Regional Specialties From A Culinary Journey...

The G.T. Road is a restaurant modelled around the concept of Asia's well-known trade route by the same name - linking four countries and leaving its traces through three empires beginning from the Mauryan Empire.

Spanning across the length and breadth of the massive 2600 km, the Grand Trunk Road still facilitates transportation for commoners and traders alike. And hence, The G.T. Road is a culinary journey that traverses 2600 km to bring the best of dishes from Kabul to Chittagong. 

Spinning off on the concept of dining like a prince but paying like a pauper, G.T. Road caters to the variation of spoilt-for-choice buffet with the local specialties of the countries that the roadway passes through being brought to the table.

The G.T. Road spells vintage like no other, with the customary vintage car at the entrance, coins, rifles, artefacts, photographs and archaic utensils perfecting the ambiance.

On a recent visit to Chandigarh over the long weekend, one of the restaurants we chose to dine at was this one, and pleasantly, the Delhi outlet and this outlet could be said to be the mirror images of each other as far as the overall experience is concerned.

From on-table grills to the live kitchen counter vested in the preparation of the choicest of street foods and also crisp Jalebi, to the extensive variety in Main Course and cheat meal kind of indulgence as far as the Desserts are concerned, this place is for patrons who like being spoiled for choice.

Also, do try their Bunta served in the 'glass bottle with a marble' especially the Lychee variant, and the Kala Khatta mocktail.

As always, a meal here concludes with a handful of सौंफ-मिश्री.

Modern Indian At Farzi Cafe...

Farzi Cafe is one of the pioneers when it comes to the world's perception of modern Indian cuisine. The brainchild of Zorawar Kalra, Farzi Cafe has left its mark on the culinary map of the globe with outlets across Dubai, London, and India - across Hyderabad, Bangalore, Delhi, Pune, and Mumbai.

With a flair for blending culinary expertise with modern aesthetics while abiding by cooking techniques, Farzi Cafe has managed to gain a thumbs up from critics and patrons alike. The newest Farzi Cafe outlet in Delhi has been established recently at WorldMark 3, Aerocity and I was keen to explore what new flavors Farzi had introduced Aerocity to.

Spread across two floors with chic interiors, natural lighting, outdoor seating, ambient music and a swanky bar to its credit, the ambiance at Farzi Aerocity scores brownie points.

The menu focuses on Modern Indian cuisine wherein there is a nice variety of dishes across the spectrum. The stewards are well-informed about all the preparations on the menu and service is quick.

Meals at Farzi Cafe are preceded by the amuse bouche - Dahi Shots served on a bed of fuming liquid nitrogen to act as a palate cleanser.

Begin the meal with the popular home-like Dal Chawal Arancini served on a bed of condiments and a rolled poppadom on top.

Follow it up with Masala Jackfruit Cigars that leave a tangy imprint on the palate served with mayo on the side in a Farzi Box.

Do not also miss the signature Tempura Fried Prawns topped with lemon chili foam, that is crispy yet smooth on the palate.

For a visit to the rustic local streets of Delhi whilst lounging at Farzi Cafe, try the Mini Raj Kachori that is a mouthful with its crispy okra salad on the side stealing the show.

From among the Kebabs, worth a mention are the melt-in-mouth Malai Badaam Broccoli with its creamy texture and crispy almond flakes and Achari Fish Tikka that is the perfect balance of firmness in layers yet smooth on the palate.

To go along with the appetizers is the signature mocktail at Farzi, Litchi Panna Desire. Given the summer vibes, the refreshing tanginess of mango is a win-win. An unpopular choice would be the Date Me, and as the name.

To mark the transition from Appetizers to Mains, Mango Sorbet is again served to refresh the palate.

Pizzas at Farzi Cafe are the classic thin-crust preparation and are a nice mix of crispy and cheesy, with that cheese pull forming for that insta-worthy capture.

Among the Mains, while Amritsari Chole with Puri puff reminds of the authentic Delhi-6 flavors, the Rajasthani Kadhi amped up with Ghee Pulao that has those long-grain rice and caramelized onions guarantee a gastronomical trip to the desert.

On the other hand, while Mushroom Do Pyaza served alongside Ajwain Parantha carries the subtleties of a home-cooked meal, the Summer Veg Kofta has a sweetened cardamom gravy served with Green Chili Parantha that balances the flavor profile well.

Desserts at Farzi Cafe are stellar, with Rasmalai Tres Leches being the showstopper of the meal as it is a layered dessert alternating between spongy Rasmalai and seasonal favorite Gajar Ka Halwa, and Lemon Tart which is a deconstructed version of the tangy dessert paired with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream topped with rainbow sprinkles.

The final sweet conclusion though comes in the form a refreshing Cotton Candy Pan Gujiya.

All in all, a meal at Farzi Cafe is a spectacle, both aesthetically and gastronomically. :)