Nawab
Asia figures very high on my list of Pune restaurants. No let me correct that.
It figures among the top two on my list of Pune restaurants (North Indian &
Awadhi cuisine). The quality of food served is so good, that they beat many
other upscale, and five star, establishments hollow! I do not say this lightly.
I speak from experience!
Some
time mid-year, I visited Nawab Asia (Camp branch). Preet, as he always does, came
over to my table to say, ‘Hi!’ (He has never failed to greet me thus in the
nine years I have known and visited Nawab Asia). He requested that I go over to
try the food at their new branch, at Balewadi High Street, when it opens its
door. I promised him, I would! A couple of weeks ago, I received an invite for
the new Nawab Asia branch, through #TeamFoodProwl, for an exclusive tasting
event. Though, I am on a short sabbatical from official invites, I accepted
this one and happily set off to keep my promise to Preet!
The
first thing I noticed on entering Nawab Asia was how bright and well ventilated
the interior was. It had high ceilings, tastefully selected chandeliers, a wall
done up in varied squares of lattice grill, distressed, shabby-chic style furniture
and a huge bright bar. All the elements were selected and arranged with a
discerning eye; one could not help but appreciate the grace and beauty with
which it all came together.
Nawab
Asia has a very decent selection of liquor, cocktails and mocktails. We ordered
a variety of drinks. The teetotallers tried the mocktails while the others opted
for Sangrias and other cocktails. I heard no complaints around the table in
regard to any of the drinks, in fact, I heard sighs going the satisfied ‘ummm’
way.
For
starters we had Desi Nachos, Murgh Lapeta Kabab, Batter Fried Prawns (forgive
me I cannot recollect the name), Surmai Tikka, Makhmali Seekh Kabab, Galauti
Samosa, Nimboo Chicken, Dilliwalla Chilli Chicken, Orange Chicken Salad, Squid
Kurkure and Peshawari Boti.
Each
and every dish was cooked to perfection. The Desi Nachos had a unique twist to
them. Instead of the authentic topping of refried beans, these nachos were
smothered with a spicy, thick and very delicious blend of Dal Makhani; a
smattering of Tomato Salsa and melted cheese. Oh, so different and oh, so yum!
The
Murgh Lapeta Kabab, Batter Fried Prawns, Dilliwalla Chilli Chicken and
Peshawari Boti were all fantastic dishes. Not good, not quite good, they were
fantastic! My taste buds, though, did select a few favourites from the various
appetizers served to us.
The Nimboo Chicken is a new addition to their menu; as
is the Galauti Samosa. The
Nimboo Chicken was introduced on the menu in December 2015 and has been an
absolute rage with the Pune crowd. As for the Galauti Samosa, it is a new dish,
for now, available only at their Balewadi outlet. Preet did mention that it is
soon to be a part of the Camp branch also. The Nimboo Chicken is a creamy; melt
in the mouth dish with prominent base notes of lime (Nimboo) and Ginger. The
dish had a perfect hint of tang and gingery heat without being overpowering. On
a previous visit to Nawab Asia, Preet had sent this dish to our table. I
remember telling him the dish was a super hit with the crowd at our table. The
reactions around the table this time around were exactly the same.
I have had Galauti
Kebabs at Nawab Asia before, but this modern, innovative twist of serving it in
a crisp ‘patti samosa’ case simply blew me away. I have a major weakness for
Patti Samosas and an even bigger weakness for Galouti Kebabs. Can you imagine
my joy at having these two babies team up together? These dishes are a MUST
TRY! You can thank me later! ;)
The
Makhmali Seekh Kebab is a vegetarian Kebab made from melt in the mouth Cottage
Cheese. These were just as good as the Chowk Ki Tikki I had the last time I visited
Nawab Asia. Both these kebabs, though vegetarian, brought unfettered joy to
this carnivore’s heart! Vegetarians: Please do not miss out on these!
The
Surmai Tikka was delicately spiced and cooked to a perfect texture. I was in ‘happy
puppy’ mode because ever since Basa moved into our country, hardly any
restaurant serves Surmai.
The other seafood starter they served us was Squid
Kurkure. This was batter fried squid. The batter was similar to a Koliwada
batter but definitely more delicate in flavour and texture. As for the squid,
the only other place I have had such perfectly cooked squid is at home. A few
places do get the texture right but this was way beyond ‘right’. We riled our
host, Preet, and told him this was fake squid as no one could possible dish it
out with such perfection. I could definitely make out that the squid used were
baby squids. The tender, delicate rings were a clear give away and that is
precisely why the texture was so good. I ardently request Nawab Asia to always
use the same size of squids for this dish so that each and every patron who
orders this gets to experience the same ‘wow’ moment as we did!
For our
mains we ordered Tawa Prawns, Murgh Makhani, Lalla Mussa Dal and a basket of
assorted Indian breads (Read: Naan, Garlic naan, Rotis etc). All the dishes
were typically ‘Nawab’ and by that, I mean, spot on in taste as they have been
for years.
In an era, where many restaurants intermittently slacken in quality of
food served once they make a name for themselves; Nawab Asia stands apart by
maintaining consistent perfection for a decade and more. I could not find fault
with any dish. Not one!
For
dessert we chose Paan Kulfi. If you have read my previous reviews you will
recollect that I’m not a fan of Paan, but this Kulfi, luckily, did not have an
overpowering flavour of Paan. It was just right which is why I reached out for
a second bite and a third. (Hangs gluttonous head in shame :P )
A
beautiful wintery afternoon spent in a bright, airy and elegant setting, with
delicious food, a very kind and gracious host (Preet, thank you ever so much
for your wonderful hospitality) and crazy foodies in tow; it does not get any
better than this! With the kind of food and hospitality they offer, the lure of
Nawab Asia is such that one cannot keep away for long. I know I shall be back
for more!!
Food:
5/5
Ambiance:
5/5
Service:
5/5
Address: Unit 5/6/7/8, Ground floor, Cummin Indian Office Complex, Balewadi High Street, Pune.
Tel:
020 65625566 / +91 9860640419
A few more photographs...
No comments:
Post a Comment