In Koramangala’s ever-expanding restaurant scene, Punjab Bistro, situated opposite Forum is the latest entrant. It serves a host of delicacies from the north of our country, from the dals and curries of Punjab to kebabs of Lucknow, chaats and tikkis of Delhi and the legendary laal maas of Rajasthan.
In terms of décor, it appears fairly informal and comfortable.
The food factor
We start our meal with portions of excellent tikki chole. Spiced and cooked to perfection, this mix of chole with aloo tikki, served with chutneys is a must try. If you too, like mew, complain about the lack of authentic North Indian chaats and tikkis in Bengaluru, this is bound to transport you to the gullis of Old Delhi. The soft meaty mutton galouti kebabs give the melt-in-the-mouth sensation and the chewy pathaar ka gosht is a huge winner in the taste department. We also enjoyed the chicken stuffed drumstick. If you love paneer, the chilgoza paneer, a combination of roasted nuts, dil leaves is a good way to start your meal. The lone relative disappointment in the starters was the salmon tikka. We felt the flavour of the salmon overpowered the dish.
Coming the main course, the dal Moradabad, with its fine tempering of spices, onions and tomatoes tastes much like the dal served at home. It is cooked well and is a comfort food that goes best with the rotis on offer. The laal maas curry, essentially, a mutton gravy prepared with yoghurt and chillies is excellent. Alongside, the sweet and sour murgh makhani is polished off with helpings of innovative mis-shapen chur chur ke parathas and onion kulchas.
Moving on to desserts, the innovative Bistro special mille feuille -- a combination of vanilla, strawberry and cream on a bed of hot piping gulab jamuns -- bowls you over. The sweetness of gulab jamuns is countered with the sourness of the cream. On presentation and taste, this is easily the highlight of the meal. The crunchy jalebi churros also deserve a special mention.
