The last time I was here was just a few months ago for cocktails and groovy music – at Glocal Junction. However, ever since this destination at Road Number 45, Jubilee Hills shut down, I was looking forward to what would come up next. Finally, when I walk into the all-new India Bistro, that has replaced Glocal Junction, I’m not disappointed. Ushered in by Irfan Lateefi, South Head of the Food Link group, I notice that the new interiors have a rather fine-dining vibe, courtesy bright lights and the comfortable chairs with a pop of colour.
From the North
The 140-seater outlet, the second in the city, boasts of an elaborate menu with an array of authentic North Indian food – from chaat to biryani and parathas. “We travelled across North India, from Lucknow to Delhi and Rajasthan for a few months. With India Bistro, we want to offer authentic Indian food with a twist in the presentation and plating,” shares Head Chef Vinay Bakshi. I agree without a second thought, as I see the first dish, Amuse-bouche, being brought to the table with two syringes filled with mint and meetha chutney. “Since pani puri is one of the most popular snacks of North India, we thought of treating it this way,” the chef adds. While one can choose between the chutneys depending on their tastes, the crispy puris, sourced from Kolkata, are stuffed with masala boondi.
Meanwhile, the much-talked-about cocktail of India Bistro, Shisha, arrives. Justifying its name, the drink is served in a hookah pot – the bottom filled with a mix of vodka, kala khatta and mint leaves and a special tube on the side to sip on.
The starters menu is tempting enough for anyone to go overboard while ordering. I try Palak Pathe Ki Chaat (fried spinach leaves with ragada), which is served on a miniature food cart, resembling that of a chaat bandi (cart). Topped with dahi and mint chutney, if you’re a street food lover, this one will be right up your alley.
Moving on, I try their Desi Fish and Chips (served with French Fries) and Jodhpuri Mirchi, both of which had me going back for seconds.
Street stories
For mains, I try Pav Bhaji, a street food staple. The Bhaji (curry) comes in a bowl with a tiny flame underneath that keeps it hot. The butter-layered pav is extremely soft, giving a melt-in-the-mouth-flavour.
Next up is the Railway Mutton Curry, served on a miniature engine, with butter roti. The succulent pieces of meat are cooked to perfection and the masala in the gravy can make any spice lover happy. Amritsari Kulcha with Chole is another dish I’d recommend to a vegetarian.
Although the main course has us full, I try the Litchi Ki Tehri and Mawa Wala Caramel Custard and I have no regrets. Both the desserts have the right amount of sweet and are a must-try, I’d say.
Price for two: Rs.1,200. Pics: R Satish Babu