Indian food represents the comfort of a homecooked meal. As soon as we entered the Delhi-based restaurant’s outpost at Gourmet Village in Palladium, Lower Parel, we realised that it has its heart in the right place. The space, done up in earthy tones and geometric tiles, makes the open kitchen the showstopper. The concept revolves around all things pots: Potlis and earthen pots get a modern-Indian twist. Confession: We have lived in Delhi, just for a year, but it remains the food highlight of our lifetime. So cut us some slack if this Mumbaikar gives her vote to Dilli ka khana.
A view of the space in Lower Parel. Pics/ SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI
Over Nolen Gur (Rs 185) and Kokum Banta Soda, co-founder Prathna Tuli of Yum Yum Tree Group that also runs Yum Yum Cha, Tbsp and Food Inc catering, narrates the restaurant story, that started during the Covid-19 lockdown as a cloud kitchen in Delhi.
The Palak Patta Chaat (Rs 485) comes with deep-fried besan coated fritters with chilled dahi topped with pomegranates, and teekha-meetha chutneys for that Indian umami — our good old desi chakata.
Squiggly Jalebi and Cinnamon Ice Cream
Here’s a cool factoid: Delhi was introduced to momos in the 1960s, when Tibetans settled around Majnu Ka Tila. These steam dumplings became a popular street food inclusion by the ‘90s and early 2000s. Momo culture grew strong, but we all know Delhi’s love for tandoori fare. Great innovation happens in eateries particularly around college campuses.
One restaurant smoked the chicken in the tandoor, stuffed it in the soft wrapping of a momo and gave the parcels a few minutes in the tandoor. That these Tandoori Chicken Momos (Rs 685) are on the menu is a good sign.
(From right) Kokum Sour, Raw Mango Panna and Nolen Gud Lemonade
Another local delicacy, Dal Moradabadi Biscuiti Roti (Rs 485) features on the menu. Our reference for this moong dish is the stall near ITO Metro station. The dish has a dash of lemon, masala peanuts, tomato, onions, and green chutney. Crumble the biscuit bhakris and you have a protein snack.
Truffle Galouti Slider (Rs 685) is bland, and the patty tastes uncooked. We stick to the classics. The Baby Chole Bhature (Rs 485) comes with two mini bhaturas, fermented dough. The Blackest Pot (Rs 685), cooked for 24 hours, is a good rendition of black dal in the format.
Palak Patta Chaat
A standing ovation for the Mutton Kakori Kebab (Rs 885) that comes wrapped in thin blankets of saffron roomali. The kebab wears a shiny charcoal-kissed glaze in the tandoori, that holds the meat in its place until it crumbles on the palate.
Smooth, smoky and tender, the Smoked Potter Chicken (Rs 685) hits the butter chicken craving spots, and is a rite of passage for a Dilliwalah. Local Delhi preparations get our thumbs up and full attention. However, while the Andhra-Style Vegetable (Rs 685) Kurma ticks the coastal check points, it doesn’t quite elevate our palate.
Indian khana is incomplete without good bread, and we begin with square-shaped Everything Paratha (Rs 185) generously topped with sesame, onions, poppy seeds (khus khus) and pepper. The Amritsari Kulcha (Rs 185) is dhaba-style, and pairs well with all the curries, but we best enjoy it as it.
We skip the rice preparations for another day. The Squiggly Jalebi (Rs 285) comes with a hand-churned cinnamon ice cream that helps pacify the stomach. The Gulab Tres Leches (Rs 285) is too sweet for our liking, and we turn to the crunch of the thinnest jalebi scribbles that are addictive, like popcorn.
The Mumbai-Delhi tug-of-war will continue but Pot Pot asks you to take a break and indulge. And to answer the burning question: Yes, Yum Yum Cha will open its doors soon.
At Gourmet Village, 3rd Floor, Gourmet Village, Phoenix Palladium West Zone,T-28 A, Lower Parel.
Time 12 noon to 11 pm
Call 8826664683
