Cafe Jiji, Sector 15, Gurgaon

[Rated: 4/5]

“Jiji means happiness in Italian,” says young chef Anup looking quite cheerful himself. Well, I have not been able to find the word “jiji” or its cheerful meaning in any of the European languages. But if Café Jiji has decided to create its own brand of joy, who are we to quibble? The interiors certainly do justice to the mood. Large, open, airy spaces, colourful murals, sleek furniture, and a well executed décor all add to the energy of this restaurant.

Latitude, Mosaic Hotel, Sector 18, Noida

[Rated: 4/5]

PUNJAB is synonymous to brave people with heart full of love & hospitality, dhol & bhangra, vast fields, hard work & prosperity and delicious cuisine.

Punjabi cuisine is reminiscent of Makki Di Roti te Sarson Da Saag served with Gud (Jaggery). However Punjabi food is a lot more than this scrumptious delicacy, and in an endeavour to introduce authentic Punjabi delights, Latitude an otherwise world cuisine restaurant at Mosaic Hotel is celebrating the richness of Punjabi dishes under the fortnight long event named “Zaika Punjab Da” from 18 Nov till 3 Dec'11.

Cafe Delhi Heights, Gurgaon

[Rated: 4/5]

Food business is continuously re-inventing the proposition to its customers. I feel excited to see many people from non-industry joining the foray to complete their restaurant dream and bring with them new insights, new values, and new benchmarks. What they miss is the experience and details which only an insider would have.

Café Delhi Heights is opened by next-gen, Vikrant Batra (same chain that owns Batra banquet and ‘Delhi Heights’ restaurant in Delhi) bringing with him the ability to think new, and the experience gained from his parents. We were personally pleased to see the casual seating and the menu which caters to the changing times. I have been longing for an Egg Benedict and a good non-veg burger (Chicken isn’t in my list of non-veg burgers), which I could find in any non 5-star property in Gurgaon. The void was filled by Café Delhi Heights, and this is where I say research and experience come into play in a city which has hordes of other specialty restaurant but lacked a decent café. Picking up the best of world cuisine and showing the evolving taste of Delhi over the last century, café has picked up its theme well.

Kyoto, Sector 15, Gurgaon

[Rated: 4/5]

In the Gurgaon Sector 15 market, known for its Fab India mega-store, lies a quaint little restaurant called Kyoto. It is known for its authentic, homely Japanese food. As I enter, I see a restaurant with modest oriental décor bursting at its seams with hungry gents of Japanese origin.

“Ninety nine percent of our clientele is Japanese,” says Nepal-born Chef Suryanarayan, somewhat distracted, and understandably so, given the teaming crowds eagerly waiting for their afternoon repast. As he hurries back to the kitchen, the chef who started his career as a sous chef in Tokyo does recommend that I try the daily special bento box (Platters) as well as a few other dishes.

My Way Or The Highway, Sector 18, Noida

[Rated: 4/5]

I just couldn't stop smiling when one of my friends jokingly remarked on hearing the name - My Way or The Highway, “ Is the place owned by a female”. The arrogant sounding name “My Way Or The Highway” is contrary to its name and brings interesting twist to the normal recipes in its menu and offers personalised and courteous service. 

Located on the fourth floor of Centre Stage Mall, vibrant interiors of this 85 plus seater restaurant are spread over two levels with a well equipped bar at first level and a hookah lounge on the upper level. Relaxed seating, pleasant interiors and the not-so-loud setting makes it an apt venue for not-so young who avoids a volume screeching pub, but still are young enough to enjoy their drinks and food in a group or otherwise.

Coriander Leaf, Gurgaon

[Rated: 4/5]

Coriander Leaf needs no introduction. Located at the heart of Gurgaon city, behind DT City centre mall on the MG Road, Coriander Leaf restaurant has always been a preferred destination for Indian and Pakistani cuisines in a fine dining format. I have personally been to the restaurant several times, and I was happy to be invited to review their independence week special food festival. In the Phillipines and few other countries, the Independence day food festival is celebrated with much fanfare through out the country, and I was glad to note that standalone restaurants in India are making efforts to celebrate the day. However, this day still remains a big untapped opportunity for all in the food business which is a mandatory off for most of the working class.

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.

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.

Ummami, Global Foyer, Gurgaon

Mille-feuille of dark Hazelnut Chocolate

[Rated: 4/5]

Gurgaon has had an explosion of multi-cuisine eateries, especially at the DLF Cyber city and the Golf Course Road. What is common to most of them is their tendency to clone each other. So there is the regulation mezze platter with minor variations, chicken tikka with minor variations, and chilly chicken-hakka noodles with no variation. In this multitude of mediocrity, a gem of excellence has finally landed in Gurgaon.

Umami is a Japanese word meaning "pleasant savory taste". Add some ‘mmmm’ to it, and it would quite sum up the eating experience at the recently opened Ummami, situated above the Mercedes Benz showroom at the Golf Course Road. The restaurant serves some fine Japanese food, along with wood fired Pizzas, Pasta, Asian, Mediterranean, and of course, Indian dishes – all at reasonable prices. And a fine selection of wines and cocktails.

Jain Shikanji (Lemonade), Modinagar, Ghaziabad

[Rated : 4/5]

High temperature during summers can be taxing. One needs a cooler to overcome the heat and loss of fluids in body due to sweating. Many drinks does the trick like aerated drinks, juices etc. But a cooler that offers the benefits of health, taste and cold retreat all in one is a Shikanji - a Lemonade !!!

