Reveling In Old-World Charm At Kwality...

A place where Delhi first learned how to dine is now all set to return, hoping to bring back traditions such as delicious and authentic fuss-free food, a dress code, foreign brass bands, formal high teas, and midnight dances.

I am referring to Kwality, New Delhi's single oldest restaurant that has been standing strong in Connaught Place for the last 80 years. Having opened in 1940 by the legendary owner PL Lamba, during the pre-independence time. Kwality has had the rare privilege of laying the foundation stone of India's post-independence food landscape, introducing Indians to the delights of ice-cream, hotels, and fine dining.

The past Republic Day weekend, I had the pleasure of dining at Kwality, of course, it is the perfect time to revel in some national nostalgia, albeit through the culinary route.

Being pioneers of Anglo-Indian cuisine, the menu at Kwality features a selection of Indian and Continental delicacies, with the ambiance exuding unmatched old-world charm, complemented by polite and attentive service.

The service style is presented with bespoke crockery and cutlery from Villeroy & Boch, Germany, and a painstakingly curated silver service.

Designed by Mandira Lamba with the touch of Manuu Mansheet, the interiors reek of historical authenticity. Behind a heavy velvet curtain entrance, one is immediately transported into a time warp with original period furniture, a piano lounge and a typical maharajah style polo bar littered with original antiques.

There are almost seventy original photographs of CP by the famous photographer Madan Mahatta on the walls, spanning over the period of 40 years and have captured the essence of the grand Connaught Place and lifestyles post-independence where strong colonial influences can be seen.

Coming to the gastronomic excellence that is plated with a smile at Kwality...

Beverages: 

Kwality Shikanji is one of the in-house specialties, a homemade concoction that refreshes the palate.

Oolong Kangra is one of the warm brews that feature on the high-tea menu at Kwality, a blend straight from the tea estate at Kangra Valley! :)

Appetizers: 

Dahi Ke Kebab were appetizing, melt-in-mouth morsels of hung curd complemented by pomegranate and cashew.

Shakargand Ramadana Tikki was a crisp and flavorful preparation of sweet potato and amaranth, one of the unique delicacies on the menu.

Palak Patta Chaat is one of the quintessential and popular street foods in Delhi and its preparation at Kwality was a vibrant and delicious one.

Stuffed Tandoori Mushroom Tikka had button mushrooms enveloping a creamy mix of khoya and dry fruits, which was delightful.

Paneer Boti Tikka was an elaborate preparation off the grill, with the smoked charcoal flavor balancing the creaminess of cottage cheese.

Kashmiri Paneer Kebab was grilled to perfection with the nuttiness of dry fruits.

Khijiya Papad is one of the in-house special accompaniments to an Indian meal when dining at Kwality.

Soups: 

Minestrone and French Onion are two of the classic English preparations and both were presented with finesse, and the classic flavors intact.

Main Course: 

Grilled Fish is a classic continental preparation that had soft river sole fillets served with a side of grilled veggies and lemon butter sauce.

Desserts: 

Kwality Special Pudding

Parsi Dairy Kulfi

Tutti Frutti

Bread and Butter Pudding

All in all, a meal at Kwality resembled warping to the bygone era in the heart of Delhi. :)

On A Gastronomic Sojourn At AMPM...

The Galleria Market at Gurugram is one of the popular shop-and-dine hubs in the millennium city, and rightfully so, given the fact that patrons are spoilt for choice when it comes to an eventful outing with friends or family alike.

A recent shopping spree thus culminated in a visit to AMPM Cafe, located on the second floor, and providing a bird's eye view of the vicinity.

As the name suggests, AMPM has been modeled around the concept of all-day-dining that reflects in the variety showcased on the menu, and the vibe of the place that becomes peppier as sundown approaches.

Largely known as 'The Birthplace of Lickables', AMPM always impresses with what is presented on the plate, and this time also, my visit was no different.

Featuring a live kitchen, AMPM scores given the fact that you're able to see how your food comes to the plate the way it does.

Here's what would be my recommendation when visiting AMPM for a meal...

Appetizers: 

Chaat At AMPM was a tangy combination of chickpeas, yogurt, and tamarind with a garnish of pomegranate seeds and crispy spinach fritters on the side.

Kadhai Paneer Sliders are one of the best quick bites on offer, perfect for an Indianized palate, complete with baby garlic flatbread, chargrilled cottage cheese topped with coriander seeds, and a salad and gravy on the side.

