Aanch, Rajouri Garden, Delhi

[Rated: 3.5/5]

Flames, the rudimentary requirement for any culinary creation have been used in various states by the gastronomic connoisseurs to create variety of palate satisfying dishes. Flame is akin to warmth, spark, light and ignite and on hearing the restaurant with the name of Aanch (meaning flame), I wondered if it shall be able to live up to the essence and historical significance of fire.

We were welcomed with warmth and were led to designated table. We were soon approached by the owner himself who enthusiastically offered to take us around the place. With great passion he told us that there are five outlets resembling five components of life (Air, Water, Fire, Earth & Sky); namely Aanch (Fine Dining), Majlis (party hall), XTC (Bar), Kash (Hooka Lounge) and Company Baugh (an open air dining/theme party place).  To let the guests enjoy an open air dinner Mist Blowers have been installed at Company Baugh. We were told that the mist gives a feel of clouds and keep the temperatures at a very pleasant level even in peak summers.

The restaurant offers over 220 dishes to choose from covering Indian, Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Arabic, Italian and Continental. We ordered Raunak-E-Seekh (Rs 425), Chicken salt and pepper (Rs 345), Murg Malai Kabab (Rs 375), Khile Phool Bemisal (Rs 295). The Kababs were succulent and roasted to perfection.  Khile Phool Bemisal had baked florets of broccoli topped up with cheese. The florets melted in mouth and gave a rich taste of cheese and cream.

For the main course we settled with the all-time favourites – Dal Makhani (Rs 365) and Butter Chicken (Rs 375/ half protion) and also a Cheese Jalapeno Kulcha (Rs 155). I have always maintained that to prepare good Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani is an art and a dip test on these two dishes can reveal the quality of food being served at the restaurant. While the Butter Chicken was good, I would undoubtedly rate the Dal Makhani as one of the better ones I have got served in Delhi. The Kulcha filled very generously with cheese and a topping of jalapenos. Cheese overpowered the taste of jalapeno and I would say it was a nice try. One person in group requested for Veg Thai Red Curry (Rs 325) with boiled rice. Thai curry came with perfect consistency and I savoured the taste.

In desserts we requested for my all time favourite Phirni (Rs 155) and a dish with a unique name “Coconut Cigar with Ice Cream” (Rs 195). The phirni was outstanding but the coconut cigar with ice cream was a dampener.  Helping of ice cream served in a goblet had four pieces of Cigars (Deep fried rice sheet filled with coconut and cut diagonally with a garnish of chocolate sauce). The cigars were chewy and the ice cream had ice granules that spoiled the creamy taste.

Over all we have had a very good time for the food quality being served with lot of warmth and the well done interiors with an open kitchen. We would like to go back to try out other offerings on menu.

Rating out of 5

Food : 3.5, Ambience: 4.0, Service: 3.5 |Overall: 3.5

Meal for two: Rs 1,700| Alcohol: Yes | Credit Card: Yes

Address: Aanch, 4^th Floor, Shoppers Stop Mall, Rajouri Garden, Delhi | Phone: +91 11  30146022

 – Aman Kapoor