One market which is quite popular amongst youngsters and expats is Hauz Khas Village, popularly known as HKV. But nowadays the food hub is going through a rough patch with most of the outlets not operational due to pollution-related irregularities. So the ray of hope for foodies are restaurants, which are luckily operational. Out of the few I visited is the newly launched Roost Bistro.
Located on ground floor, Roost has a nice panoramic view of the forest. Being a modern bistro concept, the menu is designed in a way to have a well-balanced and eclectic mix of classic as well as inventive dishes from around the globe. Interiors were as sophisticated as cosy and casual, full of character, vibrant yet rustic…a well-designed contrast of sorts.
I straightaway started with BBQ chicken wings loaded with in-house BBQ sauce. But they were unable to impress me as the wings were really flat with hardly any flavour. Chicken stays with peanut sauce was good but the chicken seemed to lack juiciness. Though the vegetarian counterpart, basil and thyme stuffed mushroom was just awesome. I liked every bit of it. Mushrooms were coated with batter and deep fried which gave them a very crunchy crust. Noticing mezze platter as one of the options I gave it a try but was disappointed. Though the dips were good, kibbeh and shish touk lacked flavours.
Having plenty of options in burgers and wraps, I tried their grilled cajun chicken burger which was nice and light. It was not a huge one but simple and tasty with a stuffing of fresh lettuce and jalapenos. Even the classic fish burger with tartar sauce was worth trying.
Having a soft corner for Mexican flavours I had a bite of burrito which was a shade hot to handle. Loaded with steaming hot rice I couldn’t recognise any of its flavours. Masala crusted lamb chops being one of the signatures at Roost was tasty having very Indian flavours to it. The Malabari fish served with a Malabari paratha was average. The curry of the fish needed much improvement.
Trying to be on the safer side, I ended up ordering nasi goreng as my main course. Beautifully presented with fried egg with the sunny side up, it was a delight. Accompanying satays went well with the rice.
Having limited options in desserts, I left after having a spoonful of warm brownie with a scoop of vanilla.
Meal for two: Rs.1800
