The Melting Pot

The menu,compiled in a fat plastic folder,is surprisingly plump for a small diner like this. Taking the casual appeal seriously,Chi offers both — familiar pan-Asian street food,available in abundance in the city,along with a few surprises like the crispy duck with sweet chilly garlic,whole lobster in XO sauce and soft shell crabs. The average pricing of the main course between Rs 300 and Rs 450 makes it easy on the wallet. Chi starters include staples like crispy chicken and sesame salad,chicken yakitori skewers to some new entrants (in pan-Asian city menus) like calamari with crispy balls,Vietnamese grilled fish and pineapple skewers,crispy fried vegetable basil mayo to list a few. There’s also some space reserved for ‘Chizza’ — Chi’s take on pizzas,in case diners disagree on ordering pan-Asian. It didn’t interest us much though.

We started with a fresh and flavourful chi corn soup along with golden crispy fried corn with salt and pepper. The pale-coloured soup was a dud and tasted overtly sweet and the crispy fried corn had an uncomfortable smoky flavour,as if it had been left in the wok for too long. But the spinach and mushroom dumplings were winners for their delicate flavours and paper-thin wraps. For main course,we sopped up the Pad Thai noodles with a well-done Mongolian chicken. Gravy-averse fish lovers can opt for a warm pot of Hong Kong fish congee. Congee makes its debut in Chandigarh and though most Punjabi palates will relate it with a light porridge (which it essentially is),the dish is worth a bite if you are looking to try something new. The fish congee we had was accompanied with seven condiments — spring onions,roasted peanuts,fried garlic,soya sauce,chilli vinegar,chilli paste and Chinese greens — which gives the diner the flexibility to alter the taste. All portions are good for two very hungry diners and the presentation is in sync with the casual style of Chi — more hearty than arty.

After such a filling fare,we contemplated on the dessert menu. There’s quite a line-up,though nothing one’s not tried elsewhere. The brownie with vanilla ice-cream was decent,though the banana toffee wasn’t as crispy as it should be. Chi may be yet another pan-Asian “restaurant” but it holds promise. However,to completely win over,the service in line with Chi’s take on energy,could do with some pulling up.

Meal for two: Rs 800

Contact: 0172-5049595/97