Chowman

Where: 6A/2 Banamali Ghosal Lane (James Long Sarani), near MP Birla Foundation HS School, Behala.

Open: 11.30am to 10.30pm

Pocket pinch: Rs 1,000 for two

You probably already know the favourites at Chowman. That’s because the Chinese chain of restaurants has slowly marked its territory across the city, from Golf Green to Salt Lake. Its eighth outlet — and fifth restaurant — opened doors recently in Behala, at 6A/2 Banamali Ghoshal Lane (James Long Sarani), down the road from MP Birla Foundation HS School. 

The decor of the 55-seater dine den is comfortingly familiar. Buddha welcomes you at the entrance, the music of chants calms your senses and one of the rooms has a three-piece circular artwork. Ask what it is and you’re told it’s the Thai circle of life. 

That’s when the rings of onions in the Roasted Chilli Pork call out to you, sharing space with bell pepper and green chillies. Nuggets of Crispy Babycorn arrive next, smeared with honey with sesame seeds stuck on like sequins. It’s sweet and crunchy and you can’t stop at one. Then swims along the seafood. [The seafood pages in Chowman’s menu wear out the fastest because most diners like to spend an extra minute here.] Lobster in Sweet Chilli Sauce. Yes. Pepper Garlic Crab Claws. Why not? Team it with Mixed Fried Rice or Mixed Shanghai Noodles. 

Vegetarians can replace that with Stir-Fried Vegetable in Pepper Garlic Sauce. “All the sauces used in cooking our food are bought from small families who make them in Thailand and China,” said Debaditya Chaudhury, managing director of Chowman Chain of Restaurants, and partner, Oudh 1590. 

After Ballygunge, Salt Lake, Patuli, Golf Green, a restaurant in Calcutta Club and two takeaway outlets, why Behala? “Behala is not known for having Chinese restaurants. Most residents go to Park Street or to South City Mall for a meal. Chowman has always created eating destinations,” said Deba, as he is known to friends.

The Xaverian plans to take Chowman to Mumbai next year. It’s been an ambitious journey for the boy who, in his college years, would eat Chilli Chicken and Chowmein from Michael’s food stall on Camac Street.

Karo Christine Kumar
Pictures: B. Halder

 

Window Wow:

 

Mrs. Magpie has dressed up its window for Christmas. The tea house at 570 Lake Terrace Road is serving up an Xmas afternoon tea menu (till January 5) with Almond Chocolate Brittles, Turkey Sandwich with Cranberry Chutney and more. The spread at Mrs. Magpie Bistro on the second floor of Chambers Mall, Kasba (opposite Gitanjali Stadium), is more elaborate with a set menu from December 23-25 comprising a soup, salad, Turkey with Cranberry Sauce, Mutton Navarin (stew), Eggplant and Goat Cheese Clafoutis and more, for Rs 1,500.

Picture: Anindya Shankar Ray