JOIN USCruising the highway
The little things, phrases like ‘Simp-simply’ and ‘Horn Ok Please’, explain better that sense of patriotism we harbour. Don’t bother trying to rubberband the country with religion, just go for a long drive and that’ll paint a better picture. Those furious, unrelenting honks, shared cusses, cheap dhaba food and flat tyres on the highway are just some of the memories we, as a nation share.
And it’s this collective consciousness the latest thematic gastro-pub in the City tries to cater to. ‘Horn Ok Please’ aptly captures the culinary traditions of the highway with tiffin dabbas, freshly made lassi and hot, oily food. And though located in the ‘posh’ Indiranagar, it has lanterns lights, nimbu-mirchi knots, charpais, vintage Bollywood posters, street art and rustic, improvised seating, which together create an easy-going atmosphere for the good food and drinks.
More of a casual haunt for youngsters, the menu gives dhaba food a little twist. The ‘Pathar Late Than Never’ (for vegetarians) and ‘Murgh Malai Marke’ are the perfect start, as soon the alcohol has arrived, of course. The crunchy stuffed puris with a touch of ‘imli’ sauce set the grounding for the evening. With innovative cocktails like ‘Doodh Malai’, ‘Body Cooler’ and ‘Chai-tini’ (in addition to the well-stocked bar), a host of starters are a must.
‘Aloo Jeera Milaap’, ‘Shroom Machale’ and ‘Sheek Kababa Kima Ki Triangle’ are other appetisers that are worth a try. Actually, it wouldn’t be a loss if you skipped the main course, the appetisers are filling enough. With well-cooked meats and flavours that haven’t been overdone, it’s a place to go to at least once.
If you are holding back on the alcohol, try rice dishes like ‘First Class Laal Maas’ or ‘Chettinad Express’. There are desserts like ‘Double Trouble’ and ‘Applehal-Woh’ but they aren’t anything you’ll regret not trying. All in all, it’s a good place to find yourself in the evening, but it’s a bit ironic that we’d rather go to a sanitised dhaba-themed eatery than a dhaba itself.
‘Horn Ok Please’ is located at no 776, 1st floor (above Kotak Mahindra Bank), 100ft Road, Indiranagar. For details, call 49564449.