Punjab Grill is the latest eatery in the capital that offers typically North Indian cuisine with some healthy alterations
Punjab Grill recently opened its doors to patrons in and around Khan Market. Its USP is its penchant for serving typical North Indian fare with a healthy take.
FOOD
To start with we ordered Quinoa methi tikki (Rs 600), a nutritious version of aloo tikki. It’s soft, mildly flavoured with a bitter aftertaste. Unabashedly, we wolf down two plates, but aren’t satiated. Super grains and micro greens feature prominently on the menu as the restaurant is trying to promote healthy eating and the use of local produce. The greens are homegrown in the small garden on the terrace, informs chef Vijay Sethi, who has used guchchi from Kashmir in his Tandoori Guchchi (Rs 1,325). One of the most expensive varieties of mushrooms, the chef has accorded it the treatment that it deserves. These handpicked morels are served in a closed lid plate to keep its taste intact. Cream, cheese and cardamom come in layers, teasing the palate as you enjoy them. Next in line was the Tandoori Murg Tikka Punjab Grill (Rs 675). A hearty portion of chicken morsels. No frills here, spicy and succulent chunks of chicken, grilled to perfection. From the vegetarian section, we tried the Veg Kurkuri (Rs 575). Wontons filled with mushroom, celery, olives, pine nuts, tomatoes and cheese rolled in seviyaan served with a tangy-sweet dip of jaggery, and chilli.
Sethi has also experimented with ingredients that aren’t part of North Indian cuisine. Hence, you have a variety of dishes like Tawa Scallops, Tawa Asparagus, and Salmon Tikka. We tried the Salmon Tikka (Rs 1,575), which is a bold attempt to pair Norwegian salmon and Indian spices, which has paid off deliciously. Sethi has been able to retain the original taste of the fish, and not overpower it with spices. A PG signature, Raunqeen Seekhan (Rs 695) is a must-have with your patiala peg. For the main course, we tried the Butter Chicken or Murg Makhani (Rs 665), another speciality that has been given a healthy twist by the chef. Minus the cream, it’s a guilt-free indulgence that’s not heavy on the palate, best had with the soft and fluffy multigrain roti (Rs 160). We also had the Nalli Ghosht (Rs 745) that simply falls off the bone proving it has been cooked with diligence. Vegetarians can opt for the Mah Chhole ki dal (Rs 615) (black lentils with chickpea dal). Seasoned with lots of garlic and coriander, it goes well with the piping hot Amaranth Parantha(Rs 160). Wrap up your meal with Aamras Ki Choori and rabdi (Rs 305) a sweet decadence. The desi ghee choori is laced with pure mango pulp, and immersed in thick rabdi. However, it’s the Phirni (Rs 305) takes the cake with the right amount of sugar, and perfect milky consistency.
Our verdict PG is a pleasant departure from ghee and spiced laden Punjabi food served across the board. It scores less on calories and masalas and is high on taste.
Where Punjab Grill, Khan Market
Meal for two Rs 2500
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