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| Interiors of Chawlas2; the signature dish — Chawla’s Cream Chicken. Pictures: Anindya Shankar Ray |
For butter chicken in Delhi, foodie friends might suggest a visit to Moti Mahal. But what if you crave for some in Calcutta? The Chawlas2 outlet off Gol Park is a safe bet if home-cooked Punjab da khana is what you are looking for.
As it turned a year old, the 26-seater restaurant revamped its menu to include five special items. But before you get there, start with Chawla’s Cream Chicken — a family recipe that the Chawlas are famous for across more than 80 outlets in India and abroad.
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Just like in Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana, it all began one day in the 1960s at Haldwani in Nainital when S. Attar Singh Chawla was trying to improve one of his favourite recipes at his restaurant and hit the perfect combo. Originally called Kali Mirch Chicken, the dish has succulent pieces of chicken (or paneer for the veg variation) simmered in a mix of milk and cream, with black pepper and a blend of spices known only to the family members.
Another winner from the original menu is the Tandoori Chicken — surprisingly not the flaming red pieces you get in most places. Here, the chicken is marinated in a blend of spices, cream and thickened yogurt.
Among the new entrants, there’s Tawa Fish for Bengalis, or the “fish-loving community”. “It has bekti fillet cooked on a tawa in a tomato gravy,” said owner Divjyot Chawla. Kalmi Kebab is chicken kebab marinated in a cream and cashew paste, while Chicken Dilruba Kebab is an interesting platter of large chicken pieces stuffed with chicken keema with a besan, egg and cream coating.
“Initially we were sceptical if Bengal would love our food. But after a year of opening, we find more than 60-70 per cent of our customers are Bengalis. By the Pujas, we plan to open at least three express outlets (takeaway) in other parts of the city,” said Chawla.
For a sweet ending to a Punjabi meal, have a spoonful of Dal Ka Halwa. The moong dal dish is made with ghee and dry fruits.
Chawlas2
Where: 43 Ballygunge Gardens, near Mouchak in Gol Park
Open: Noon to 10.30pm
Meal for two: Rs 800-plus
