One tried and tested formula to run a restaurant successfully — specially in Delhi — is to prepare a menu offering Chinese food in Punjabi style. What people call Chinjabi cuisine. Though I am a bit hesitant to call it a cuisine, but, well, I have to. The latest addition to the city themed on this Chinjabi concept is House of Singh & Ching, located at Eros complex, Jangpura.Perfect name I say,which clears all doubts about the food you can expect there.
On a recent visit to the restaurant, I felt the atmosphere quite homely. The décor was minimal yet classic, the lighting perfect to set the mood to enjoy a cosy dinner.
House of Singh & Ching is owned by Swadeep Popli, a young hotelier who has strong roots when it comes to hospitality. I glanced at the menu which seemed to be full of popular dishes but worth a notice anyway for its fusion selection. Names such as malai chicken tandoori momos, butter chicken spring roll, Oriental mini samosa, were good enough to tempt me. I started with malai chicken momos and they were amazing. Creamy minced chicken stuffed in a wrap and finished in a tandoor, seemed to be the perfect finger starter. Served with papad and mint chutney, it had Chinjabi written all over it.
Next to follow was the butter chicken spring roll. The name of the dish might sound a bit weird but you would have to admire the sense of imagination there. Once you try it, I can assure you that you will fall in love with this spring roll variety.
For tikka lovers, kaffir lime marinated boneless chunk could be a good option. I was enjoying these fusion dishes so much that I didn’t want to move to the Indian or Chinese section. I had a serving of kakori and Thai herb fish before the main course and liked both of them. Specially the fish. It was cooked nicely and had a soothing aroma.
The chef served his master dishes like mutton qorma, chicken tikka masala, dal makhni, noodles with kung pao prawns, but after tasting all of them, I felt that his fusion menu was more impressive. Khao suey — one of my favourites — could have been better as the curry was not up to the mark. I cleared my palate with jasmine tea and left with the aftertaste of a nice gooey chocolate mah-jong.
Meal for two : Rs 1000 plus taxes
