Jalsa, Outer Ring Road on the way to KR Puram.

After the huge success of her first venture,the owner of chandini chowk (CC) with a partnership in place moved on to open the Arabic cum Mughal period inspired Jalsa. We were excited, the place is close to office and home, moreover we were once loyal customers of CC, for old times we had to pay a visit.

The bright colorful lights running across the whole mahal like structure is very inviting, once in, its like walking onto sets of a Mughal E Aazam (pyaar kiya tho darna kya….).

Tacky costumes , colorful bulbs, though it would have helped if the place was slightly brighter.Gahazal, from old hindi movies reverberates thro’ out the mahal. Once the crowd settles, this place can be quite a treat, projector makes an appearance,and the mood is all romantic and pleasant.

Here you are ready to be served, one of the waiters, looking really uncomfortable ( concentrate on their facial expressions) in his costume places the MENU CARD, and out goes whatever it was that you were feeling. It actually took me a min to realize that it wasn’t a honest mistake . Sheets of paper placed together! Yaar, staple hi kar dete.Cutlery was another star attraction, old maharaja style wine glasses( with a glitch they are made of plastic or something of that sorts! so much for red wine glasses) and customized plates with anarkali and salim imprinted ( I think its them)

The concept is all cool.

Coming to the food, menu is quite limited unlike CC, some dishes do sound mughali. Our food is never quite complete w/o Dal Makhani. Very few resturants live upto the expectations of this dish, Jalsa is one of them.Just the right spices and butter.Authentic.Chole aur aloo ki briyani is very filling, its a treat for veggies, and if you order a take away you get the free “pot”. Already have couple of them at our place. Murgh Tariwala was a new addition, home made style chicken,and avoid it, you can prepare this one at home. Murg rara, personal fav, its minced chicken in thick red gravy,its yum you’ll find this one in CC too.Chicken Briyani, is hmm.., but the raita ,served along with it, a mix raw garlic, red chilly and garam masal thats innovative.

You have to give it to them, kahana tasty hai. Btw, when you visit this place don’t forget Cash. Loads of it!

Latest on Jalsa, CC owner has sold her shares and has opened a brand new restaurant ” HEERA PANNA”. Read on..