If you have noticed, new restaurants are opening up in Delhi, each of which seems to be more inviting than the other. But the capital city’s discerning population chooses wisely, almost unanimously. A Golden Mile in Netaji Nagar has a few high-octane resto-bars and the latest entrant to the club is Noch. A venture of First Fiddle Restaurant by Priyank Sukhija, Noche Latin is a never before experience and this has piqued my eagerness to explore it.
The mosaic compass at the entrance, the painting of sunflowers flying over the stairs, the astronauts hanging from the ceiling lights and the giant pencils lining the columns—all offered quite a visual treat. But the real feast was yet to come. Of course, I’m talking about the food.
Noche, Delhi
The modern culinary scene in India has seen a significant shift towards international cuisine, but the allure of traditional flavors has not waned. Award winning Chef Priyam Chatterjee has managed to combine the best of both worlds in a profound harmony that epitomizes the diversity and unity of the world.
I joined the chef’s special table for lunch and after a heartfelt conversation with Chef Priyam, I realized how much thought and effort had gone into crafting a menu that recreated Indian flavors with Latin influences . The artisanal beverage is inspired by Giuseppe ‘Papi’ Stasi, who is known for his brand TrashTalk, based in Barcelona, Spain. The cocktail bar is spread over 4000 square feet, with indoor and outdoor seating.
My Gastronomical Journey in Noche:
The meal began with a few spicy plates of nachos. Chicken, Beans and Guac was a tempting mix of khurchan and jhalmuri beans, topped with a pungent sauce. This was one of the best nachos I’ve ever had, so it goes straight on my list of top recommendations. Black Beans, Avocado Guac Nachos was also a great food but my taste took me back to Chicken Nachos.
BARCELONA SRIMPPS AND GARLIC looked like a regular prawn but it came with the surprise of the taste of Vindaloo and I was all smiles.
Barcelona Shrimp and Garlic, Noche
Mushrooms and Habanero – The combination of different types of mushrooms filled my heart with the familiar velvety ‘malai’ and galouti masala. If you are a ceviche lover, try this in a completely new avatar of chaat with Spiced Tuna Bhel. So it was time for some crunchy empanadas but with a twist. While I loved tomatoes and Manchego, I’d probably pass up those stuffed with skillet chicken. But soon the Mexican food lover in me was overjoyed to see the variety of tacos, and they all won my heart, all made in the authentic style. I highly recommend the Chicken Mexicali and Lamb Yakhni Barbacoa Taco. Lamb Arzo Biryani was made from orzo pasta instead of rice. Though it was a unique creation, hardcore biryani lovers may miss the traditional flavors of the whole spices.
Mexicali Chicken, Noche
The heavy meal whetted my appetite for some sweets, and I had no idea what was in store for all of us. It wasn’t just sweets, it was a fine work of cooking! HERMES PEFUME really tastes and smells like an invigorating perfume. The Tree of Life is a life-like creation with incredible edible elements. Both Snickers and Bounty bring together our love for the iconic chocolate. Noche Tres Leches is a beautifully crafted petal flower that looks and tastes like heaven. The sweets are prepared with so much creativity that they stimulate all the senses. So all these four desserts ‘top’ my list of top recommendations.
I left Noche with a full stomach and a full heart. I’m already looking forward to going back again!
tree of life
What: Noche
Where: One Golden Mile, Block A, Netaji Nagar, New Delhi
When: 12 noon – 1 pm
Cost: INR 2,500 for two people (approx) without alcohol