Ever tried hot and spicy Nilgiri Mutton?

Delhi might not be totally incorrect in claiming to be the food capital of the country but there is no denying that the capital lacks a really good high-end south Indian eatery. Agreed that Swagath pops to mind when one thinks of fine dining south Indian but barring a few signature dishes Swagath does leave a little more to be desired. And while the subject is fine dining let’s not mention Sagar Ratna as an option.

So where does that leave Delhi? Don’t give up just yet for Zambar, a high-end south Indian joint with a twist, might just solve the problem. Nestled right next to Haldiram’s in Gurgaon’s Ambience Mall, Zambar from the outside might look like a kitschy wannabe thanks to its zany name and cactus like logo but it’s a different tale when you step in.

Zambar’s sitting area resembles a houseboat in the Kerala backwaters and the lighting is so designed as well. The near somber mood created by the lighting is accentuated with water flowing over a glass ceiling above the sitting area.

The sound of flowing water adds to the overall mood and before you know the stomach juices have already started flowing. The menu features a small little introduction that boldly claims Zambar to be a place that looks beyond the usual suspects when it comes to south Indian food and for starters it doesn’t fail.

The Zambar Thali is perhaps the best option to sample a little of everything good at Zambar. While there is only one vegetarian thali there are two non-vegetarian options to choose from.

Accompanied by a Malabar Parotha, the Non-Veg Thali features three vegetarian and two non-vegetarian dishes as well as curd and a dessert. The corn curry is a little high on tomatoes and the cabbage subzi is little bland but the thali is saved by the chicken korma that is exceptional.

Generous helpings and the economical pricing (Rs. 425 plus taxes) make the thali score a near 10 on 10.

While the Thali surpassed all expectations one couldn’t help but order a portion of some thing called Nilgiri Mutton. A nice thick green gravy based mutton dish, Nilgiri Mutton not only had an unusual name but a strong mint flavor made it extraordinary.

An Egg Appam (Rs. 65) is highly recommended along with the Nilgiri Mutton. Don’t miss the Non-Vegetarian Sampler (Rs. 425) that has five types of starters including the lip-smacking Andhra favorite Chicken 65.

Understanding that people might still crave the ever popular Dosa, Zambar does offer the ubiquitous south Indian goodie but gives it a metro make-over with chicken filling. If you want to spread your food journey a little more southwards then do try out the Ceylon Parotha; a flaky Parotha that comes in egg, chicken and prawn flavours.

Zambar bustles with people on the weekends and getting a table would mean a 15 minutes waiting but trust us when we say it’s surely worth the effort.

Yes, the restaurant is currently perched between teething troubles and first steps which is very visible from inordinately long delay in getting water or the complimentary buttermilk or even the missing cutlery on to the table but it’s the quality of food that makes everything else look inconsequential.

Zambar is nothing short of a refreshingly new experience when it comes to south Indian food.

Rating: 3 ½ out of 5

Third Floor, Ambience Mall, NH-8, Gurgaon