Most people who enjoy a good Indian meal outside have heard of Sanjeev Kapoor’s flagship restaurant chain, The Yellow Chilli. If we haven’t visited one already, it’s on the “soon” list we keep tucked away in our minds for the next time ghar-ki-daal just isn’t cutting it. My wait for the next such occasion was cut short when The Yellow Chilli launched its 2nd outlet in Mumbai. The Salt & Sandals team was lucky to be part of the grand launch, and boy, our taste-buds sure were thanking us after!
AN INNOVATIVE SPIN ON INDIAN CUISINE
The restaurant has a contemporary ambiance made warm by the hand-painted Mumbai skyline and Dadar station signs adorning the walls. We were still marveling at that when Padma Shri chef Sanjeev Kapoor walked in to greet the crowd. The most well-known face of Indian cuisine was perfectly at home in his fine-dining restaurant, and charmed the audience with his wit and repertoire.
Only his food could supersede his charm! Servers kept an array of bite sized appetizers coming. From Misal Bruschetta to Curried Lemongrass Paneer, the food offered both familiarity and a little something new for the taste buds. It’s the kind of creativity that makes you feel warm and welcomed. Take their Kolhapuri Mini Pizza for instance. Its flavor beautifully juxtaposes the Kolhapuri masala on a mini pizza bread. Not what you’d except in an everyday pizza, but not so far-out so as to become unsavory.
Even the cocktails came with a punch, with Kokum Mojito reminding us of the globalization in culinary world.
DIVING INTO THE MAINS
The Yellow Chilli main course menu at Dadar offers an exciting range with some regional influence as well. Mumbai’s favorites like Solkadhi, Kothimbir Wadi, Kolambi Masalafry, Mutton Rasa etc sit proudly amidst the signature dishes of restaurant.
Sanjeev Kapoor’s signature dishes on the menu include Hare Masaley ka Bhuna Paneer, Shabnam Ke Moti, and Lalla Mussa Dal etc in the vegetarian section. The non-vegetarian section also hosts the favorites like Lawrence Road Tandoori Murg, Puran Singh Da Tariwala Murgh, Raan Buzzaki, Galouti Kabab, and Dum Ghosht Biryani etc.
The delectable dessert spread will also leave you spoilt for choice, with the likes of Gulab-e-Gulkund, Cappucino Coffee Cake, and Butterscotch Lava etc. adorning the menu. They also have Motichoor Trifle which simply blew my mind.
TO SUM IT UP…
The Yellow Chilli offers delicious and innovative Indian cuisine, along with a fine-dining experience that won’t blow a hole in your pocket. This restaurant gets a tick from us in all boxes, and we highly recommend you visit them soon!
