Chor Bizarre, which had a short life at the MGF mall, MGRoad was known for its quirky décor and for its Kashmiri food. I do not miss the décor as much as I miss their amazing Kashmiri food, which in my opinion was the best in NCR. Now it has made an appearance as a pop up at Drift, Epicentre. And the food there is better than ever before.

I am here at the invitation of Chor Bizarre to celebrate their 25th anniversary at Drift. This being my first time to Drift, I find the interiors refreshing in a minimal way. As I settle in with a cocktail, I look at the menu for the afternoon, which takes my breath away. Lined up for us is a 20+ course menu with many exciting dishes.

Soon after I am seated, the starters begin. Kashmiri Seekh Kabab is soft and succulent. Machhli Methi Tikka has a flaky soft fish with subtle undertrones of fenugreek. Chicken tikka is competent.

             Kashmiri Seekh Kabab                            Machhli Methi Tikka

The veg kababs are decent too. Nadroo Choorma is an interesting kabab made from lotus stem.

                    Dahi Kebab                                         Palak Ke Kebab

The other non Kashmiri kababs like Kurkuri Makkai, Palak Ke Kabab and Dahi Kabab are good too.

          Kurkuri Makai

When the Main Course starts I regret having had the starters. For the main course is a 16 dish strong mini Wazwan on a tarami plate. Wazwan, as many would know is the ultimate formal banquet in Kashmir. In a full wazwan, there are thirty-six courses, of which between fifteen and thirty can be preparations of meat, cooked overnight under the supervision of a master chef called a vaste waze. Guests are seated in groups of four and share the meal out of a large copper platter called tarami.

We start with the veg course where these dishes are served on a vast helping of rice. We start with Rajmah, Haaq and Tamatar Chaaman. This is followed by the famous Nadru Yakhni, Khatte Baingan and Dum Aloo, each of the dishes better than the earlier one. I have never tassterd rajmah so tasty. Even the dum aloo is a gfrtfeat play on flavours and textures. This is accompanied by Mooli Akrot Chutney and Laal Pyaaz.

By now the stomach is groaning in protest, but the Non Veg goodies are yet to come. We start with Tabakmaaz which despite my full. Stomach I relish every bite of. Palak Rista is superb. Mutton Yakhni and Aloo Bukhara Korma clearly make me understand why these dishes are classics. Mutton Roganjosh is made traditionally and not like what is served in the restaurants.

                     Tabakmaaz                                     Mutton Roganjosh

Murg Dhaniwal Korma has a gravy so tasty and flavcoursome I just can’t stop. As per tradition, the last course is Goshtaba which is easily the best gustaba I have ever tasted in my life. It is soft and spongy and is flavoured perfectly.

                                Non veg Tarami

The traditional desserts of Shoofta, Phirni and Kulfi / falooda are a befitting ends to a great meal. As a final parting drink I sip the heavenly Kehwa.

I have no hesitation in saying that outside of the valley, Chor Bizarre is the custodian of this great Kashmiri tradition and no one can make better Kashmiri food!

Please note: This review was done on an invitation from the restaurant to taste their food, and no bill was presented to the author. While the author assures you of objectivity, the review may be influenced by the personalized attention the author got.

Ratings (Out of 5)

Food: 4.5 | Ambience: 4.0 | Service: 4.0 | Value: 4.0 | Overall: 4.0

Meal for two: Rs.2000 | Alcohol: Yes | Credit Card: Yes | Wheel chair friendly: Yes

Address: Chor Bizarre, Pop up @ Epicentre, Apparel House, Sector 44, Gurgaon.Tel: 0124 2715100