JOIN USThere is no greater joy than a good meal in a cheerful ambience and attentive service. Chi Asian Cookhouse has brought in all of the above and a new take on Pan Asian cuisine. A reinvention of Delhi’s pioneering Pan Asian brand Chi Kitchen & Bar, Chi Asian Cookhouse builds on and represents the next phase.
‘Chi’ which means 'natural energy' and the etymological explanation of the Chi logogram, is ‘steam’ rising from rice, as it cooks’. It is this very steam that pervades across the restaurant spreading ‘natural energy’ as it opened its doors to Delhi this July.
Inspired by the canteens in industrial units, the ‘Cookhouse’ is a pro-community dining concept in tune with the rapidly evolving culinary and cultural landscape of South
East Asia.
Nestled on the first floor of the commercial complex opposite bustling Janpath Market, Chi Asian Cookhouse sports minimally designed furniture and interiors in line with the Cookhouse philosophy. The open plan design uses lighting, both natural and from industrial-inspired fixtures, to create an edgy yet warm space.
The dominating element across the space is the 15 foot Bar, which connects the main seating area to a cosy inner courtyard. Inspired from freight containers that are the catalysts of an interlinked, progressive Asia, the double-sided bar promises to be the centre of great bonhomie and cheerfulness. With the sky filtering down, the inner courtyard itself is a mini-escape from the bustle of the city centre. Once back inside, the exposed walls, industrial style ceiling is in stark contrast to the original colonial era flooring in the archway dining area.
Much like the careful layering of the space, is the food itself. Created using a mix of traditional and modern Asian cooking techniques, the varied menu is for those who love their staples as well as for the adventurous diner who likes to push the envelope. Drawing from the best of Chinese, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Malaysian, Singaporean,
Korean, Thai, Japanese and Burmese cuisine, the menu features exciting sections
such as oriental roasts, pancakes and rolls, skewers and dimsums.
One can feast upon the cult Asian dishes such as the Angry Lobster, the exotic’ Ikan Bunku’s, the dolsot cooked Bibimbap and the delectable Hainanese Chicken Rice. Vegetarians get a great selection of popular curries, claypots and fiery Kimchi-based dishes. For guests who have loved eating at Chi all these years, the cookhouse continues to offer their famed Hunan Pot, Nasi Goreng and Thukpa, among others, to satiate the hunger for the good ol’ favourites. Dimsums have truly been the highlight of this new endeavour as a Thai Master Chef worked extensively with the Chi Team to curate a new range of mouth-watering small bite delicacies.
If the food delights, the cocktails take the experience to the next level. Post several rounds of experimentation and trials (hic!), the mixologist has concocted some excellent Asian inspired cocktails. With emphasis on the oft-ignored drink balance and technique, the Bar promises to delight Delhi with its range of old school classics and innovative cocktails and mocktails.
Choose between interesting creations like Tom Yum Collins, Pod Thai and Lemongrass Caipiroska with evocative Lemongrass and Galangal flavours. The Togarashi Margarita is a must have for those who loves the icy coolness of a Margarita paired with a piquant flavour. Mocktails do not play second fiddle and the Mandarin-based ‘Buddha’s Palm and sweet tasting Tokyo Cobbler are sure to win
over guests.
FAQs
Address: Chi Asian Cookhouse, 68/1, Janpath – 110001
Timings: 12 noon – 12.30 am
Meal for Two: Rs. 1,400, excluding taxes and alcohol