Kikli: A Punjabi Comfort Food Celebration
At Kikli, Chef Amninder Sandhu has curated a menu that leans into the hearty, bold flavours of Punjabi comfort food, perfect for a rainy day. The offerings are a masterclass in monsoon nostalgia, featuring an array of pakoras that go far beyond the usual.
Highlights include the unique Chicken Pakode, made with lassi-soaked tenders for extra softness, and a Paneer Pakoda stuffed with a zesty mix of green chillies and garlic pickle. For those looking to share, the Charlie Pakode platter is an ideal choice. Beyond the fried delights, the Satpura Chaat offers a layered explosion of crispy pastry, tangy choley, and tamarind chutney, while heartier mains like Bhatti Da Murga provide a smoky, satisfying end to a monsoon meal.
Chor Bizarre: Chaats, Grills, and Kashmiri Kahwa
Chor Bizarre is embracing the season by focusing on two pillars of monsoon cravings: chaat and grills. Their special menu is a tribute to the street food traditions that come alive during the rains. Diners can find classics like Purani Dilli Ki Papri Chaat and Palak Patta Chaat, each delivering that quintessential mix of crunch, spice, and tang. The Tawa Aloo Tikki is another crowd-pleaser, shallow-fried to perfection. For those seeking something more substantial, the grill section offers a vegetarian sampler with paneer angara and tandoori malai phool. A standout is the delicate Nadroo Ki Tikki, a lotus stem patty seasoned with royal cumin and fennel. To complete the experience, the restaurant suggests pairing these bites with a warming cup of chai or a fragrant, saffron-laced Kashmiri kahwa.
Diggin: Cosy Italian-American Favourites
Known for its enchanting, green-filled interiors, Diggin becomes an even more appealing sanctuary during the monsoon. While not strictly Indian, its menu of comforting Italian-American classics is perfectly suited to the cosy mood of the season. Indulgent dishes like the hearty Vegetable and Lamb Lasagnas, Baked Goat Cheese, and a rustic Grilled Vegetable and Goat Cheese Pizza are ideal for a leisurely rainy-day lunch. For something lighter, the earthy Mushroom Skewers are a popular choice. To round off the meal, the cafe offers desserts that feel like a warm hug, including a classic Apple Crumble and their signature Biscoff Cheesecake, making it a perfect spot to watch the rain fall outside.
Le Gourmet: A Sizzling Monsoon Affair
Le Gourmet at The Chanakya is turning up the heat this monsoon with a limited-edition Sizzler Menu. There is something inherently comforting about the sound and aroma of a sizzling platter arriving at your table, especially when it’s pouring outside. The menu features inventive options designed to appeal to diverse palates. The Smoky Peri-Peri Pineapple Sizzler offers a sweet and spicy kick, while the Teriyaki Flame Chicken Sizzler provides a taste of savoury Asian flavours. For cheese lovers, the Baked Brie with Truffled Mushroom Ragout is a decadent and earthy option that perfectly captures the indulgent spirit of the season, offering a modern twist on monsoon comfort food.
The Spice Route: An Asian Culinary Journey
For those whose monsoon cravings lean towards Asian flavours, The Spice Route at The Imperial has launched a new seasonal menu that traverses the continent. The menu celebrates ethnic Asian ingredients and preparations, offering a sophisticated alternative to traditional Indian monsoon snacks. Highlights include a refreshing Sesame Chicken Salad with snow peas and honey melon, and Golden Tofu paired with lotus root and wild mushrooms. The menu also features comforting noodle and dumpling dishes like Jade Noodles in a Thai pesto and steamed Jiaozi Dumplings filled with jackfruit. A standout is the Imperial Spiced Tiramisu, which creatively fuses masala chai-soaked Shahi Tukda with saffron-cardamom mascarpone for a truly unique dessert.
