Vapors Of Excellence At Vapour Bar Exchange...

Vapour Bar Exchange is the newest outlet of the Vapour franchise to have set base at Global Foyer Mall, Gurgaon. On coming to know about the same, I decided to pay this newest kid on the block a visit.

The outlet is prominently located on the Ground Floor of the mall and is thus a convenient find. Moreover, its large banner proclaims its arrival at Golf Course Road.

While that huge bull statue at the entrance looks welcoming, a large bar overlooks the separate seating areas demarcated into smoking and non-smoking zones.

There's a plus point right there as it ensures non-intrusiveness into patrons' personal spaces. The exquisite leather couches and an American retro feel lend to the outlet, a chilled-out vibe.

Vapour Bar Exchange is a themed restaurant borrowing its concept from the Stock Exchange and applying it to the beverages being offered. The price fluctuates according to the popularity of a certain beverage at a particular instant in time.

Apart from the thought put into designing the aesthetics of the place, a thought has also been put into presenting the menu in the manner of an English Daily christened as 'Times of Bar Exchange'. Apart from listing the dishes, the menu also features Alcohol Facts, a crossword centered around liquor, some jokes and a sudoku to while away time while food is presented on the plate.

Call it a coincidence if you would but being a teetotaler, I visited a Microbrewery in Navratras, trying to gauge if Vapour excels only in marketing its liquor or if it is able to score well solely on the basis of the food it offers. Needless to say, all vegetarian delicacies were had, sans any alcohol.

Here's what all was relished at Vapour Bar Exchange with dishes curated by Chef Upender. All of the dishes are presented in an aesthetic manner. (read out-of-the-box in case of dishes involving cryogenic elements)

Appetizers: 

Dahi Ke Sholey is the most classic vegetarian dish and was presented in an authentic manner with its taste on point.

Palak Patta Chaat had a vibrant presentation and was the right amount of crisp and tangy, topped with mint air.

Bhalla Papri Chaat was presented in a molecular gastronomic avatar with puffed rice flakes that were frozen using liquid nitrogen. The flavors were as classic as could be.

Tempura Vegetables were tossed in Chili Garlic Sauce and had the right amount of chili going into their making.

Ragda Pigme Kulchas were presented in an interesting manner and were the best from among the appetizers. This one is an innovative cross between Ragda Pattice and Chole Kulche.

Salad:

Caeser Salad with Parmesan Air, as suggested by the nomenclature, had a cryogenic element in the form of parmesan foam. The ingredients that went into the dish were prominent and not just for namesake.

Mocktails: 

All of the beverages were presented in an aesthetic manner and the key elements of that went into the preparation of each drink were prominent on the palate.

Tangerine Mojito
Fruit Infusion
Kiwi Melon Cooler

Mango Queen
Raspberry Orange Twist

Virgin Mojito

Pasta: 

Cauliflower Bolognese with Spaghetti had a crisp element and at first, though, I wasn't able to guess, it turned out to be cauliflower itself that lent a unique taste to the dish. This one is a must have just for that element.

Pizza: 

Spinach and Corn Pides was essentially a Turkish dish - an eye-shaped pizza - that had sweet corn, blanched spinach, and cheese. Thus, this was a good out-of-the-box dish that I hadn't had so far.

Main Course: 

Veg Macarena was an assortment of veggies dunked in cheesy sauce, served along with steamed rice.

Dal Makhni with Chur Chur Naan frankly reminded me of Dilli - 6. Served along with Jeera Aloo, this one is a must have if you want to relish a basic dish as Dal Makhni prepared in the most fantastic manner.

Hyderabadi Paneer Masala Tawa was all about cottage cheese chunks cooked in Indian spices and topped with mint, served alongside Indian Breads.

Dessert: 

Garlic Kheer is an authentic Lucknowi dessert, I was told by Chef Upender, yet I hadn't heard of it so far. Topped with a variety of seven flowers including rose petals, and without any pungency of the garlic, this is undoubtedly the most unique dish on Vapour's menu.

All in all, Vapour Bar Exchange comes across as an excellent option for dining with friends as well as family on any given occasion as it is a place that has its food, service, and ambiance, all on point. :)