Ten-Second Takeaway
Monkey Bar {Vasant Kunj and Bangalore outlets} is hosting a fortnight-long Coastal festival from Jun 16 - 30, serving you fusion cocktails along with some amazing baos and tacos prepared the south Indian way.
Chow Down
Kerala Bao Uthappam, KP Tacos, Udupi Beet Cutlets
Sip On
Soulful Kadhee, Chilli Puli
Lowdown On The Ambience
Situated inside a glass pyramid, Monkey Bar in Vasant Kunj is known for its great ambience and mix of music. Currently, apart from using a tender coconut shell for the drinks and a lovely banana leaf shaped card for the food menu, they have done nothing special for their coastal adventures. It's okay, though, the menu speaks volumes on its own.
They have printed a glossary on the the menu for your reference, in case you're unable to decipher any of the southern terminology; uber helpful!
What’s On The Menu?
They have curated the coastal menu in a manner that tries to bring out all the variation of flavours from the south. Going coastal, they have not restricted themselves to just seafood; you can as well feast on different fleshy meaty goodies, like chicken, lamb, duck, prawns, etc., along with some vegetarian fare.
We started our meal with Kuttari Salad, comprised of baby spinach, raw mango, coconut, red rice, peanuts and Upmensinkai {deep-fried dried yogurt chilli}. It was fresh, with a light-yet-flavourful dressing. Udupi Beet Cutlets, served with Kerala parantha and sweet tamarind ketchup, were surprisingly delightful, too.
However, the two dishes that took our hearts away were the KP Tacos {pulled chicken with black lychen, baby onion salan, garlic pickle in Kerala paratha} and Kerala Bao Uthappam {Kerala-inspired lamb fry served with bao uthappam}. Both of them had bang-on flavours, and are already calling us back for another go at them.
They had their own take on the Mangalorean-style Clam Sukkha, and we liked it! We also tried their Kundapur Chicken Wings and Prawn Ghee Roast {served with garlic toasts}, which were nice but weren’t that great compared to the other dishes.
For dessert, they only had one option; Jaggery Custard. The custard is topped with finely chopped mango and melon and sprinkled with crispy poha; it tastes absolutely refreshing.
Wash It Down With…
The Chilli Puli {tequila, tamarind paste and green chillies} and Soulful Kadhee {gin, kokum syrup, tender coconut, curry leaves and lime cordial}. They were so fabulous that both of them were gulped down instantly. The other two options are Vanakam Panakam and Kapi Macha.
So, We’re Saying
Go visit Monkey Bar, Vasant Kunj, from June 16 to June 30 for this lovely coastal festival. We're sure you don't want to miss this one!
Where: Plot No. 11, Pocket C 6 & 7, Commercial Complex, Vasant Kunj
Nearest Metro Station: Chhattarpur
Contact: 011 41095155
Price: INR 1,800 for two {approx}
Timings: 12am - 12:30pm