The one advantage that Vatika group, the owners of the Indian-Pakistani restaurant Coriander Leaf has is some great locations for its restaurants. I am invited here by the restaurant to come and taste their food. I am impressed by the location, with lush greenery surrounding it and an aquarium under the floor. All in all a very pleasant location. However the same cannot be said for the food, which can range from great to competent to needing improvement.

The Great

Boonda Pala - originating from Sindh province of Pakistan, whole Pomfret is marinated with ginger, garlic and dried pomegranate seeds and skewered over hot embers in ´Dum-Pukht´ style (Rs 675). Khamiri roti (Rs 85) is easily the best I have had in Gurgaon.

                  Boonda Pala

The Competent

Seekh kebab (Rs 495) is good but not great, since the texture is fine and not chunky like a good Punjabi style seekh should be. Malai broccoli (Rs 395), which has marinated Broccoli florets with yogurt and cheese and roasted in tandoor, is pleasant but the taste of broccoli is lost in the yoghurt and cheese. Patiala shahi paneer tikka (Rs 395) is average tasting. Aloo kulcha (Rs 105) is also pleasant without being memorable.

                  Malai broccoli                                        Aloo kulcha

In desserts, Phirni (Rs 255), and Angoori rabri (Rs 225) are both as good as any halwai shop. The Beetroot halwa (Rs 255) is different in terms of appearance and taste, though again not memorable.

                        Beetroot halwa

The Needing Improvement

Nihari (Rs 495) is way too oily and way too thick, with not enough collagen and hence not a pleasant mouth feel. Haleem (Rs 495) is also too dense to be enjoyable. Dahi ke kebab (Rs 395) again is too granular and not creamy enough.

                       Nihari                                            Dahi ke kebab

By and large the food is a good combination of Indian and Pakistani food, with some dishes needing improvement. Add to it the great location, and a visit here can be a good idea.

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. Also portions in the pics are tasting portions, the actual portions are bigger.

Ratings (Out of 5)

Food: 3.5 | Ambience: 4.5 | Service: 4.0 | Value: 4.0 | Overall: 4.0

Meal for two: Rs.1600 | Alcohol:Yes | Credit Card: Yes | Wheel chair friendly: Yes

Address: Ground Floor, Vatika Triangle, Sushant Lok 1, Behind DT City Center, MG Road, Gurgaon. Tel: 0124 4062121, 0124 406313