AAMCHI TAWA, Supermart 1, DLF 4, Gurgaon - First Online Feature

Our dear friend Arun Sahdev , who has known the food scene of Delhi/NCR for at least 20 odd years now….has come up with a masterpiece called AAMCHI TAWA in Gurgaon. Don’t go by the name…..it sounds like it serves  Mumbai dishes……but no it does not…..Its moreover Punjabi with a touch of Mughlai cuisine which we always crave for…….after having Italian, Conti, Chinese or any other cuisine for 2,3 or 4 meals…… We need something Indian to satisfy our hungry souls………It’s okay, after all we are Indians…

The joint is located in the crowded Supermart 1, DLF Ph 4, which also has other good restaurants like AL KARAM, BIRYANI BLUES, KOA, etc……Easily approachable, ample parking space….no hassles market……..

AAMCHI TAWA is located on the first floor…bang opp. Biryani Blues (can take stairs just before Giani’s ice cream)……

I reached the place to savour the delicacies…. As its opening gates for the public on this Friday , the 29^th August we are not reviewing it yet……I wanted to taste and relish the recipes churned out of Arun’s kitchen beforehand (just to feel lucky enough)….. Was excited since last month or so because of the food trials that were running…… My God….. at least 25 times….each day something was being improvised and modified….. I was really fed up of listening to them about the trials and delay in opening……..seriously

But only after savoring the food, realized that the delay was worth it….. They have brought out something which is really very good and different….. I would like to inform everyone about the best or I should say the worst critics of Arun’s food are his own family (wife and kids). They tell him very bluntly about the flaws, if any in his food…..which has helped him to modify and improvise a lot………..

Now about the place ……..

It’s a small and cozy eatery with lovely wood log furniture all black, bamboo roof and lovely lanterns hanging from the roof…..the walls are done with faux brick design wallpaper, which gives a cozy and warm feel to the whole place (feel at home kinds)…… Overall an old world charm comes into picture……. Menu items (card) have been put up in the form of a “takhti” (flat plate of wood used for writing in olden days) which is worth a mention. I have come across very few such beautifully designed menus in this segment of restaurants…….

Now the Food …… We were served with the Malai Paneer , the veg shami , spinach and cheese stuffed mushrooms (tandoori) and matar paneer kebab….. The subtle flavor of saffron and spices was awesome in the paneer and the softness to die for……. The Veg Shami was fabulous ….i was surprised to know that it was made from Yam (jimikand) and other lentils like chickpea, rajma and some dals too…..The taste was very good…No one could ever imagine , it was just a simple veg dish. The other veg highlight was the Green Pea and cottage cheese mix kebab…..I can have them always without missing non-veg at all…….the way they were created and conceptualized showed the passion and hard work that must have gone into their making , as the simplest looking dishes are the most difficult to make ……not to forget the mushrooms…the lovely flavor of spinach and cheese which was coming from inside the juicy mushrooms was just awesome…..wanted to have more but could not as many more beauties were still to be enjoyed…..hahaha….

The carnivore inside me was shouting by now……and yes then came the Chicken Tikka …I should not call it tikka as the flavors were very different and unique….I felt it was somewhat better than the usual tikkas we have ever had elsewhere…..very succulent and unique…

We were served with a beautiful Raan ( they call it as Tipu Sultan Raan) the roast leg of lamb……..Since my younger days I was very fond of this cut of meat or I shall call it as piece of meat……. It was well marinated but had a little less spice which I mentioned and they agreed…… It was very well done and the meat was just falling off the bone….. Lovely flavors and good texture…… will be improved more in the coming days , I know……..

After all this we were just about to say “bas” yaar and the main course arrived……. Ab kya karein …..hum khana khane ke liye jeete hain….. aur mooh se kam aankhon se zyaada khate hain……. To bas toot pade …….

The Nalli Gosht and the Gurde Kaleji (liver and kidney) of lamb…….were so nicely made that we could not resist at all…..the gravy of nalli gosht was thick and full of keema (mince)….tasted heavenly …apt balance of spices and well done meat…….. Balle Balle

Gurde Kaleji is a dish which we usually do not get everywhere in Delhi or Gurgaon……..In Punjab we find these dishes at every nook and corner as they are loved by the Punjabis like us…… Big chunks of liver and kidney covered in spicy gravy which was a little high on oil……but tasted heavenly… I am drooling even now……..

For vegetarians, there was Paneer Taka tak and Dal makhani (much more is available)….. Paneer dish was also very different from the usual shahi, karahi or any other…..Dal was very well prepared and cooked for more than 24 hours which showed in the consistency and flavor……. The Paranthas were made with wheat flour and not maida …..Which is a good and healthy option……..

It was a very good experience altogether and shall have many more of such in the coming future.  They are in the process of innovating and improvising many more dishes, which we shall savour in the days to come….

We wish AAMCHI TAWA good luck and best wishes……………..Do not compromise with quality and let your passion stay alive and burning always……..So that we may relish the best forever………

May you have a Grand opening and do very good business in the coming days ………..CHEERS!!!


Written By: Vickrham Vicky