During this summer on my way to Meerut, while approaching Modinagar (appx 20 Kms before Meerut), I saw many boards promoting “Jain Shikanji”. Had heard a lot about it and decided to try one at it. This shop is located on main road, just after the Modinagar Police Station. The first thing I noticed was the crowd in front of the shop. As I waded through it, I heard POP… POP… POP… Yes, you guessed it right… the sound of soda bottle caps being opened in quick succession by the Shikanji makers.

Chin Chin, Gurgaon

[Rated: 4/5]

Whenever one hears about Chinese food (think noodles, fried rice, chilly chicken and spring rolls) delicious flavor memories immediately pop into our heads. Kids can live on it, adults love it and elders can’t ignore it. After hearing some great feedback and seeing one of the best home delivery Chinese menus I’ve ever encountered, I was really keen on experiencing the food at Chin Chin.

The Beer Cafe, Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi

[Rated: 4/5]

Asking someone for a coffee is now a passé. The Beer Café is now open with an innovative concept, and it is only matter of time when asking someone for a quick beer would be the in-thing among the socialites.

It would come as no surprise to anyone to learn that Beer is the third most popular drink in the world. First two being, water and tea (Are we missing cola's?). In India, we have mostly grown up on Lager beer dominated by Kingfisher and only now are we experiencing new beers like Stout, Farmhouse Ale, Weisse amongst

Chail Palace, Chail, (Near Simla) Himachal Pradesh

[Rated: 4/5]

Having more interest in food than just to satisfy palate, I have always been very keen to try new recipe/cuisine whenever possible. 

On recent visit to Himachal, we stopped at Chail Palace for lunch, and here we got introduced to Himachali dishes. The restaurant also serves popular cuisines like Indian, Chinese & Continental. 

We went with server’s suggestion and ordered Chaah Meat & Chicken Anardana listed as Himachali specialities. Apart from this we ordered regular Dal Makhani, Kadai Paneer and Aloo Subji.

Dosa Plaza, Pacific Mall, Sahibabad

[Rated: 4/5]
“Variety adds to spice in Life”.  The saying will be taken literally and more so implemented with so much of zeal is what I discovered on my recent visit to Pacific Mall in Sahibabad with my family.

We were attracted to Dosa Plaza by sheer exuberance of the colourful glow sign that displays its name. On scrutiny of menu, I was amazed to see the variety of Dosas, Idlies and Vadas being offered by the outlet.  Dosa for me has always been that traditional fermented crepe made from rice, served with a filling of patatos and side dish of Sambhar and Chutneys

Tandoori Chicken - Hans Raj Chicken Corner, Meerut

[Rated : 4/5]

Meerut city is full of surprises. Every time I visit here I am able to stumble upon decade old shops serving their specialty cuisines. And most of them have maintained high standards in taste over time.

Desirous to have Tandoori snacks, I was referred to a family run joint in the name of “Hans Raj Chicken Corner”. The place had a live barbeque grill in front of the shop. Smoky aroma of fresh meet and spices filled the air. I could see chicken, mutton and fish available in all variety ranging from seekh, tikka,

Shri Maharashtra Food - Mahagun Metro Mall, Vaishali

[Rated: 4/5]
Akin to fellow countrymen, I feel blessed to be born in India. While inheritance of rich culture, traditions and customs makes me proud, diversity and vivid variety of dance, music, architecture, landscapes and above all existence of multiple cuisine and food diversity leaves me astounded.

As a foodie, I love to try out all sorts of cuisine and dishes. Last weekend I happened to visit Mahagun Metro Mall with my family and observed a new outlet in Food Court by the name

Hops N Brew, Sector-29, Gurgaon

[Rated: 4/5]

Gurgaon took the lead and became the first city to have a micro-brewery in India, once the policy was introduced. Hops N Brew, spread over two floors, is one of the few such brewery-pub in the city.

Offering four variants in beer – Lager, Strong, Wheat and Dark, and varieties of cuisines to choose from, the restaurant seems to have hit a right chord with the beer lovers. My two thumb rules for a good quality beer are simple - One, it should be drinkable at room temperature and secondly it should not have a bitter after-taste.

Sher-A-Punjab, Devon Ave, Chicago, USA

[Rated: 4/5]

Chicken Tikka, Chicken 65, Paneer Makhani, Mango Lassi, and Kheer among others. Chicago has many Indian restaurants dedicated to all of these. But so far, no one has come closer to home like the ones found in Punjab and Delhi. All that changes once you step inside Sher-A-Punjab; an ordinary looking restaurant with extra-ordinary service.

I strongly believe that a food becomes tastier if served with a smile. And no, my wife did not tell me to write this!! We were greeted with a broad smile the moment we stepped-in. The food aroma was reminiscent of a Punjabi dhaba by nehar (नहर) side on a warm Indian summer evening,

Gola Southend, Defency Colony, New Delhi

[Rated: 4/5]

Gola Southend needs no introduction to Sizzler lovers in NCR. Gola Southend was amongst the first ones to serve sizzlers and has managed to deliver consistent taste over the years. Located in Defence Colony, a prized location for food lovers, I have seen diners traveling distance to eat at this outlet despite of Gola Sizzler having multiple outlets in Delhi.