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From India's first Vietnamese restaurant to a molecular restaurant, Gitanjali Gurbaxani lists her choices for a monsoon treat in Bengaluru.
1. Nimisserie
I ran through the seven-course menu at Nimmisserie with ease, without feeling full.
The secret: Chef Nimish Bhatia serves Aspect Cuisine, made without using any trans-fat in the food.
I had Pea Gnocchi in a makhani gravy served with bhakarwadi urad dal in a puff pastry as the sixth course of my meal. It tasted good and was light in texture -- the butter and cream had been eliminated from the makhani gravy.
The welcome course -- the Chilled Samosa -- was very refreshing with its potato filling rolled in a wafer thin layer of melon.
The brewed soup with jasmine, marigold and lavender was to cleanse my palate before I indulged in the next course.
The restaurant is spread over two floors at the junction between Wood Street and Hosur Road in Bengaluru, and the feel of both floors is quite different.
To have a molecular gastronomy restaurant with unusual pairings of tastes and textures is certainly a deviation from the norm that Chef Nimish has perfected.
Address: 120, Brigade Road, at the junction between Wood Street and Hosur Road, Bengaluru 560025. Phone: +91-80-4098-8989
7 course set menu for one: Rs 1,950 plus taxes (excluding alcohol).
2. Riwaz
The menu is great and so is the food.
I was given a table next to the show kitchen and could see how the appetisers and main course were being made, before it was brought to the table.
The Tandoori Malai Broccoli (Rs 800) and Subzaur Gucchi Kagalouti (Rs 950) melted in the mouth, while the Peshawari Murg (Rs 975), Sheekh e Khandari (Rs 1,000) and Gosht ke Parche (Rs 1,000) were very moist and full of flavour.
The meat was tasty, the fat was comforting.
The Turse Paneer (Rs 850) and Murgki Kurchan (Rs 1,025) were for all senses.
The Chef's Roti Basket (Rs 475) complimented the Dal e Riwaz (Rs 750) very well.
Unlike other restaurants, the Subzdum Biryani (Rs 800) was fragrant, light and spiced just right. It came right out of an oven to our table. The portions are huge and need to be shared.
For the last course, we ate Gulab Jamuns (Rs 400) and Faluda Kulfi (Rs 400) that were freshly made and indeed heavy.
Address: The Ritz Carlton, Residency Road, Bengaluru 560025. Phone: +91-80-4914-8000.
Meal for two: Rs 4,000 plus taxes (excluding alcohol).
3. Ministry of Food
Ministry of Food has an a la carte menu plus variety and international selection in the buffet spread.
The Mushroom Galouti (Rs 749) melt in your mouth and so did the Pan-seared Salmon (Rs 1,399), Malai Chiken Tikka (Rs 849), Paneer Lababdar (Rs 749), Broccoli Dimsum (Rs 549) and Prawn Dimsum (Rs 725).
For the main course, Tandoori Raan was very tender as was the Pork Belly, Paneer Anardhana, Tadka Dal Lasooni.
On to the dessert...the Baked Yogurt in a teaspoon was just perfect in flavour and texture while the Mixed Berry Pannacotta was tangy and refreshing.
Children friendly, with an exclusive menu for the kids.
Address: The Hilton Embassy Golf Links Business Park, Domlur, Bengaluru 560071. Phone: +91-80-6679-9999.
Buffet lunch for one: Rs 1,199 plus taxes (excluding alcohol). A la carte dinner for 2: Rs 4,000 plus taxes (excluding alcohol).
4. Blue Ginger
The food was great, and the staff at Blue Ginger, India's first Vietnamese restaurant, explained the background of the food being served and how it should be eaten.
The restaurant's open air setting is drenched in greenery and the chirping of birds enhanced our dining experience.
Pineapple Sorbet, the Tom Yum live station with jasmine rice and the Thai Curry are some dishes one should try.
Taste a teaspoon of Basil Ice Cream, and you can feel the freshness of the ingredients.
Address: The Taj West End, Racecourse Road, Bengaluru 560001. Phone: +91-080-66605660.
Four course vegetarian tasting menu for one: Rs 2,200 plus taxes (excluding alcohol). Four course non-vegetarian tasting menu for one: Rs 3,300 plus taxes (excluding alcohol).