After attaining critical acclaim and considerable commercial success in Mumbai, Indigo Deli makes its foray in the capital city of Delhi, India
It’s comfortable, it’s familiar, it’s also deliciously perfect. Indigo Deli, ever since it opened oh so many years ago in Mumbai, has consistently remained a kitchen-driven company, a chef-driven enterprise. Even as it expanded in Mumbai (it now has six outlets), onlookers from other cities, chiefly Delhi, gorged on its extensive offerings when visiting and recollected wistfully when back home.
Delhizens, cheer up, Indigo Deli has finally opened in Delhi. Much to the group’s credit, the core simplicity of the restaurants has been retained in a decidedly flashier city. The Mumbai ones bring the flavour of New York style cafe in ambience and food, and the Delhi outlet continues much of the same. This outlet is in south Delhi’s Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj. There are reports of another one opening soon.
“The Indigo Deli is really all about rolling up your sleeves and digging in to honest wholesome, goodness that’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. It’ll hit the spot each time, and of that I’m sure. I love what we do, and so will you,” says Rahul Akerkar, founder and owner of deGustibus Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. Malini and Rahul Akerkar founded deGustibus Hospitality in 2005 as a combination of restaurant and fine food store, much like ones spotted in New York or San Francisco.
Food remains the core of the Indigo Deli experience in this outlet too. Chef Jaydeep Mukherjee is at hand to steer the opening period of the restaurant in a new city, and he seems quite satisfied with the response the restaurant is getting. “The prime ingredients that we use, freshness of our veggies and meats, and attention to detail reflects in the quality of food served,” he stresses. Of course there are differences between the two cities, he notes, pointing to the way higher ratio of women visitors to the restaurant. Sourcing for the ingredients he wanted took a while in Delhi, though now he is satisfied with the quality.
Indigo’s repeat clients swear by the chain’s attention to classic comfort foods, with slight twists, maybe more in their own signatures. Freshness is core to whatever comes to the table, to the extent that the food changes by season. The wonderfully refreshing jamun slush for example is not going to be around much longer!
The menu is extensive – offering a selection of sandwiches, salads, pastas, light meals. Mumbai’s favourites – Pulled Pork Burger, Eggs Divinity, Bombay Chicken Wings, Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich, Chorizo Pizza (absolute must try), all make it here. Do also try the Eggs on the beach – two poached eggs smothered with hollandaise served with crispy bacon on crab cakes or the seafood soup. The citrus salad – fresh citrus fruits, garden greens, red onions, kalamata olives, feta and citrus dressing, is light option, and will prep you for the more substantive courses. You were not thinking of a light meal, were you?
Those looking for a change from the humdrum – and that will take a while for the Delhi client – could go for the Couscous upma, where couscous combines with dried fruit, nuts and pomegranate with a dollop of peppery pineapple compote with rosemary. The Wine poached pear with arugula, caramelized Gorgonzola, spiced pecans and wine reduction wasn’t available that day, the missing arugula being the culprit, but a half and half sun-dried tomato, olives and capers and BBQ or chicken and cheddar thin crust pizza more than made up.
Indigo Deli’s dessert range is justifiably famous, so do save space and try the baked yoghurts, silky soufflés and rich cheesecakes. The climax to this experience comes from the homemade ice-creams. Do try the Dulce de Leche, Rocky Road, Belgian Chocolate and Hazelnut.
The twin-level Delhi outlet has 100 covers – spread between the indoor restaurant on the main floor with a buzzing open kitchen, and an alfresco terrace dining area above. The interiors are a combination of classic wooden furniture, only more smooth and rounded, ending in cozy deli-style booths, combined with soothing pastel shades on the walls. There are sofas and chairs too, for who prefer those, or more likely are not able to get to the Deli fast enough to get to the booths! To enjoy great food, get the best seats!
Coordinates: Third Floor, Ambience Mall, Plot No 2, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi
Suman Tarafdar is a journalist and writer based in Delhi. He has worked with a number of leading Indian media organisations, and writes on various aspects of luxury, lifestyle and culture. When not writing to earn a living, he likes to travel, read, cook, chat, shop and watch all kinds of soppy stuff on tv. Yes, current politics bothers him.
