Chandini Chowk

Koramangala, Bangalore

This is a very weird looking place from outside. Looks like a hut and people won’t even notice it from the road as it is little off-road. This is a place I love to visit and have nostalgia about as many of my meals here were special -- like my first birthday party in Bangalore , my life’s first date ;) (Just joking about the second one – I am still single). This is an ethnic theme restaurant picked its name from the place it looks like “Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi”. The atmosphere is magical especially in night with all the props and the music which comes out of the specially designed speakers out of earthen pots (matka) dangling from the thatch. The mud walls are studded with small triangular mirrors which sparkle in the dim light from the low hanging Jhumars (chandeliers). Big size posters of film stars from bollywood, bright tie and dye duppattas serve as see through curtains, and stone seating makes the place really amazing. Menu itself is on a piece of bright satin with beads around with little embroidery and touted in an embroidery wooden frame.

You can start with shorbas (soups) as they are mentioned in the menu. Many vegetarian starters to start with but my favorite is murg hari mirch wala, which is a spicy starter with lots of spring onion, green cilli and garlic. Tandoori chicken with chat masala and tandoori fish are also great in taste. For main course you can choose from a variety of vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes and Indian bread items.

For beverages to go after or with the meal you can have kullad (earthen cup) chai (tea), jaal jeera and buttermilk. And comes the best part of the meal for all those having a sweet tooth “the desserts” for which you can have gulab jamun, gajar ka halwa, phirni, kulfi and kheer also. (yummie my mouth watered while I wrote this)

Most of the dishes are cooked in less oil. The owner is a nice ambitious looking lady and she makes a point that she visits each table to get the guests’ feedback. Usually the place is not over crowded but better make bookings beforehand to avoid inconvenience and a spoilt mood. They have separate wings to serve for and you can find a silent corner also. For special crowded evenings their will be dance performers who will perform on loud tunes of bhangara songs or indipops.

If your dancing bones does not allows you to sit back in the chair you can join the dancer and be an eye catcher of the crowd (last time I visited I couldn’t resist and started dancing which made all the crowd looking at me – because I am a brave and also a bad dancer).

A real fun and out of the box party place and also a coochy coo spot (usually in the afternoons). A perfect spot for a fun filled night or a mushy afternoon! Nice food, best innovative ambience, good service and very light after you see the bill.

Niranjan Bendre

http://www.niranjanbendre.8m.com