Aesthetic Delicacies At Too Indian...

Aesthetics in modern food, a reminisce of childhood, an artistic in-house herb garden, modernist chic interiors, and retail therapy. That's what the newest brainchild of Mr. Varun Puri, Too Indian is all about. 

After the success of Imly, Varun is here with an indigenous concept of the best of two worlds - Food and Retail, in the form of Too Indian. Given its prime location in the heart of Rajouri Garden and a knack for presenting Indian delicacies with a twist that pleases the eye, Too Indian is here to stay and impress big time. 

Having had a fantastic launch, the news of which spread through ace critic Marryam H Reshii's testimonial of 'Love at first sight', I knew I had to visit Too Indian to witness their gastronomical theatrics soon enough, with them having arrived in my immediate vicinity. 

I thus visited Too Indian yesterday for lunch and it was almost a full house. The decor is interesting with vibrant elephants, stained glass windows, leafy lampshades, a proclamation of being second best to 'माँ का खाना' and a futuristic retail section in the heart of the restaurant. 

There are multiple surprise elements in the aesthetics all through the meal, and it's best to play along but the Mango Sorbet that is staged on a Ferris Wheel tops it all. :)

Coming to what would be my recommended dishes from their menu when you visit Too Indian... 

Shakes: 

Nutella Shake 

This one was served in an actual Nutella Jar too. :) 

Honey Bunny Delight Shake 

Salad: 

Top Trending Quinoa Salad wherein the Top Trending finds its way in the name owing to the growing popularity of Quinoa as a healthier grain. This one was finished with apple, citrus, lettuce, and beetroot on the side. 

Appetizers: 

Is This Dahi Bhalla? is the first question that must pop in anyone's mind on seeing the plating of the dish with three distinct yogurt flavors topped with potato savories. 

Painter's Canvas quite literally with fried fish atop paintbrushes accompanied by five distinct dips on a palette. 

Indo-Persian Kebab served in an archaic book platter with a tiny table lamp and clothespin on each Rumali Roti. 

Here Is Something To 'Taco' About of course, with cone-shaped tacos in cutesy cookers filled with raw rice grains. 

Main Course: 

Dal Khao Suey was a flavorful fusion of Indian and Burmese cuisines. 

Home Style Chicken was all about soft chicken chunks in a delicious gravy. 

Paneer Makhanwala was crisp yet melt-in-mouth and went well along with the bread. 

Quinoa Kathal Biryani was another specialty coming from Too Indian, combining two healthy alternatives - Jackfruit and Quinoa. It was served in the form of a quintessential Tiffin complete with Raita and Salad. 

Khameeri Roti is puffed using yeast, hence 'खमीरी' and was soft as a furball. 

Chur Chur Naan was the classic Amritsari flatbread that had been literally crumbled to pieces. It was a crispy delight. 

Desserts: 

Daulat Ki Chaat is the iconic Delhi-6 winter dessert that has been replicated to the tee, here at Too Indian. 

Milk Cake Pie had an interesting presentation with chocolate tree branches and a liberal topping of condensed milk syrup. 

Coming to the Retail section which is Too Indian's USP, as they have incorporated something pathbreaking in the F&B industry, it is a genuine curation of items that may interest the average Indian shopper. 

Items have been arranged in sections like Food Items ranging from Candy to Oil-Free Pickles to Cookies to Ghee to Spices to Jams and Preserves to Savory Snacks like Fryums, Granola, and Lotus Seeds, Home Decor ranging from Vases to Photo Frames and Statuettes, Kitchenware like Mugs, Sippers. Jugs and Bottles, Toys like Minions inspired Alarm Clock and Piggy Bank, and Craft Items like Crayon Pencils put together to form a Photo Frame. 

I'm sure that Too Indian will keep pulling the crowd like it already has, not only backed by its delicious food, but also by a strongly put Retail Therapy regime that promotes the efforts of Home Chefs and Artists in hindsight. 

Best wishes to Team Too Indian for a stellar show in the F&B space. :) 

Sophisticated Gastronomy At Tamra...

