Should you’ve ever ventured into the center of Daryaganj, that the reopening of Chor Weird is an enormous deal. The restaurant, beloved by loyal patrons for its quirky decor and genuine regional Indian delicacies, is again – and it appears like stepping right into a time capsule of eclectic attraction. Initially launched in 1990 by Rohit Khattar, Chor Weird was India’s first theme restaurant, bringing collectively the best Kashmiri delicacies and regional flavours in a setting that was as a lot concerning the expertise because it was concerning the meals. Now, after years of anticipation, it has reopened its doorways at Asaf Ali Street.
A Feast for the Eyes: Interiors That Inform a Story
The interiors at Chor Weird have all the time been as a lot part of its attraction because the meals itself, and this reopening isn’t any exception. Rohit and Rashmi Khattar, together with the design crew, have painstakingly curated every aspect of the area. It is an inventive mishmash of kitsch, creativity, and nostalgia – a real “chor bazaar” (thieves market) delivered to life. You may spot quirky posters, a 1927 Fiat parked inside (sure, you learn that proper), a four-poster mattress, and even a Singer stitching machine desk. It is a curated chaos that someway gels fantastically, providing an immersive expertise that is arduous to neglect.
Design Director Rashmi Khattar has resurrected the vibe she initially crafted again within the 90s, mixing in new items whereas preserving the enduring ones. The vintage furnishings, classic trinkets, and retro Bollywood tunes that fill the air set the stage for an unforgettable culinary journey. It is not only a place to eat; it is a spot to discover, wander by, and soak within the wealthy tapestry of India’s historical past and creativity.
The Meals: A Journey By way of India’s Regional Flavours
In relation to meals, Chor Weird has all the time stood out, and below the experience of Chef Srinivas, it continues to ship. The menu is a celebration of regional Indian delicacies, with a particular concentrate on Kashmiri flavours which can be arduous to come back by elsewhere. Chef Srinivas, who’s been with the restaurant for 17 years, ensures that whereas the menu is up to date, it stays true to the restaurant’s roots.
We began with a number of chaats that set the tone for the meal – daring, tangy, and stuffed with textures. The Purani Dilli Ki Papri Chaat was an ideal burst of nostalgia, with semolina and flour chips balanced by the coolness of yogurt and the zing of tamarind. Equally intriguing was the Dahi Batata Puri, a crisp sphere stuffed with a medley of potato, yogurt, and mint chutney, topped with sev. For one thing a little bit totally different, the Palak Patta Chaat introduced crispy spinach to the desk, complemented by a candy and savoury medley of chutneys.
As we moved into the starters, Chor Weird’s choices shone of their revolutionary takes on conventional dishes. The Tandoori Malai Phool was an indulgent mixture of cauliflower and broccoli in a creamy cheese marinade. The Gazab Ka Tikka, with its tender hen tikka coated in a cheese marinade, was equally irresistible. For a extra luxurious chew, the Kasundi Fish Tikka offered delicate sole fish, marinated with mustard and chilli garlic for an ideal stability of warmth and flavour.
Then got here the Galouti Kabab, a pan-fried minced lamb delicacy that virtually melted in your mouth, and the Murgh Shaami, crispy hen patties infused with the home’s signature spice mix. The Tandoori Bharwan Khumb (stuffed mushrooms) and Tandoori Malai Phool had been additionally crowd-pleasers, stuffed with wealthy, creamy goodness.
Shifting to the mains, the Sharabi Kababi Tikka Masala was a standout: tender hen tikka cooked in a wealthy tomato and onion gravy completed off with a shot of brandy for that further punch. The Rista (lamb spheres cooked in a Kashmiri gravy) was velvety and fragrant, whereas the Dal Chor B’zar – black lentils cooked with tomatoes and cream – was a comforting basic. For one thing extra fiery, the Rooster Chettinad introduced spring hen cooked with stone flowers and fragrant spices.
And for individuals who can by no means get sufficient of the creamy goodness, the Paneer Makhni with cottage cheese in a wealthy tomato-butter gravy was successful.
Cocktails: A Sip of Genius
No meal at Chor Weird could be full with no spherical of cocktails. Due to the award-winning mixologist Varun Sharma, the drinks are as a lot a deal with because the meals. Varun Sharma’s, NDTV Meals Award-winning mixologist, signature cocktails deliver collectively flavours that completely complement the wealthy, hearty fare. His fastidiously curated beverage menu is a celebration of each innovation and custom, with every drink providing one thing new and thrilling.
Dessert to Wrap It Up
To finish the meal, we indulged in a few of the most comforting desserts. The Kashmiri Phirni, wealthy with saffron and semolina, was the right finish to a spicy meal. The Stuffed Gulab Jamun provided a candy, fried sphere of milk solids drenched in syrup, whereas the Kulfi – wealthy, creamy, and totally indulgent – rounded off the expertise fantastically.
Ultimate Verdict
The reopening of Chor Weird appears like a homecoming. It is a spot that has all the time blended custom with creativeness, and this new chapter isn’t any totally different. With its intriguing decor, wealthy meals, and punctiliously crafted cocktails, it is a spot that invitations you to come back for the meals and keep for the expertise. Whether or not you are a long-time fan or a first-time customer, this iconic spot in Daryaganj is properly definitely worth the go to – for nostalgia, flavours and reminiscences within the making.
The place: Asaf Ali Street, New Delhi
Price for 2: INR 2,000 for 2
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