New menu at The Hungry Monkey
The Hungry Monkey has already established itself as a serious contender in the cocktail circuit, with a Times Food and Nightlife 2015 award for cocktails under its belt, but the food here, while good, has never been a serious talking point.
In an attempt to change that and give it a stronger food identity, chef Noah has reinvented to menu to serve up quite a storm.
Begin with the roasted beetroot tartare with mascarpone, mint and toasted pine nuts.
The stuffed filo parcels with baked zucchini and broccoli served with a burnt garlic and mint mayo and rocket and tamarind chutney is another dish that is big on experimentation but high on delivery.
What's interesting is that as much care has been taken to include new vegetarian options on the menu as non vegetarian ones.
For those who love their meat, we highly recommend the juicy tenderloin minute steak served with roast carrots, charred leeks, miso and basil.
The soft shell crab with Japanese gari chips and wasabi aioli is an instant hit as the textures and flavours are familiar, yet exciting.
The burgers are the other stand out on the menu with delicious patties and fine accompaniments.
For example the mighty duck is a burger with pulled duck, star anise, red cabbage slaw, rocket and chilli jam is moist, delicious and filling (very important when you are eating a burger).
The sliders are also good but not a patch on the burgers so if it is a toss up between the two, go with the latter.
The pork belly is another main that is highly recommended as it is cooked to perfection and hits the spot.
What works in The Hungry Monkey's favour is its warm feel, great service and of course fantastic drinks that truly complement the new menu.
Want something with wine that's different?
Try the mulled wine which is an ideal winter drink and they get it right by ensuring it is not too sweet.
The bloody bacon Mary is an interesting take on the regular cocktail and the East India company is a must-try for whisky and vodka lovers who don't mind mixing their drinks.
The Hungry Monkey also has a fine range of wines that have been carefully curated by the team.
The desserts were a tad disappointing (the lemon and thyme cake sounded just right but was too syrupy sweet) and the white chocolate parfait was not out of the ordinary.
I am told their version of the hot chocolate fudge is a runaway success as is the soft centred chocolate chilli pudding.
With a comfortable ambience, drinks that rock and music that is at the right pitch, The Hungry Monkey is grooming itself as the ideal neighbourhood bar and restaurant and with food to match, it is now likely to draw in crowds from across the city.
Meal for two
Rs 2000 plus taxes
Reservations
(+91) 9810788196
