Even as the city food scene continues to undergo a transformation with established restaurants opening outlets in new and underserved zones of Delhi, Shudh, a 90-seater multi-cuisine restaurant, has recently been launched in Paschim Vihar on Rohtak Road opposite Metro pillar No .195. As the name suggests, it serves only shudh (pure) vegetarian food but picked from across the globe. The menu is a nice mix of Continental, Oriental and Indian food.
Shudh is quite spacious and reminds me of the old Nirulas in Connaught Place where my father used to take me only after checking my annual report card. The staff at Shudh is dressed in funky caps and bright orange coloured T-shirts, giving a feel of a fast-food joint. The menu is printed on a multi-colour leaflet placed on every table. For a change, I opt for a tomato soup, it is served to me piping hot, thick with added colour. Though, I would have loved it topped with a spoon of cream.
To check out as many dishes as possible, I decide to try two appetisers from each section. From the Chinese section, I taste the dry chilli mushroom and potatoes in honey chilli. It is a roadside favourite from any Chinese vans in Delhi. The mushrooms are crisp and the dish has a nice sweet and spicy flavour. The honey chilli potatoes are crisp to the core.
The popular desi favourite, tandoori paneer tikka, comes well-roasted. I love the earthen aroma and flavours of the paneer. Next is the tandoori pineapple which I remember tasting once at a friend’s wedding. It’s a divine dish, juicy, has a tangy flavour. Aloo makai seekh at Shudh is one of the weakest dishes, pretty dry from inside.
The best of the lot is its soya barrah kakab. High on protein and good to taste. Dipping it in the mint chutney enhances its taste even more.
Pasta lovers can try out from the various options here. I try its garlic bread with cheese and find it quite fresh and tasty. At Shudh, they put loads of cheese which makes the bread pretty heavy.
In the main course, I taste a dry Manchurian and a couple of North Indian dishes. Mushroom masala is tasty as the sliced pieces of mushrooms soak in the flavours nicely. Malai kofta and kadhai paneer don’t disappoint either. But it is the dessert section which makes my dinner memorable. Their hot chocolate fudge is a must try. It comes with scoops of vanilla in a glass dipped in hot chocolate and loaded with cashew nuts.
Meal for two - Rs.500
