Raahi has recently launched its fifth menu, which pays homage to regional flavours, celebrating local ingredients with a contemporary flair.
Soy basil kra pao with jasmine rice. (Supplied)
Located in the bustling Central Business District of Bengaluru, Raahi Neo Kitchen and Bar has emerged as a hip and happening destination since its opening in 2019.
Situated on SBI Road in Ashok Nagar, the restaurant is a favourite among millennials, working professionals, and families alike. And now, there’s another reason to head to Raahi — their fifth and latest menu!
An ode to the rich regional flavours of India, the menu celebrates native ingredients with a contemporary touch.
“Raahi means traveller and the new menu takes you on a gastronomical journey around India and beyond. Through constant experimentation, the culinary team at Raahi has given interesting twists to indigenous flavours,” says Ankur Sharma, Executive Chef.
Olive pepper shrimp, garlic loaf. (Supplied)
Starting with the soups and cold plates, the pea and beetroot shorba was an instant refresher. The fried spinach on top was a highlight.
Apart from providing a break from the sweet notes of beetroot, the spinach added the perfect crunch. They also have a clear broth infused with herb oil served with chicken, mutton, or shrimp.
This one is a clean, flavourful soup with a distinct umami touch.
The chaat lover in me could not resist the ragda and raw mango dahi puri, sprinkled with a generous helping of “nitro” sev. With multifarious ingredients, this one is a burst of flavours on your palate.
However, the cheesy keerai vadai, a contemporary take on the South Indian masala vadai, served with chutney, was a tad too spicy for my liking.
The menu extends some eclectic offerings that are a delightful fusion of flavours. Case in point: the olives marinated with pomegranate molasses as well as the manchego-stuffed mushrooms served with a mint dip.
The latter is an ingenious dish that marries the sweet, fruity flavour of the Spanish cheese with the Indian flavours of the tandoori masala.
Herb-marinated olives, chives cream. (Supplied)
The chunky lemony paneer bricks served with a cheesy fudge core were delectable. The subtle flavour of lemon added a surprising dimension to the paneer tikka. The zesty lemon taste was the ideal palate cleanser for me.
“The lemon serves to cut down the fattiness of the paneer and provides a refreshing mouthfeel,” shares Sharma.
The Delhi-style soya chaap, marinated with pickling spices and topped with malai jhol, was unfortunately average.
The smoky flavour, coupled with the excessively chewy texture, did not excite my taste buds.
However, if you love bold, spicy flavours, the Kannur chicken crostini served with a zingy garlic aioli must be on your “to try” list. Presented on crispy baguettes, this one is a tribute to Kerala.
Baingan 3 Way: Bharta, bhaja, salan. (Supplied)
Having tried a variety of small plates, a feeling of satiety was inevitable. So, I decided to choose comfort with the time-honoured pav bhaji, served with herb butter and pulled pao.
The spices were perfectly balanced and the pleasant taste set the stage for me to try the unique baingan-3-way.
“This one is a chance to experience the different textures and interpretations of brinjal. It allows you to taste it in the bharta (roasted), bhaja (fried), and salan (gravy) formats. It is served with a mirchi paratha,” adds Sharma.
From pastas and a risotto to wood-fired pizzas and steamed specialities, the new menu caters to the diverse tastes of diners.
According to Sharma, the Miso Garlic Shrimp Dumpling, which is flavourful minced shrimp encased in a delicate thin dumpling wrapper is a must-try. Steamed and served with a crispy chilli dip, it is a match made in heaven.
The Earth, Fresh Fruit & Earthy Sand, Sky Crisp. (Supplied)
The attractive butterfly pea flower cheesecake, served with a blueberry crumb, was soulful, with just the right amount of sweetness and cream.
The rhubarb bhapadoi served with fresh-cut fruits was a treat for the senses, with its harmonious blend of flavours and eye-catching plating. If you are a chocolate lover, The Earth, Fresh Fruit & Earthy Sand, Sky Crisp — an irresistible combination of different chocolate textures served with hot chocolate — must be your choice.
All in all, the menu at Raahi sure offers a versatile fare that caters to a wide variety of diners with diverse tastes. Traditional ingredients and time-honoured dishes have been tweaked delightfully to suit modern sensibilities in terms of inventive flavours and attractive presentation. With a healthy balance of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, this one is worth a try.
My Picks: Lemony Paneer Bricks, Cheesy Fudge Core, Ragda & Raw Mango Dahi Puri, Nitro Sev, Rhubarb Bhapadoi, Fresh-Cut Fruits
My Skips: Cheesy Keerai Vadai, Spicy South Indian Dip, Delhi-style Soya Chaap, Malai Jhol
Address: 15, State Bank of India Rd, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru
Price for Two: ₹2,500 (Including drinks and taxes)
Timings: 12 pm to 11:30 pm
May 18, 2024
May 18, 2024
May 18, 2024
May 18, 2024
May 18, 2024
May 18, 2024
