Going, going, gone… Asian

What happens when creator of fine Italian food, Chef Ritu Dalmia starts feeling “bored” after running five successful restaurants, making television shows and authoring cook books? She moves away from the cuisine that could well be her middle name. Dalmia, 41, has decided to go Asian and has been creating a storm in a wok at her new restaurant Diva Kitch at Defence Colony. Offering SouthAsian cuisine, the best of which is found at hawkers’ stalls across the region, with a contemporary flavor balance and plating.

Above, and in collaboration, with the luxury fashion boutique Kitsch launched by Priya and her sister Charu Sachdeva, the restaurant stretches from the first floor to terrace and stays away from ‘ Asian’ clichés of dragons and lanterns. Dishes from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and even Goa, populate the menu. Fresh ingredients are the key to each dish with the finish reflective of minimal technical interference. The

Vietnamese Rolls, filled with glass noodles, artichokes and herbs with a perky dipping sauce, we a perfect example of that. If you go on a day Dalmia is on the floor, it is likely she will recommend the her take of the Scottish classic, Fish and Chips. Here it is panko- crusted and comes with wasabi- flavoured fries and wok- fried edamame. If you try the Yellowfin Tuna Burger, it will be as meaty and toothsome as any meat version. However, the meat here is worth its weight in gold when it is Pan- seared Beef with Green Apple and Hazelnut salad, which dons a chilli- lime dressing. Light, yet punchy and perfect to show off chopstick skills with. For those who seek familiar flavours the Pork Vindalho with Quioa Pilaf is a must try. The fluffy quinoa lets just enough gravy seep through to be sopped up by a steamed Bao. You may be bursting at the seams by now, but it is worth risking a breach with an order of Jaggery Creme Brulee. If this is what boredom does to chef Ritu Dalmia, our taste buds are looking forward to the next time she gets restless. Hope that takes a while, there are parts of Kitsch’s menu yet to be explored. Meal for two Rs 1,500 At Diva Kitsch, D- 17, Defence Colony. Tel 4064886