The relation of human species with food goes way back. Historical excavations have revealed, the dwellings and crude form of society came into existence with the evolution of agriculture. Eras have passed but still none can deny the relation of mankind and food.
Winter is settling in North India and this is the time when the region comes alive with winter crops and vegetables. This is a blissful time for food lovers, health freaks, and connoisseurs who always wanted to experience new dishes.
Recently my search for unique cuisines led me to Chutney Bar+Tandoor located in the Metropolitan Hotel and Spa. This place offers a wholesome experience; I have always found this place secluded, offering the best of Indian cuisine, eye-catching ambience, and soothing vibes.
There is a reason behind christening this fine dine restaurant as Chutney Bar+Tandoor. Almost all the households in India are well aware of the existence of chutney as part of Indian meals. It is one common taste that can be found across India. As per one theory chutney originated almost 2000 years ago in the Indian subcontinent and was later adopted by Romans and British.
Though Indian chutney constituted fresh ingredients vis a vis English chutney which had heavy use of vinegar and salt to provide them longer shelf life. This was a favorite staple of soldiers who often traveled overseas or long distances during wars. Another theory suggests this originated in the Mughal Durbar, when Emperor Shah Jahan was ill, the royal hakims recommended him to eat a dish that was light on stomach, spicy and can titillate the taste buds. Thus chaat was invented and it was generously dribbled with mint-coriander and tamarind chutney. The word chutney originated from Sanskrit word chaatni which means “to lick”.
The USP of the place is the wide range of chutneys the place has to offer. One will be welcomed with chutneys made from raw mango (I know this sounds regular but behold!), beetroot, pineapple, mint, carrot, tamarind and the list goes on. Based on the season, the chutney variety changes.
Apart from chutney, they have god collection of refreshing mocktails, my favorite one is Kacchi Ambi. It is not only light on the stomach but also acts as a good digestive supplement. We all know eating fruits and vegetables have numerous nutritional advantages, but now slowly there has been an emergence of many fruit and vegetables based mocktails. Majority of the mocktails available here are inspired from nature. They have many options to choose from such as Jal Jeera, this is cumin and mint infused flavored spice drink, Masala Chhach, Delhi ka Nimbu and my second favorite Afza Mojito, in which rose drink is infused with lime and mint. It immediately lends freshness and is soothing to the senses.
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Jumping into the world of appetizers, one unique appetizer that I got to taste in Chutney Bar+Tandoor was Karele ki Shammi. Most of us assume anything to do with karela means bitter or a disaster on taste buds. But Karele ki Shammi breaks all such stereotypes. It is not at all bitter, gentle on taste buds but I love the health factor associated with it. They have a rich range of appetizers, suiting different kind of pallets- achari paneer sambuca , karele ki shammi , malai santra kebab, tandoori malai broccoli, veg seekh kebab , bharwan aloo tilnaaz. Malai Santra Kebab is filled with the goodness of Vitamin C, one bite and there will be bursts of flavors in the mouth.
The main course consists of multiple dishes but I opted for dal chutney, shahi paneer firdoshi, palak mushroom. I would recommend going for palak mushroom, it is light and has home cooked taste attached to it.
In the typical royal style finish the lunch with paan kulfi, it tasted like frozen paan with a dose of khoya in it but much better. Many fine dining spaces are not good at making paan kulfi, either they make it too sweet, or one cannot enjoy the taste of each element separately, but the paan kulfi offered by The Metropolitan Hotel and Spa is definitely worth going for.
Book your lunch or dinner at The Metropolitan Hotel and Spa, and share your thoughts around the whole experience. Also, they have a nice spa, try out the kalari massage, they have the best masseurs. We have already covered it in detail in a different post. If you are considering a staycation, then the hotel is a good option. To read more about staycation.
Location: The Metropolitan Hotel and Spa
Gole Market, New Delhi.
Phone: For Reservations, 011-42500200
Cost: Meal for 2 will cost around Rs 3500/ + taxes (Without Alcohol)
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