Will Kolkata finally embrace deli culture as the beloved Indigo Delicatessen opens its doors in the city?

A Basket of warm bread, a bowl of fresh Citrus Salad, a simple risotto and a comforting lamb broth. Welcome to Indigo Delicatessen. The 2,000 sq ft, 70-seater all-day café has found its first home in Kolkata, and 13th in India, on the fifth floor of Quest Mall. Months before the official November 18 launch, the one question that did the rounds in the food fraternity was, “Is it really opening?”

It has. So, until the bar opens and Deli’s fine wines start pouring, we can raise a tall glass of English Summer (strawberry and peach lemonade), and say ‘Cheers, it’s here!’ “Kolkata was always on the radar and when Sanjiv Goenka (chairman of RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, developers of Quest Mall) said, ‘You have to be here’, that was all the assurance we needed,” says Anurag Katriar, executive director and CEO, deGustibus Hospitality. The first Indigo Deli opened in 2005 (Colaba, Mumbai) and became the go-to brand for comfort American and European food like sandwiches, salads, burgers, ‘wafer-thin’ pizzas and pastas.

When the new format #DeliGoesGlobal was launched in August, it was the first big change in 14 years. “The idea was to push the envelope of cuisine and bring in more flavours than just American or European,” says Katriar. So, Ancient Grain Upma (vegan) finds space with classics Eggs Florentine on the breakfast menu and Bombay Duck Croquettes jostle with the iconic Asparagus Phyllo Rolls.

Not just new global flavours, but flavours that are comforting and familiar in taste also find a place. Think Kung Pao Chicken and Jasmine Rice or Sri Lankan Lamb Broth or Kolkata-inspired Grilled Prawns. The focus on familiar flavours explains the Murg Malai Grilled on the menu — it is what we know as grilled chicken in the marinade of Murg Malai Tikka.

Wrap up your Deli meal with ice creams churned in - h o u s e — Hazelnut is our favourite followed by a nostalgic Candy Crunch. Else, order the potent Whisky Pâté or the indulgent Brownie Vs Cheesecake.

In Quest Mall, 5th floor. Open on all days from 11 am to 11 pm.