Ten minutes into dinner at The Kabab Studio has us feeling grateful for having the sense to have had a light lunch. As prawn and chicken kebabs grill slowly before us on the table, we start off with a little papdi chaat and lassi, the creamy consistency of the latter offsetting the tinge of spice the former leaves on the tongue. But this is a place known for a multifaceted dining experience and interesting molecular cocktails, so we keep the chaat as an accompaniment and sample a couple.
The Last Tea, or aakhri chai, is a cold, vapoury combination of five spirits, which looks unassuming apart from the vapour rising off it, giving away its origins in molecular mixology. The taste is equally unassuming, with no harsh edge to it despite the nature of its contents. As the kebabs keep refilling themselves, and the chaat plate slowly empties, the restaurant, located on the roof of the Goldfinch Hotel off Crescent Road, slowly fills up. Some diners make a beeline for the open air seating area to one side, while others seat themselves around the buffet spread, taking in orchestral versions of popular movie songs from ‘Gori Tera Gaon Bada Pyaara’ to ‘Chinna Chinna Aasai’.
The buffet has a variety of Indian dishes with plenty of choice for varied culinary preferences. From tasty mutton gosht to the well balanced combination of Amritsar chole and kulcha, the food menu provides a filling experience. Taking some time at the often ignored pickle counter also revealed homemade grape pickle, a great accompaniment for the signature cocktails and mocktails available at the restaurant.
Speaking of signature cocktails, the tedhi medhi martini, a molecular, herb-infused delight is worth a try, and for those who like to spice things up, the ‘spiced fusion’ lives up to its name. As long as you really do want spice, because it is not for the sensitive palate. For designated drivers, a variety of interesting mocktails served in innovative ways are available to save the day.
All things considered, The Kabab Studio, with a well-balanced Indian dining buffet and a varied selection of wonderfully presented drinks, offers a different fine dining experience for a change from the regular eating out routine.
Food for thought
The Kabab Studio specialises in delicious kebabs and molecular fusion-based cocktails
Meal for two : Rs. 1,500
Location : Goldfinch Hotel, 32/3, Crescent Road, Off Race Course Road, Seshadripuram
For reservation : 080 49652627
