‘India’s most Instagrammable restaurant’ has a new address, and one has to agree, it’s a coveted one. Right in the heart of Delhi, Plum by Bent Chair Lutyens resides in Janpath, so you know your traffic and parking woes are already sorted. And after Mumbai and Aerocity in Delhi, the third outlet too boasts of quirky décor that’s hard to find in the rest of the country, and fun pan-Asian cuisine.
Two floors up, you’ll do yourself a good one by taking the stairs instead of the elevator, not just for the health benefits, but also being initiated into the bold design they boast of. A rendition of the Mona Lisa using 3D-printed spin on a doodle by Dutch artist Jordy Van den Nieuvendijk, objects covered in velvet paint, and such views line the staircase. As you enter, leave subtlety behind and soak in the fun. Ceilings lined with ferns, leopard print chairs, monkeys looking out the floor-to-ceiling windows, an imposing bar, opulent chandeliers, and vibrant colours splashed all across. Phew! Thay may be a lot to take in, but what I liked most was that despite a full floor and over the top design, the latter doesn’t breathe down on you, rather the tables seamlessly maintain their privacy.
Starting out with the Prawn Sesame Toast was a good idea. A decadent treat, the fried toasties are topped with fresh prawn meat, which is finally topped with a generous helping of white and black sesame seeds, and you can’t stop at one. The vegetarian Pan-fried Gyoza dimsums were a melt-in-mouth treat, the soft as cloud dimsum pouch leading to hot, juicy water chestnut, corn, and cabbage filling. The Tempura Sushi is perfect for that comfort food fix. I got the prawn one, and if you love dipping your food into mayo, this one’s for you.
The Dried Red Chilli Chicken is chicken popcorn on a bed of cut and dried red chillies. Needless to say, if you like chicken, and if you like fried food (and for non-vegetarians out there, of course you do), this would serve well. The egg Fried Rice again come under the ambit of comfort food, though it could’ve been eggier, it’s hard to go wrong with rice at an Asian restaurant. The Nutella Sushi Uramaki was a stunner, banana coated with Nutella, wrapped in green-coloured rice like sushi, and dopped with Nutella again, it’s a decadent bite. A fun dessert this, it’s a must-tey for both – the evergreen banana-Nutella pairing, as well as the fun presentation.
If far out Asian food and Instagramming through your meal is on your mind, Plum by Bent Chair Lutyens is your calling.
Where: No.22, Janpath Rd, opp. Le Meridien Hotel, Janpath, Windsor Place
Opening hours: 12 pm to 1 am, all days
Recommended dishes: Prawn Sesame Toast
Price: Rs 2,500 for two, taxes extra
Noise levels: High
Service: Courteous, could be more prompt
All images: Courtesy Plum by Bent Chair Lutyens
Megha Uppal
An innate love for travel and food has translated into many a trips since childhood for Megha; it also fed her curiosity to know about local cultures. When not writing, she is on the lookout for three things: A great dark chocolate dessert, a beautiful pool where she can practice her backstroke, and art that she can save up for.
