Dream for a theme

Theme-based restaurants have moved beyond ethnic Indian dècor and are offering a bite of the world. Ridhima Shukla writes.

From the freezing minus ten degree celsius temperature to the streets of Amsterdam and its red light district to the spooky world of witches and wizards, you can enjoy every part of it in your very own Delhi. Themed restaurants, based on a unique concept, are becoming a hit in the capital, making the dining experience amusing as well as appetizing.

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The food, décor, furniture along with the ambience, everything in these restaurants is based on a particular theme. The first theme cafe —Café du Bagne came up in Paris back in 1885, conceptualised by a member of the Commune, it replicated a prison eating hall with waiters dressed as convicts.

Of late, Japan has been known for its bizarre themed food outlets, with cafes such as Cure Maid Café, which opened in Tokyo in 2001, and has waitresses dressed in maid costumes, treating customers as masters in a private home. While there were a few such restaurants in Delhi — like the ethnic themed Chor Bizarre and Filmi Masala — now, the concept is being taken to another level.

“Theme-based restaurants ensure that people will remember more than the food. The concept makes people inquisitive and makes them come for more” says Sanuj Birla of the new Amsterdam Kitchen and Bar.

Amsterdam Kitchen and Bar

Food story: The place recreates the streets of Amsterdam and its red light district and offers a range of modern European food. Launched in May this year, the décor is done in bright pink and blue colours and everything from the menu to the ambience screams Amsterdam.

Chow Down: Lamb shanks, tenderloin steak, goat cheese chops along with Bhuban’s red passion levitation drink.

Look out for: Virtual peep shows after 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. The clogs (shoes) on which you and your friends can write messages on your birthday and place the shoes on the wall.

When: 11:30 am to 1 pm

Where: Ground floor, DLF South Court Mall, Saket

Meal for two: Rs 1200 plus taxes

Trolleys

Food story: Launched earlier this month, the restaurant is based on the theme of trolleys. Claiming to be the first one in the city, serving food in trolleys they serve three kinds of feasts that include tea, chuski and chaat. It also offers Lebanese and Continental food.

Chow Down: Khatta gola with Tequila and herb based cocktails are the main delights.

Look out for: Glasses recycled from alcohol bottles and bill presented in a trolley

When: 12pm to 12:30 am

Where: 7, Middle Lane, Khan Market

Meal for two: Rs 1600 approx

Ice Lounge

Food story: Designed by the world famous ice carver, Julian Baley, this is said to be India's first authentic ice bar and lounge. It offers a constant minus 10 degrees celsius temperature and the guests are provided with jackets, boots and gloves to enter

Chow Down: Long island ice tea and flaming lamborghini in the ice bar and the sea food, veg and non veg platter at the

connected restro-lounge.

Look out for: Glasses made of ice, ice sculptures and frequent live performances

When: 1 pm to 12:30 am

Where: 1st Floor, MGF Metropolitan Mall, Saket

Meal for two: Rs 1500 entry

for couple.

Culture Gully

Food story: Housed in the Kingdom of Dreams complex it offers an exciting experience of a busy Indian street and the best of local cuisines from ten different states.

Chow Down: Nihari and galouti kebabs from Lucknow, authentic biryani of Hyderabad and firni from the dessert section

Look out for: Live performances by artists, massage in Goa, boat shaped bar of Kerela, the mystic centre for tarot reading and the IIFA Buzz Lounge for Bollywood experience.

When: 1pm-12:30 am

Where: Kingdom of Dreams, Sector 29, Gurgaon

Meal for two: Rs 1000 approx

Pind Balluchi

Food story: The restaurant is based on the theme of a Punjab village and offers a choupal experience complete with mud plastered walls, artificial tree inside the eatery, a water mill and a total rustic ambience with folk music in the background

Chow Down: Dahi ke kebabs, dhaba meat, dhaniya murg along with the famous banta (lime drink).

Look out for: Lanterns,

old transistors and antiques, traditional Indian mirror work on the wall and bangles for décor

When: 12pm to 11pm

Where: Sector 29, Near Leisure Valley Park, City Centre, Gurgaon

Meal for two: Rs 800 approx

Howzatt

Food story: Claimed to be India's first cricket-themed brewery, the place is a delight for sports aficionados, with plasma projection screens that stream live cricket and soccer matches.

Chow Down: Fresh brewed beer which has minerals and

vitamins especially Googly and Bouncer along with the tangra style chicken and vegetarian platter

Look out for Glove shaped leather seats, live band performances and Belly dancing performances on Tuesday nights

When: 1 pm-2 am

Where: The Galaxy Hotel, Sector 15, Gurgaon

Meal for two: Rs 1200 plus taxes

Leaky Cauldron

Food story: Named after the pub from the Harry Potter series, it offers a magical ambience. Launched late last year, the theme is the wizarding world and it serves bewitching broths and salads.

Chow Down: Gai (chicken) satay, goong thai lad soot makhan (prawns) along with the butterbeer.

Look out for: Lake view from the balcony and spot objects like a wizard cloak and hat, broomstick and pumpkins

When: 12pm to 12am.

Where: 3rd floor, 19, Hauz Khas Village.

Meal for two: Rs 1000 approx