From Irani Seekh Kebab, Naga Tangdi Kebab to Chur Chur Parantha, newly opened KA01 serves a mix of innovative cocktails and street food

The rooftop pub at Ibis City Centre Bengaluru attempts to offer the best of street food from all over India
Jimikand ki tikki
Jimikand ki tikki

It's impossible to cover Indian street food in one menu. From paranthas, ghee roast prawns and haleem to idlis, getting a wide variety of dishes at one place might seem impossible. However, the newly opened rooftop pub at Ibis City Centre Bengaluru, KA01, attempts to offer the best of street food from all over India.



Mixing spirits
With a theme that has the quintessential Indian truck as its symbol, KA01 offers an assortment of small, half and full plates. When we dropped by on a weekend at this tiny yet quirky pub that’s done up with kitschy elements like lotus paintings — that you see on trucks, famous Bollywood dialogues on coasters and a bar that looks more like a mini van, we knew something interesting was in store. On the bar menu, cocktails that are named after pin codes in Bengaluru caught our attention. From KA05 Jayanagar to KA51 Electronics City, there was a lot to choose from.

We first picked the KA61 Marathalli. A mix of whiskey, kachumpulli (a souring agent) and egg white, KA61 was a twist on the traditional Whiskey Sour. The kachumpulli added the right amount of tanginess to this cocktail. We paired this with the Naga Tangdi Kebab. Featuring chicken drumsticks that are marinated in Naga chilli paste, this dish deceives the palate. We relished the tangy tamarind flavours of the marination.
 

KA61
KA61



But the aftertaste of Naga chillis was too hot to handle. Gaadi, a mocktail made with kokum, lime, orange and mint helped to soothe the palate. Vandi, another mocktail, was one of our favourites. A blend of fresh coconut water, lime, cardamom, cloves and cinnamon, it was perfectly spiced and yet the taste of coconut stood out.
 

Irani Sheek Kebab
Irani Sheek Kebab



On the grills
The next dish we were keen to try was the Irani Seekh Kebab. The menu describes it as a delicacy from the eateries outside Bandra station in Mumbai. The kebab was succulent, velvety and grilled to perfection. The balance of spices was on point. The rich Dal Makhani and Naan were the best accompaniments to the kebabs.
 

The Dessert Platter
The Dessert Platter



This was paired with KA50 Yelahanka — a cocktail made with Malibu rum, white rum, mango and yoghurt. We loved the dominant mango flavour and felt it was perfect for the summery evening. We also tried the crunchy Peanut Togarashi on the chef ’s recommendation. The peanuts, fried in Japanese seven spice mix, were a hot favourite. While there were more plates to try, we didn’t want to miss the dessert platter that included Flourless Chocolate Cake, Malai Kulfi-Rose Falooda with roasted Pineapple Chunks and Pan Fried Mawa Cake with Salted Caramel Sauce and Ice Cream. The different textures and flavours of this platter, from the buttery mawa cake to the smoky pineapple chunks with kulfi, were quite impressive!

With an eclectic menu that showcases the diversity of Indian street food, and innovative cocktails and mocktails, KA01 surely puts Ibis City Centre Bengaluru on the culinary map of the city.

Rs 1,500++ for two. At Raja Ram Mohan Roy Road

ayeshatabassum@newindianexpress.com
@aishatax

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