Asparagus and Broccoli Dimsums is the best bet coming to the Oriental side of the meal. Steamed nicely, the pockets are a burst of fresh greens on the palate.

Pulled Cheese Garlic Bread is baked aesthetically, with a portion of crispy potato fries and mayonnaise on the side.

Soups: 

Minestrone Rosso is AMPM's take on Italy in a bowl. The warm broth of veggies and pasta is served alongside a breadstick and a garnish of cheese.

Spinach and Coconut is a thick soup borrowing from Thai flavors.

Japanese Ramen Bowl is Japan on a plate, a wholesome one-bowl-meal comprising of noodles and veggies.

Main Course: 

Fish 'n' Chips is the quintessential panko-crusted fish, served with a portion of French Fries and mayonnaise. At AMPM, the fish was crispy, lightly breaded and simply melt-in-mouth on the inside.

Ratatouille, native to Europe, formed for a delicious meal - classic rice and veggies - with a feel-good-factor accompanying.

Beverages: 

Fresh Watermelon Juice was the fix of the day with vitamins and that enviable baby pink hue.

Scottish Obsession is an alias for one of the prime Lickables at AMPM - a thick shake prepared using Butterscotch Ice-cream and candied fruit.

Kulf-e-Chic is the 'Kulfi Gajak' desert from the house of AMPM rendered in liquid form, with morsels of Chikki on the outside, and a Kulfi to relish alongside the Lickable.

Nutella Hot Chocolate is one of warm, sweet beverages on the menu, served with a smile, and a rather generous utilization of choco chips.

Dessert:

Rasmalai Cheesecake is one of the fusion desserts at AMPM, blending Indian and American flavors effortlessly.

All in all, a visit to AMPM ensures good times with great company, given the delicious preparation coupled with light-hearted banter. :) 

Leisurely Dining At Cafe Hawkers...

Cafe Hawkers is one of the feel-good restaurants to visit when in the heart of Delhi, in Connaught Place.

Located at a stone's throw from the legendary Odeon Cinema, Cafe Hawkers is spread across two levels - ground and first - and has well-lit premises modeled around the concept of Hawker's Street, hence the name Cafe Hawkers.

The decor has a number of trinkets and a 'Special Of The Day' is also mentioned on a chalkboard at the entrance. The seating arrangement has comfy couches and service is prompt, and with a smile. :)

The Menu at Cafe Hawkers boasts of a variety of cuisines - Indian, Oriental, Italian, Continental - and Chef's Signature Dishes are marked by a cutesy umbrella logo against the names.

There are also quirky gastronomic quotes that find their place on the menu, inducing a chuckle or two.

Coming to what would be worth relishing at Cafe Hawkers...

Beverages:

Paan Rose Shake had the subtle rosy hue and a Gulkand topping on the side.

Choco Mint Shake was a mix-and-match of sweet chocolate and refreshing mint that had a mint leaf as garnish.

Cappuccino was the good old caffeine brew.

Soups:

Tuscan Tomato and Basil was the classic warm broth accompanied with a bread basket.

Minestrone was the one-pot-meal of pasta and veggies.

Manchow was the authentic Oriental soup, with a dash of soy sauce.

Starters:

Chatpati Kamal Kakdi Ki Chaat had lotus stem fritters done the Indian street food way, with a dash of mint and pomegranate seeds on a bed of red cabbage.

Hawker's Special Tikki had potato fritters rendered in yogurt with a dash of tamarind, cheese chunks, and pomegranate.

Puchka were the classic Indian street food served alongside mint and tamarind dip in a bulb.

Tandoori Momos were giant in size and aesthetic but were a bit bland on the flavor, as they were just a mish-mash of cabbage and carrot chunks.

Almond Roast Sole Fish Tikka is one of the in-house specialties, with the lime-hinted melt-in-mouth fish fillets being garnished with an almond chunk.

Classic Stuffed Paneer Tikka had large cottage cheese chunks having a smooth layer of spinach sandwiched within it.

Main Course:

All Veggies Pizza was a 14" thin-crust pizza that was cheesy and had olives, bell peppers, corn, broccoli, mushroom, and onions as toppings.

Dessert:

Nutella Lovers Waffle is one of the popular sweet conclusions at Cafe Hawkers and was a nutty delight with warm and crisp waffles being topped with a scoop vanilla ice-cream and Nutella.

All in all, I had a pleasant time at Cafe Hawkers and it is an outlet that scores on providing a complete gastronomic experience with its delicious preparations, chirpy ambiance, and cheerful banter. :)