Black-and-white patterned tiles on the floor, series of framed paintings, chandeliers, grey walls with a pop of colour accentuating some of the walls… Anuv Jain’s Baarishein playing in the backdrop... summed up the mood of Jalsa — a new modern Indian restaurant, on Ho Chi Minh Sarani. The 4,000sq ft space is the newest offering from the owners of popular party place Please Don’t Talk.
In fact, located right next to it, Jalsa has an absolutely different mood and energy than the back-to-school-themed party pad.
“We are right next to PDT but it was a conscious decision to not jeopardise what PDT stands for. Jalsa is a modern Indian restaurant and the forte lies in showing that we have an Indian touch in what we do,” said Harsh Sonthalia (inset), who co-owns Jalsa along with Apurva Salarpuria and Aman Chitlangia.
Once you enter Jalsa, you will be welcomed by this 7ft hand-painted face of this lady that adds to the other list of portraits of women on the wall. The women in the paintings are in traditional attire yet have a coolness to them.
Pabitra DasThe place is broadly divided into three sections and boasts of a 27ft-long bar. The Indian touch runs through the food and drinks menu and we were bowled over by desi ingredients like kahwa, marigold, turmeric finding place on the beverage menu.
“We have tried to make the food stay rooted to its original Indian taste but played with the texture, which will appeal to people of all age groups. We have a concept of a tasting menu that would help guests to experience the best that Jalsa has to offer. Also, we feel this offering was missing in the city. However, regular a la carte is also available. Although there is speculation from people who are wondering if the menu is similar to Gabbar’s, which we shut, it has no resemblance as the former was molecular gastronomy driven but Jalsa food is authentic in its Indian-ness with barely any gimmick,” said Harsh.
“Jalsa means celebrations and we have these modern Indian women artwork who are traditional in their thoughts but go out and celebrate, raise a glass, jive to the music,” explained Harsh. The interiors by Ajay Arya have a hint of royalty through copper and gold touches, arches and exuberant lights. The other half of Jalsa is an event space with a capacity of 50 people. This space also has a provision of live cooking, buffet space and acoustic music set-up to make your evenings merry.
Pabitra DasIf you want to experience the best here, call for the chef’s tasting menu, but it will be available for a minimum group of four.
Walk into Jalsa with an open mind, to enjoy the culinary expertise while you unwind over some soothing music and, most importantly, to raise a toast and celebrate!
The Telegraph review...
What: Jalsa
Where: 8 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, ground floor, Harrington Mansion. Next to Please Don’t Talk.
Timings: Noon to 10.30pm
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,845-plus for the tasting menu and Rs 1,700-plus for a la carte (for two)
The Telegraph picks
Avo Cornetto.
Pabitra DasAvo Cornetto: This desi-weds-healthy dish has a fun take on guacamole. It has a chatpata taste and is stuffed in activated charcoal and fenugreek flavoured cones. They are drizzled with generous amounts of truffle oil and sour cream.
Mango Tequila Bhekti.
Pabitra DasMango Tequila Bhekti: Fresh Calcutta bekti is marinated in a mix of freshly crushed red chillies, chopped raw mangoes and shallow fried. It is served with mango salsa and tequila drizzled over it. Hic!
Kaali Jalebi Caviar.
Pabitra DasKaali Jalebi Caviar: Harsh’s fave pick from the menu has activated charcoal and green cardamom-flavoured caviar served with saffron air and thick rabdi espuma! We say, do not miss this!
Kolkata Sushi.
Pabitra DasKolkata Sushi: A fine blend of locally sourced produce, this is made with Gobindobhog rice, Calcutta bekti with a kalia (tomato-onion gravy) as a base.
Potato Sphere Chaat.
Pabitra DasPotato Sphere Chaat: A great dish to complement the current season, this one has deep-fried shredded potato spheres placed on a bed of sweet-tangy pea ragda chaat topped with mint and saunth chutney and sweetened yoghurt. #MustHave
Paneer Pinwheel in Makhni Gravy.
Pabitra DasPaneer Pinwheel in Makhni Gravy: Spicy, flavourful and delish sum up this dish with sliced paneer shaped like pinwheel, roasted on clay oven that lends the smoky flavour. It is then cooked in a rich tomato makhni gravy, garnished with feta cheese and microgreens.
Turmeric Gin.
Pabitra DasIf you want to infuse healthy in your sip, call for Turmeric Gin — a fine concoction that has orange juice, gin, fresh turmeric, lime juice, tonic water and fresh ginger making it a heck of a refreshing drink.
Marigold Daiquiri.
Pabitra DasIsn’t the name Marigold Daiquiri exotic? This pretty cocktail has white rum, triple sec, lime juice, aromatic saffron water and marigold tea.
Kashmiri Kahwa Sangria.
Pabitra DasKashmiri Kahwa Sangria is a star on the beverage menu. The desi kahwa blends smoothly with white wine, chopped fruits and mint sprig.
