Toilet paper rolls instead of napkins on the table to begin with, and filter coffee dessert to end the meal with -- Glocal Junction, in Indiranagar, is an amalgamation of global cuisine and local flavours with a quirky twist. The place is for those whose palates crave Indian but still want to experiment with something new.
The concept of fusion has been incorporated not just with food and drinks but also in the ambience. The decor is dark brown with dim lights, a square island bar in the centre and a DJ playing a mix of EDM and upbeat tracks.
You can kick-start the meal with black magic, a whisky-based cocktail with marmalade ice, or thailee, a drink with chilled vodka, infused with musk melon. Toxic box, a vodka-based cocktail with Eastern flavours, and kokum desi cooler -- a mocktail mixture of kokum syrup, mint, cranberry juice, sprite and black salt are the other options. The drinks are definite thirst quenchers without being too overpowering.
An array of mouth watering starters like shish taouk, succulent chicken served with Lebanese spices and Coorgi murgi dry fry make a perfect accompaniment for the drinks. Veggies can select from dishes like the CNC rings which are crispy rings dipped in melted cheese and Arab ki thali, a delicious pita bread served with three portions of dips.
The main course offers a perfect blend of international flavours with an Indian twist. Biryani risotto brings back the memories of home cooked biryani combined with a sophisticated Italian dish, the risotto, which is cooked to perfection. Fusion khowsuey, an Asian one-dish soup meal with strong flavours of coconut milk is one for the adventurous. Non-vegetarians can feast on a variety of dishes like tandoori chicken risotto which is makhani tossed risotto with chicken.
The Indo Bali curry, and Glocal Junction’s signature dish kori gassi thali, which is coconut and chilli based chicken curry with neer dosa, rice, papad and onions, are also must-trys.
For the sweet toothed, the restaurant does not disappoint. The chef, Jehangir Jamula, plays around with familiar tastes and flavours to create unexpected combinations. The signature Kolkata paan cheesecake is a match made in heaven. Masala chai panacotta with Parle G biscuit crumbs and khari, a sweet bread stick is divine indulgence and has a strong cardamom flavour that is complemented with the crumbs. Firni creme brulee has the perfect balance of sweetness. We end our meal with baked filter kapi, a coffee mouse -- one spoon of it and all is well in the world again.
If you want to hang out with friends and have a conversation, it is difficult as the music is a little loud. But it is a great place to catch up over a few drinks.
The waiters are courteous and do not shy away from answering your queries. The restaurant offers three menus – one for the day, the night, and a separate kids menu. While one half of the menu focuses on fusion, the other half serves classical so it caters to those who want to stick to their routine.
