Deez Biryani, Gurgaon

[Rated: 4/5]

Tired of ordering Pizzas and Subway sandwiches in office, we are always on the lookout for convenient finger foods that can be ordered for a working lunch. We tried Deez Biryani at home before using it as an option in office.

We ordered one serving each of Mutton and Vegetarian Biryani. Both these dishes had a special tag and also were the costliest in their categories. We were told that the order will  be delivered within 30-40minutes, but after an hour when we called to check the status, a non-apologetic voice informed us that the order had already left. If Deez was running any offer like Dominos 30 min or free, they wouldn’t be making any profits. Exactly 90 minutes after placing the order, we heard the door bell ring. Two beautiful haandis were handed over to us in exchange for Rs403.

Chaubara, Galleria Market, Gurgaon - Rajasthani and Punjabi Restaurant

[Rated: 4/5]

The Aapno Rajasthan theme is conveyed through its décor done tastefully through the wall hangings, sceneries, glasses, jugs, server dresses, and the charpoy style chairs. The feel is further accentuated by the server attire and the live folk music in the background. In such a traditional setting, we just didn’t feel like ordering anything from the Punjabi menu and settled for a Rajasthani Thaali (Rs 289), Jaipuri Mewa Pulao (195), Undhiyu ki sabji served with four Thepla (195), and Santre ki Kheer (95).  Fortunately we were in time. Shortly we could see all seats of this 100-seater restaurant getting occupied in spite of the fast turnaround time which is a norm in such places. Though I found the general ambience to be good, but at times restaurant was much noisier as seats were closely placed.

Tab01, Cyber Greens, Gurgaon

[Rated: 3.5/5]

A man is known by the company he keeps and a Pub by its poison. Tab01 (pronounced Tab-O-One) is the newest pub in Gurgaon, and I am happy to report it has researched its poisons well.

The 55-seater bar extends into a 65-seater restaurant, and can easily accommodate 300 party animals with some standing, sitting, and a few shaking their legs. The snow white leather interiors look good and complement the deep, rich wooden furniture. I liked their selection of music too.

Tibetan Kitchen, Sector 53, Gurgaon - Tibetan and Ladhaki Restaurant

[Rated: 3.5/5]

Gurgaon-ites are experimental with their food, and it isn’t surprising to note several specialty restaurants mushrooming in the city to cater to the growing demand. Among the list is ‘Tibetan Kitchen’ offering some authentic Ladhaki and Tibetan cuisine along with ubiquitous Indo-Chinese.

Though the restaurant has been there for a while, but we recently got an opportunity to visit the place. Ignore the ambience, and don’t be too excited of the service standards if you want to enjoy the food, which undoubtedly will ensure a revisit. The small restaurant has covered and open space available, though I noticed most guests preferred to sit outside for the cool breeze and the poor air-conditioning.

Soya Express, Gurgaon - Soyabean Delight for Vegetarians

[Rated: 3/5]

Soya Bean is not only one of the cheapest, but also the best source of Protein available for vegetarians. Soya Express which has established itself as a chain in Delhi-NCR, uses this basic ingredient in 80% of its dishes.

Wondering, if the visit would be worth, we stepped in the small take-away joint which had three chairs inside and two tables outside for the hungry souls. As kitchen shared the inside small dining space making the air-conditioning ineffective, we preferred to sit outside. The serving staff was attentive and immediately helped us understanding the concept and placing the order. I was impressed. Such trained manpower sometimes misses even at the high end restaurant, and here in a primarily a take-away or delivery outlet we were being spoiled.

Bawarchi Restaurant, Gurgaon

[Rated: 2.5/5]

When I was told that Bangkok based Bawarchi restaurant had opened another outlet in Gurgaon, I thought of checking it out, even though I didn’t think much of the food at their Bangkok outlet. It’s quite difficult to find a good buffet with starters, featuring a decent ambiance for Rs290 all inclusive in Gurgaon. Bawarchi therefore held great promise.

On a Monday afternoon, six of us colleagues ventured out for lunch. Thank God for small mercies, the roads were clear, and we settled into my colleague’s spacious 6-seater Innova for the ride ahead. The parking outside Bawarchi was in a mess due to road construction in front of the restaurant. Surprisingly, Bawarchi was deserted at 1.30pm with only 2 tables occupied; one by a couple and another one by some office workers. The cooling in Bawarchi was acceptable, ambiance was good, but the buffet looked ordinary. A value for money proposition nonetheless.

Vaango, Sector 18, Noida - Must try!

[Rated: 4/5]

South Indian cuisine is the only cuisine that has acceptance and popularity in all parts of India and is equally liked by all segments of customers. It probably is also the only cuisine that could satisfy palate from breakfast to dinner. For a larger population while south Indian may just mean Dosa, Idli or Wada, the fact is that there are joints that are serving a much larger variety both vegetarian and non vegetarian food from south.

The other day while I was at Sector 18, Noida, my attention was drawn towards this Green and Yellow glow sign “Vaango” the south Indian food joint. Motivated by my experimental instinct, I decided to try out this new joint. 

I was welcomed by the poster at the door stating meaning of Vaango and claiming that one will be extended with legendry hospitality along with authentic south Indian cuisine.