What happens when a Chef with a Goan and Mangalorean background brought up in Mumbai conceives a Menu? A Desi Di Happens! Chef Aaron, the brain behind Desi Di has all the quality of a passionate Chef but what I really appreciate about him is his open mindedness to experimenting with new ideas. A Chef's table at Desi Di was my first encounter to his food and I'm glad I went, as it was a wonderful experience.
I like drama and so the highlight of the Chef's table has to be the Country Matka Chicken. There are only 4 dishes listed under community Meals (which serves 4) in their Menu. 24 hours notice period is mandatory for ordering this Community Meals. A clay pot container that carries Marinated country Chicken pieces wrapped in Banana Leaf is cooked on charcoal. This was ceremoniously broken in front of us and served. The Chicken is served along with Jeera Pulao, White Rice, Chicken Curry and Dal. Everything tasted very good and I personally loved the slightly tangy Chicken Curry more. Must try!
Drinks: Lemon-Barley Shikanji, the Chef's personal favourite turned out to be my favourite too. Balanced flavours from Lemon and Barley was quiet a surprise. The Red Hibiscus Tea comes in a 500ml container and the Hibiscus in the Iced Tea comes the Chef's garden that he has inside the Restaurant complex itself. Isn't that cool? Kala-Khatta lover's you have a go to place now.
Starters: In lines with Make your own pizza there is a make your own Khakra/Papad with your choice of dip - Turai (Ridge Gourd), Pumpkin or Makkai (Corn). I loved both the Anda Masala and the Chicken Tikka Khakra equally. Arbi (Colocasia) Pakoda was certainly one of the best. The Big Chunks of soft Mutton in the Mutton Bohri Samosa was a pleasant surprise and I loved it. Bharwani Paneer Kebab had a stuffing with sautéed capsicums which lifted the dish.
The Chef's creativity was quiet evident in the Prawn Balchao Stuffed Calamari on a Bed of Lapsi. Broken wheat and Calamari, I would have never thought of that combination ever😁. Another twist in the plot was Gujarathi Pankis stuffed with Spicy Chicken and Palak Corn. Kind of liked the way the Panki felt light on the palate.
Under the main course, along with the Country Matka Chicken there was Patrani Maachi which was very well made. Nargasi Quail Egg Makhani Curry was very nice. After seeing the name Khichdi in the Menu I shamelessly asked for Masala Millet Khichidi with Gujarathi Kadi. If not for the fear of looking uncouth, I would have licked the Khichidi bowl clean. Loved it. Liked the way, everything comes along with an accompaniment of Rice/Dal/Kachumber.
Desserts: The tasty Gulab Jamun Cheesecake could become anyone's favourite but the decadent Gajar Ka Halwa Samosa with Candy floss won me over totally.
Ambience: Attention to detail in the interiors is amazing. Very lively ambience.
Location: Enter Pilkington Road, little further on your Right, there's this Integral Club. Desi Di is housed in that complex. You'll also spot a Hot Breads and a coffee shop