortillas stuffed with chicken and pico — a chunkier version of salsa. Also on the menu are Flautas, Ancho chili-marinated tenderloin in rolled tortillas.
Although already quite full, from the main course section, we opted for the Chilaquiles, which is a Mexican lasagne, made with Tortilla chips instead of pasta — an excellent replacement. One can choose a filling of Chili con carne, pulled lamb or homemade Chorizo. The other main course option is the Verde Enmoladas, veggies stuffed in tortillas and topped with green mole, a traditional sauce.
Dessert was certainly one of the highlights of our tasting. The Dulce de leche ice cream tacos have homemade chocolate ice cream (the chocolate is imported from Mexico) and bananas stuffed inside cinnamon waffle tacos. Moreish and sinful, it is a great way to end the meal. The seasonal menu with its warm notes and special ingredients from Mexico, is a must-try for lovers of the cuisine.
Rs. 1,500 ++ for two. At UB City, Vittal Mallya Road. Details: 41755366
anagha@newindianexpress.com
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