Taste the flavours of Middle East at Pier 38

Cybercity, Gurugram is flocked with people who believe in working hard and partying harder. Pier 38 stays true to the concept and even hosts corporate nights regularly. Talking about the historical significance of piers, they  have been traditionally used for trade between India and various other countries, Persia being a prime partner.

The restaurant serves dishes of Persian, Arabian, Lebanese and North Indian cuisines that are prepared using fresh, authentic ingredients. The bar features a rustic décor with soothing brown feel, warm gold lighting and very comfortable seating with myriad options such as lounge, sofa, bar, al fresco, high chairs, etc. The Bar Lights look like search lights on ships, entrance resembling that of a dock, the rustic raw look of the entire bar, and various other small intricate details reminds one of a Pier(dock) by the ocean. Music of all genres is played keeping the atmosphere lively and giving an amazing nightlife experience.

Their signature cocktails are delightful concoctions that will leave you craving for more. Along with cocktails, the chutney mocktail and the kitkat shake are number one on every non-alcoholic person’s list! We began with the Smokey Bourbon Bolt. Smokiness of the bourbon, freshness of coriander and mint leaves along with spicy cinnamon and star anise hits the right notes. This is a drink done right and is a must try.

Habibi, a Sweet and Spicy, Guava and Tequila based concoction is one of the most loved drinks similar to its English translation from Arabic which means ‘my beloved’.Tequila Coffee is warm and perfect for winters. Pier 38 Punch, a mixed fruit mocktail was very refreshing.

FOOD TALKS

The arrival of Pier 38 Veg Mezze Platter marked the beginning of the starters. A great dish enchants the senses and this was indeed a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. The three tier presentation was absolutely bang on with falafel, cheese sambusak and potato kibbeh on the first tray and hummus, tzatziki and muhammara on the second. These were served with pita bread. Sambusak was light and airy with a bit of cheese filling inside. Kibbeh and falafel were crunchy and the falafel was topped with sesame seeds. Absolutely lip smacking with each flavor standing out. A not to miss dish.

Then there was Vegetarian and non- vegetarian Turkish Pizza with a thin, oblong dough base topped with fillings and folded around the edges. It looked like a ship therefore another reference to the docks. The former had filling of yummy veggies topped with mozzarella cheese while the latter had minced lamb on a bed of cheese topped with onion and parsley. Full marks for the presentation but the vegetarian pizza emerged as the clear winner for us. It deserves all the praises it can get as it was binge eaten by most of us.

In the main course we liked the Chelo kebab, saffron rice served with kebab, salad shirazi and melted butter added along sumac and grilled tomato. It was melting in the mouth. Chicken tagine, cubes of chicken marinated with garlic, olive oil and exotic spices served on a bed of chickpeas along with herbed rice. Exotic in flavor, it went well with the rice. The team recommends it highly. Paneer Bademjan which had paneer, baby aubergine, saffron and dried limes cooked in a delicate tomato sauce served with saffron rice. The paneer was really soft and the dish had mild flavours. Put everything together and it was a riot of colors on the table.

In the desserts, we had Baghlava with dates ice cream and Nutella Cigar Rolls. The rolls were quite different from the traditional offering with nutella being the wow factor.

Head to Pier 38 to satiate your craving for Middle Eastern food and enjoy signature drinks and desserts.