Chica, Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi

Restaurant Name: Chica, Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi
Phone: +919990019981, +919990019982
Address: One Golden Mile, Chanakyapuri, Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi 110023 India
Time: 10:oo AM – 11:oo PM
Meals for two: Rs. 2,000
Cuisines: Beverages, Italian, Pizza, Desserts, Burger, Pasta
Facilities: Takeaway Available, Wine, Serves Cocktails, Smoking Area, Desserts and Bakes, Indoor Seating

By far the most promising,most original cafe I have visited in the post-pandemic period! Located in the Golden Mile that is cleverly concealed from the main Ring Road (opposite Hyatt Regency Delhi), it is probably going to become the hottest restaurant complex of the season. I would be surprised if Chica becomes overshadowed by its neighbours. The full glass walls, the slightly theatrical interiors combined (sensibly) with comfortable chairs,the excellent food: tasty, non-fuss, served by trained staff who are not obsequious and the plethora of seating options:in the open courtyard, in cabanas outside,in a mostly private table outside the restaurant where a dozen can dine, mostly unseen, and most of all: the solid names behind the brand: Dinesh Arora, unassuming as day; romantic dark always, and the Sid Mathur-Aftab Sidhu combine, a most capable menu creating team.

Chica, Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi: Food

What you can expect here:a variety of dishes taken from all over the world, but principally from South East Asia. They don’t pretend to be faithful representations of original recipes, but have been tweaked to include lettuce and other greens for a light, healthy summer meal. Many seasonings are tangy, and go down delightfully in this searing heat. Prawn mango gazpacho (₹525) was a treat for the eyes and the taste buds. A ring of roasted tomatoes was arranged in a lapis blue bowl and poured over with cold gazpacho of prawn and mango. One could not cavil at the term gazpacho because it did have the traditional tomatoes,as well as basil and dill. Inventive indeed! Salmon and avocado ceviche with caviar and citrus ponzu (₹995) was a perfect balance of soft textures counterpointed by pleasantly sharp, citrus notes in the sauce. There are enough no meat choices:our patatas bravas post-modern (₹595) was not in the least like the Spanish original, the potatoes having been cooked quite soft, but that apart, it was quite an interesting dish for the rare restaurant customer who does not mind being subjected to potatoes in an upscale eatery.

Plus & Minus:

After a number of years, have I seen this level of cooking and menu planning in a newly opened restaurant in Delhi. On the minus side, there is insufficient car parking space.