ताम्र is a word of Sanskrit origin signifying copper. Owing to its excellent material properties and heat conduction, it has been a favorite cookware material for chefs in India since ancient times and has become one for chefs across the globe, gradually.

Borrowing from the concept of the metal, Tamra, situated on Level 1 in Shangri-La in the heart of the city, incorporates a potpourri of cuisines and delicacies while overlooking a picturesque garden maintained within the premises of the property.

With a lavish buffet and Ala Carte catering to Indian, Oriental, Continental, and Thai preparations at patrons' behest, they're bound to be spoilt for choice when being at and enjoying their visit to Tamra. Also, in accordance with the name, Indian preparations are served in copper vessels.

The stewards are informed and attentive, and service is courteous and warm, as due care is taken to address any allergens or customizations before hand.

My visit to Tamra came about as a consequence of a celebratory lunch and I thoroughly relished the delicacies prepared by Chef Neeraj Tyagi and his skilled team of chefs.

It comes as no surprise when all the dishes are prepared with such finesse because Chef Tyagi has a backing of a decade and a half along with numerous prestigious accolades to his credit.

Tamra's interactive kitchens emulate early marketplaces, where chefs showcased their skills and presented culinary delights crafted to be sold to visitors and traders alike.

Moreover, the decor too borrows with a liberal usage of copper as decorative trinkets to enhance the vibe that Tamra aims to reflect. Don't be surprised if you spot some rolling pins i.e. the homely बेलन right across the wall or atop the ceiling too. :)

Here's what would be my recommendations to be appreciated when at Tamra...

Beverages:

Mango Tango is a seasonal special and was a concoction of cucumber, mango puree, honey, and ginger ale.

Big Wave was a flavorful mocktail served in a tiki glass, with a prominent lychee flavor.

Asian Lemonade is Tamra's signature beverage, with grapefruit, orange, and cranberry flavors leaving a lingering taste on the palate.

Coconut Mint Cooler had hints of mint, lime, fresh coconut water, and cucumber.

Salad:

Classic Caesar Salad was a delectable spread of Romaine lettuce, croutons, and grilled chicken breast with a parmesan dressing.

Soups:

Minestrone was a classic preparation with tomato broth, beans, parmesan, and veggies.

Green Asparagus Veloute consisted of asparagus ribbons and creme fraiche, thus imparting it a creamy consistency.

Appetizers:

Aam Papad Paneer Tikka is Tamra's signature and the prominent tangy mango flavor coupled with melt-in-mouth cottage cheese could help me see how it is so.

Peeli Sarson Macchi Tikka was an authentic river sole marinated in yellow mustard and cooked to perfection.

Tandoori Tellicherry Prawns are another signature, with the marination of black pepper, brown onions, and curry leaves imparting the tiger prawns a lingering flavor on the palate.

Main Course:

Paad Paak Ruam was a flavorful mix veg stir fry that went well along with sticky rice.

Aaloo Palak Ki Gujia had each ingredient and its presentation working in its flavor, with a fennel based creamy curry, and spinach and potato stuffed in the shape of a Gujia.

Murg Makhan Malai was the most flavorful item presented in the main course, with its tomato based gravy and well-prepared chicken chunks.

Pudina Parantha went along well with both the curries.

Tawa Chicken Biryani, served along with Burrani Raita is a unique preparation at Tamra with the classic Rice delicacy not being subjected to Dum, but instead being cooked on a Tawa. It is undoubtedly a must-try, as the flavors closely replicate that of an authentic Dum Biryani.

Desserts:

Tamra Chocolate is their signature chocolate ensemble and consisted of rich flavors, reminding me of the Chocolate Bomb at The California Boulevard.

Creamy Cheese Cake was a fitting conclusion to the meal, with its pistachio crumble and berry compote complementing the spot-on preparation of the cheesecake.

All in all, Tamra comes across as a classy option for a delectable spread spanning across multiple cuisines which can be relished over some great banter and appreciation of a fantastic view that is the in-house green cover.

Moreover, Tamra emulates an ideal destination for a gastronomic platter encompassing global flavors that make any dining experience memorable. My time at Tamra too stands testimony to that. :)