Address: Shop 1, Platina Building, Besides Bank Of Maharashtra, Bavdhan, Pune, Maharashtra India
Time: 12Noon to 4PM, 7PM to 11:30PM
Meals for two: Rs. 750
Cuisines: North Indian, South Indian, Fast Food
Facilities: Smoking Area
Karkhana – The Food Factory in Bavdhan, serves fusion food and offers An Indian twist to some of the most popular international dishes.
Karkhana, Bavdhan, Pune: Decor
The most striking feature at Karkhana is the use of painted dabbas (tiffin boxes) which hang from the ceiling and fitted with lights and also adorn the walls. Above the open kitchen, there are mason jars and glass jars filled with laddoos, biscuits and sweets, reminiscent of kitchen racks in old homes. Continuing the vintage theme there is an old television set, a transistor and frames of old advertisements. The vibe is quirky but charming.
Karkhana, Bavdhan, Pune: Food
As this is a fusion restaurant, some classic international dishes have been given an Indian twist. Among the small bites, the bhutjholokia chilly garlic prawns packs a real punch. The prawns were cooked perfectly in a spicy chilly-garlic sauce and were served with potato wedges and an unnecessary apple salad. Fair warning, this one is not for the faint hearted. We also tried the Honey Chipotle Chicken Crispers, which were a total miss without any distinct taste of honey or the chipotle chili. The Flatbread are Karkhana’s take on thin-crust pizzas. We picked the gunthoor chilly grilled chicken and caramelized onions flatbread. The chicken was spiced perfectly and the combination worked well.
If you have had your fill of chili for the evening, we suggest you go easy on the spice for the mains. Our pick is the flame grilled chicken, where you can choose your portion of chicken, the spice on the marinade and a side. Vegetarians can substitute the chicken with four vegetable options. The tangy marinade with mango, lime and herbs and accompanying buttery potato mash is highly recommended. The Russian classic chicken Kiev was succulent and the stuffed butter oozed perfectly upon cutting. Though it took some time to adjust to the Kashmiri chili in the mushroom sauce, it made for a great fusion dish.
You can end you meal with the creamy, perfectly shaped and wobbly Tiramisu Pannacotta served with a golden orb of candy floss or the boozy and indulgent coffee rum and dark chocolate Icecream.
Karkhana, Bavdhan, Pune: Plus & Minus
Karkhana serves some delicious fusion food, but a complementing bar menu would further enhance the dining experience.