Tashan, GK-II, New Delhi: Surely Worth A Visit

“Tashan” is an intriguing name for a restaurant. As I proceed towards the restaurant, I wonder if this visit will this turn out to be just like any other restaurant or can I expect some Tashan (the word that means style and attitude). And as it turns out, I come back completely thrilled and satiated.

The restaurant is meant for all those who wish to steal a few hours of relaxed time from midst of the fast paced life while dining on flavour some food from the menu that dares to serve some unusual dishes. Set in a warm interior, Tashan has to offer a rare combination of good service and excellent food. The soft music and subtle shades of interiors quickly settles you in a switch off mode. The uncommon menu that serves dishes with some culinary experimentation will make it very exciting for food lovers. The painstaking effort gone into curating the small nuances of the joint is reflective of the passion to serve the guests with a unique experience.

We had a perfect start with the Rasam Da Tashan that was served in three jars that had different flavors of pineapple, pepper and Thai. Such distinctive tastes to this traditional South Indian appetizing drink was indeed like converting a heritage property into a luxury resort without letting the place lose its tradition and legacy. We also got a small serve of Broccoli soup and I am sure that even the non broccoli lover (which generally is the case) will be able to savor the taste. Crisps in two flavors, made out of roomali roti, got served along with the soup and the dips.

It was a pleasing to see humble Jackfruit and Pork being served in starters. Pocket mein Pulled Pork had the pork with all juices served and was served in soft pita bread. The Jack in a Pocket was mildly spiced Indian style Jackfruit again served in a Pita Bread and dips like hummus. While both these were good, the pork dish needs special mention since the taste was reflective of hours that had gone in the preparation.

We also tried another dish from otherwise out casted vegetable in general by diners, the eggplant. Baingan ki Chaat, again turned out to be an exemplar dish with a mix of Indian and western tastes.  The Wasabi Prawns were high on juices and the dip had a perfect tinge of wasabi that otherwise gets to be served with Japanese food only. We also had Tandoori Bater (The Quail). Inducting the small bird in menu that generally do not get sold by the regular shops, at least in this part of the country, I would say is quite a bold decision. Marinated in Indian herbs and was barbequed to perfection.  The highlight none the less was Coffee Prawns. The jumbo prawns with a crisp coating of coffee and panko were moist and tender from inside and were served with soupy shrimp tortellini. The thick curry of soupy tortellini had flavors of mango and coconut. It is a must have for all who like prawns.

In main course we had Lemon Grass Butter Chicken. The world famous dish had a hint of lemon grass. This can be a definite try for someone who would be ready to try experimentation with this age old preparation, while my own taste buds are still skewed towards relishing the classic preparation. We also tried all preparations of dal that they had to offer. I must admit that all three Gharki Dal, Dal Peshawari and Dal Makhani were delectable preparations.

In sweets we had Bhuni Roti Ka Halwa. The dish made me nostalgic and reminded me of the preparation from my grandmother who would make somewhat similar sweet. The warm and soft dish prepared from the wheat bread had chunk of blue berries. This was supplemented with the famous Choorma from the land of Rajasthan. We also got served with a new sweet that had not yet been added to the menu. The dish had a highly smooth yogurt sweetened with honey and can be a fantastic option for ones who prefer mild taste in sweets.

I must confess that I had too much of food since I could not resist eating all that got served.

I also met the owner, Akshay, who has from been very passionate about food since his teens and has even worked at kitchen in Australia. The food taste and warm service is a testimony to the passion that he carries for food.

I am already looking forward to my repeat visit to Tashan.

Ratings (out of 5)

Food:4.0 | Drinks: 3.5 | Ambience: 4.0 | Service: 4.5 | Overall: 4.0

Meal for Two: Rs. 2000 (Without alcohol) | Credit Cards: Yes | Alcohol: Yes | Timings: 12pm – 12am | Wheel Chair Friendly: No

Address: Tashan, M-60, Main Market, Greater Kailash II, GK-2, New Delhi | Telephone: 011-41704883

Disclaimer: This review was done on an invitation from the restaurant. Due judgment and care has been applied by the author to remain objective and unbiased in the review, but readers need to consider this review keeping this fact in mind.