Think beyond butter chicken

Punjab Grill’s new vegetarian menu is a perfect blend of traditional dishes and innovative delicacies

Right in the thoroughfare of Andheri’s shopping hub, near Infiniti Mall, Punjab Grill, with its elegant décor, decorative lighting and plush seating, has become a popular spot for business dinners and family celebrations. What has changed recently is the new addition of a menu that caters to the vegetarian clientele. It grabs the attention with its variety. I begin my tasting with Dilliwali Papdi Chaat (Rs 195), which comes as a surprise in a fine dining restaurant but is every bit as authentic and delicious as anything the best Delhi chaat places can mix up. As I wait for the appetisers and soups, I sip on some Mangorita (Rs 145), a frozen, non-alcoholic, mango-infused take on the margarita that soothes the hunger-pangs brought on by the aperitifs.

A bowl of Daal Shorba (Rs 220) with chana croutons follows, distinct in its light, soupy texture. While the shorba warms the throat, a plate of Beetroot ki Tikki (Rs 425) is placed in front of me. The flaky crust, the sweet, shredded beetroot and the creamy cheese at the core make for a delightful mix of tastes and textures. Next is the Dahi Ke Kabab (Rs 425), which proves to be another interesting combination of textures with its chewy crust and soft, slightly sweet yoghurt-and-cumin stuffing. The Soya Champ (Rs 395) that follows is as close as a vegetarian dish can get to copy the taste of chicken. Though I am convinced by the similarity, the chicken-lover in me is not quite happy with the slightly rubbery texture of the soya. A spread of Dal Palak (Rs 425), Tawa Subziyan Achari Glaze (Rs 425), Gobhi Musallam (Rs 425) and Paneer Lababdar (Rs 425) is what follows. A bowl-full of Brown Rice Matar Pulao (Rs 425) and a basket of assorted flatbreads (Rs 345) accompany these delicacies. While the Dal Palak is a light and delicious concoction, the pulao is rather on the dry side. I quickly move on and choose a lachcha paratha and dig in. The soft, chewy paratha melts in the mouth and the Gobhi Masallam, with its creamy gravy and crunchy, batter-coated gobhi goes perfectly with it.

Nearly full now, I decide to grab some traditional Punjabi dessert and the sweet, crumbly Moong Dal Halwa (Rs 215) and soft, syrupy Gulab Jamun (Rs 215) bring the meal to a perfect conclusion. Perusing kebabs and butter chicken on the menu, one tends to forget sometimes what a rich and varied vegetarian selection Punjabi cuisine has and this meal was the perfect reminder.

Address:Ground Floor, Morya Landmark - II, Opposite Infiniti Mall, Off Andheri New Link Road, Andheri (W) Meal for two: Rs 1800 Rating: 3.5 stars