Priyanka Saxena Ray
Monsoon, located at a stone’s throw away from the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), is a quaint place that offers delectable cuisine with a twist. The place offers an upscale casual dining experience of modern Indian and regional cuisine, prepared with care, pride, and the highest quality local and seasonal ingredients. In the era of crowded cafes and buzzing restaurants, the place is a welcome respite – a restorative retreat, albeit briefly, from the noise of urban life.
Having visited the restaurant recently, I was touched with the hospitable staff that one could easily make out was not local. The owners of the restaurant, who are adventure enthusiasts, strongly believe that the culture of a place is best reflected through its staff and cuisine and taking this mantra seriously, a majority of staff at their restaurant has been exclusively trained and brought down from the hills. As one browses through an intriguing array of dishes put together, the staff actively steps in to help you make the perfect choice as per your palette.
At Monsoon, the menu is unique and the dishes on offer are hatke (different) indeed. The vegetarians must start their meal by savouring the ‘Yoghurt and Cheese Croquettes’, ‘Kaala Chana’, ‘Podi Idli’ and ‘Paalak Patta Chaat’. The non-vegetarians can choose form ‘Mulakittathu Fish’, ‘Prawn Pepper stir-fry’, ‘Keema Ghujiya’ and ‘Lemon & Ginger Chicken’. Another unique feature that will hook you to Monsoon food is that every dish you choose is presented simply (no-frills), is piping hot (just the way I like it!) and accompanied by a distinctly flavoured ‘chutney’ with each dish. One is truly imported into another world and my moth is watering simply writing about them! To add to any diner’s delight, the restaurant also offers carefully curated Cocktails menu with concoctions that you’ve probably never sipped on before.
In the main course, the ‘Signature Himachali Thali’, which comes in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian variations have been especially curated for people who wish to savour the authentic taste of the hills. ‘The Himachali Trout Fish Platter’ is a fish lover’s delight and imported especially from the hills to retain its flavour. ‘Bhang Mutton Masala’ is another flavoured favourite offered by the restaurant. It is best enjoyed with ‘Makki Thepla’. Additionally, the ‘Monsoon Paneer Pasanda’, ‘Broccoli Makhani’ and ‘Tinda Matar Curry’ are some of the dishes that offers you a healthy and delicious choice.
With beautiful and calming hues of blue, old-school louvered windows, understated yellow stucco walls, warm wood seating, and hand-painted murals of scenes from a life close to nature – the interiors at the Monsoon offer a much-needed visual break from the urban black and white while bowling you offer with its remarkable cuisine.
So, wait no further and do visit the restaurant this weekend. It is very reasonably priced and is indeed great value for money!
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