Awadh Bound

From margherita pizza to murg ke tikke, from antipasti to Awadhi cuisine is a long way, but the owner of Little Italy at Defence Colony, Naveen Kaushal, has decided to bravely tread the path. He has even gone in for a name with much Bollywood bravado, Baazigar. There is, in fact, a two-in-one project going on at Noida8217;s Sector 18 market 8212; while the first floor houses the Awadhi joint, with unoriginal interiors in pastel green and masks on the walls, the second floor has an Italian cafeacute;, Ballet, with cane chairs and walls adorned with black-and-white photographs of Europeans bistros. There is also a bar waiting for alcohol licence, shimmering in flute lights and candles.

We settle in Little Awadh and go for Murg ke Tikkey Rs 275, which, disappointingly, is nothing more, nothing less than the ubiquitous chicken tikkas crowding Delhi eateries. Ghost ki Pasliyaan Rs 225 comes as a redeemer. The ribs of lamb marinated in cloves, cardamom, basil leaves and methi and roasted on charcoal fire are tender and flavourful, with a neat interplay of spices. For the main course, we go for Mahi Avadh Rs 525, delicious red snapper simmered in a gravy, and Bharwaan Torai Musallam Rs 175, stuffed squash and beans in a creamy sauce, redolent of cashew nuts and kewra. Murgh-Khaas-Kaliya Rs 350 is the best of the lot, with chicken, pistachios and melon seeds melding in yoghurt. The desserts section can do with some additions. You will have to settle for Shahi Tukda Rs 225.

Meal for two: Rs 1,200, including taxes
Address: P-10 Sector 18 Market, Noida
Contact: 0120-4283901