“The memory of having your favorite street food as a child or of the aroma of masalas at home. An amalgamation of our favourite meals from all over the country- Butter Chicken from Punjab, Mutton Vindaloo from Goa, Kashmiri Dum Aloo, Kolkata Macher Jhol is found here. Their innovative dishes include Crusted Mahi Tikka, We.Desi Paneer Cigars, Khichada and Soya Gola Kebab. Spice infused cocktails like Tandoori Narangi Martini, Tamatar and Kasundi Margarita and Beer Jhalfarezi are some of the special cocktails that bring out the distinct flavour of different states of the country. Everything from the décor to the street food concoctions beckons to those who want to be inspired and immersed in a sensational culinary experience without the fuss of formal dining”. That is the essence of We.Desi, Kolkata’s newest gastro-pub located at 22, Camac Street.
We.Desi is located in the same place which housed Grain of Salt and Ivory. Spread across 3000 sq ft, this place is huge! They have various counters like a phuchka stall that greets you once you enter, a bar counter and something called a Curryaki (curry + teppanyaki). A seat here means a live thali experience as you take your pick from the Curryaki Set Meals — soup and salad of the day, dal, a main course of paneer/ chicken/ prawn, rice, breads and dessert.
The decor is desi casual chic. There are faded yellow newspapers, lanterns, and olden-day electric sockets. In terms of food, it is mostly north Indian but there are popular dishes from other states included in the menu as well. You will find your favorites like chicken tikka butter masala, chicken chettinad, doi maach, paneer pasanda etc, presented in a quirky avatar . Mixologist Irfan Ahmed’s wonderful cocktails are the perfect accompaniment to the desi food.
Here are some of my favorites from the menu.
- Kerala Coconut Mojito with white rum, coconut water, fresh mint and curry leaves.
- Talwari Murgh Malai Kabab- traditional murgh malai kabab served on a long skewer, hence the reference to a talwar
- Hyderabadi Chicken Nizaami Tangdi or chicken legs with a stuffing of chicken keema, served inside old irons
- The non-veg Khichada, definitely the star item for me. This is a ghee laden spicy khichdi with chicken served with lemon, chillies, coriander and fried onion
- Nolen Gur Ka Sandook – chocolate cake with nolen gur filling
We.Desi
22 Camac Street, fifth floor
Open: Noon to 3.30pm (lunch), 3.30pm to 6pm (all-day dining menu of chai, chaats, soups and salads), 6pm to midnight (dinner)
Bar: Yes
Meal for two: Rs 1,000 without alcohol