Cuisine from the Land of Fiver Rivers gets a modern and soulful twist at Punjab Bistro
By Namita Gupta
As the heavens open up, I secure a ring-side view of the newly relaunched Punjab Bistro in Koramangala from the comfort of my table. The hottest food destination in Bengaluru, the new avatar oozes sophistication and beckons us for a sensorial experience. Don’t let the casual and contemporary fine dining belie you. It’s all about serious eating here and the cooking is top-drawer, showcasing the royal tastes and flavours of Punjab on a high pedestal.
We started with some interesting cocktails whipped up with finesse and flair by ace bartender Jeet. The first one called Na’ real Rita made with tequila, coconut milk, coconut water and triple sec was potent with a coastal punch to it. Fabulous! We could have had another one of the same, but will come back for it. We decided to try Apricot Sunrise with an interesting fruity, tangy and sweet blend of orange vodka, peach, mango and apricot. We nibbled on Dum ka murgh which was tender and subtle on flavours. A real charmer! We also liked the Tandoori Murgh, a big piece of chicken marinated in a mixture of yogurt and the spice tandoori masala, cayenne pepper, and dried fenugreek leaves, cooked in tandoor. Vegetarians will love the Palak corn quesadillas, a novel twist to a quesadilla with the goodness of spinach and corn and Lasooni Khumbh, which was mushrooms stuffed with cheese and nuts, spiked with Indian herbs, marinated in Lahsooni masala and perfectly finished in tandoor. Meat lovers must try the Pathar ka gosht and Mutton seekh – kebab ka Baap, an 18 inch long kabab, a first in the city. Some of the other new and delicious dishes include Broccoli cheese lollipop, Beetroot Tikki with peanut sauce, Paneer chilgoza and Kathal tacos for a symphony of fantastic flavours.
For the mains, RITZ recommends Laal Maas and Murgh Makhani. The butter chicken was rich, creamy and warmly spiced just how it should be. We mopped our plates with the Chur chur paratha which is so yummy that it can be a dish in itself. If you’re looking for something light and mellow yet delicious, then do give the Dal Moradabadi a chance from among the many other dishes. Also try the Paneer Lababdar, Chatpatta Murgh Bhatinda Wala, Raarhya Meat and Kadhai Prawns. The menu is extremely exhaustive and as clichéd as it may sound, will leave you spoilt for choice. Those with a sweet tooth will love the Indian twist to Mille feuilli, Malpua pudding and Jalebi churros. We’re still salivating over the ridiculously delicious Malpua pudding. Sajal Jassal, Founder & CEO of Punjab Bistro and Executive Chef Masaroor Waris Khan have created magic with their adept hands and this place is a sure winner when it comes to delicious, rich and robust food in a fine dining atmosphere.
Where: SJR Primus, Ground Floor, Opposite Forum Mall, 7th Block, Koramangala, 20th Main Road, Bengaluru. Call: 080 – 40902161/62.
Meal for two: Rs 1,200.
