A Punjabi joint with no non-vegetarian options? You’re kidding, right? But, the food at Fort’s newest restaurant Oye Kake, is a must-have, says Dev Goswami
The narrow by-lanes of Fort have always been known to hold surprises. On my way to Oye Kake, I was really hoping for a surprise, because having checked out the menu online, I was skeptical of the fact that it was a Punjabi restaurant with no non-vegetarian dishes! And Pankaj Gupta, the co-owner of Oye Kake, who I met at the restaurant, shared my disappointment. He told us that their butter chicken, which they prepare when they undertake party orders, is a much sought after dish but sadly, can’t be included in the menu because of Oye Kake’s predominantly Gujarati clientele.
However, all thought of wanting delicious Punjabi non-vegetarian fare disappeared as soon as we bit into our starters; Paneer Amritsari (`139) and Chatpatta Mushrooms (`139). The wonderfully soft paneer pieces were coated with delicious spices. However, I have to say that the dish wouldn’t have tasted the same without the coriander chutney, as towards the center of each piece, the paneer started to lose its flavour. The mushrooms on the other hand were brilliant; they were juicy and tasted great with a base of sautéed onions and masala.
The starters certainly raised our expectations from the night and the main course did not disappoint either. We had the Paneer Kadhai (`149) and a never heard of before, Nutree (`149), which Pankaj explained is to Amritsar what vada pav is to Mumbai. This time around the paneer was tasty till the last bite. The Nutree was a discovery, and a discovery that I am going to cherish! It is made by mashing soybean and mixing it with a variety of masala. It also has a base of sautéed onions, which adds another dimension to the dish. It is quite unlike any other Punjabi dish that you’ll come across and Oye Kake is worth a visit just for this.
They also have range of kulchas which are served with a bowl of chole. We tried the Butter Garlic Kulcha (`119) which even went great with the main course sabzi. Also, do not forget to try their Kesar Lassi (`65). It is the perfect combination of sweet and salty.
We ended our night with a bowl of Fruit & Cream (`70) and the Gulab Jamun in Rabdi (`50). The former was okay, nothing out of the ordinary, but the Gulab Jamun was simply outstanding! I never knew the sweet dish could taste this delicious! One of the best dishes of the night, it ensured that we ended our night on a high note and forgot all about our earlier skepticism.
Where Oye Kake, 13C, Cawasji Patel Street, near Akhbarallys, Fort
Meal for two `700
Alcohol served No
Contact 22871882