Gang of New Delhi

Delhi-based entrepreneur Sharmila Nath has bought the franchise rights to Taman Gang that opened at London’s posh Mayfair seven years ago. Forty-something Nath has imported the restaurant’s menu along with celebrity chef Ricky Pang. Malaysia -born Pang has fed Madonna’s friends on the pop queen’s 50th birthday and celebrities at premiere parties of Quantum of Solace and Sex and The City. He’ll be in Delhi for the next few weeks,rolling out his brand of Asian fusion from the kitchen.

While Taman Gang translates to Park Lane in Balinese,don’t expect your table to buzz with sambal-flavoured curries or versions of nasi goreng. The menu is decidedly pan-Asian and there is a bit of Pang’s personal fusion recipes put in for fun. Expect a pomegranate and betel leaf salad stirred with coconut caramel,or an okra nigiri roll.

The restaurant is divided into a formal dining area and a bar. While the dining area is perked up in tones of reds and browns,the lounge section is steeped in black and dotted with cut-glass decor. At night,it glows under the warm lights from red lamps,and trays of artificial icicles. The restaurant also houses two private dining areas — one can seat a group of 10 and the other is romantically private and accommodates two. Both are enclosed in wooden frames with intricate carvings.

A sampling platter of vegetarian Nigiri rolls (Rs 300 for six pieces) is a delight for non-meat eaters and makes for a good beginning. While the dish totally demolishes the classic seafood Nigiri,it serves several blobs of sticky rice carefully balancing slices of vegetables. California Tiger Prawn Maki Roll (Rs 450 for six pieces) is like a painter’s palette with a sprinkling of Japanese ponzu sauce with an orange twist. Soft-shell Crab Tempura (Rs 500) comes with a crispy skin and an interesting jalapeno-mayonnaise dip that adds a fiery twang to the mouthful. Among the main course,Chargrilled Kimchi Chicken (Rs 495) is interestingly done. While the first mouthful fetches a tangy kimchi-like flavour,we couldn’t ignore a subtle reminiscence of chicken tikka. We pair our main course with a platter of fried rice with beans (Rs 350). The Vegetarian Mock Fish (Rs 400) marks the official entry of mock meats in Delhi’s kitchen. Served in a rich tomato gravy with bits of pineapple,it is,however,best left for vegetarians. Taman Gang also serves Beef Bulgogi (Rs 950) and Baked Black Cod with Shiro Miso (Rs 400) that are popular at its London outlet. Options are plenty in the dessert section. We pick a rich Chocolate Fondant (Rs 350) and pair the warm gooey chocolate with blobs of vanilla ice cream.

Meal for Two: Rs 2,500

Contact: 45567777

Location: Second Floor,DLF Place,Vasant Kunj