Tansen

Critic´s Review

• Food: 4 / 5
• Service: 4 / 5
• Decor: 4 / 5

-By Swati Sucharita

Intro
This charming Indian fine-dining restaurant at Ohri's Jal Vihar, has steered an exhaustive menu makeover, under the stewardship of its very talented corporate chef Vikram Simha, and the change, the first since its launch about three years ago, is worth trying.

Decor
We love the relaxed ambience, especially in the evenings, with its muted lighting, the gentle gurgling of water bodies, surrounding the island dining areas, and the live Indian classical music recitals. The Mughal-style carved pillars etc in ivory white, without being too ostentatious, add to the Indian feel.

Food
The menu is now predominantly North Indian with a good presence of Awadhi, Rampuri and Mughlai specialities. We start on the huge Mutton Tawa Kebab, delish with a crisp nutty-crumb-fried crust, and simply unputdownable! There is Ghee Roast Murgh, chicken fried in chilli paste and Mangalorean spices, but surprisingly not so hot (spice- wise) on the palate.

Next is Murgh Chandni Tikka, creamy chicken in a yoghurt and cheese marinade, dipped in beaten egg and cooked in tandoor, wrapped in 'varq' or silver leaf. The piece de resistance, of course, is Atta Murgh, a Punjabi specialty from Kot Kapura, whole spring chicken baked in salt dough and sheared open at your table. This one is for lovers of succulent, tandoor chicken, and can be easily shared amongst six persons.

Last,but not the least, is Grilled Fish, done in two different spice versions, there is King Fish done in Arabic Kafta Masala, followed by seer fish in a subtle sandal marinade. Both are superbly done, grilled perfectly, and with subtle aromatic undertones. For vegetarians, there is (again huge) Dahi Ke Kebab, a signature dish, seasoned hung yoghurt, rolled in soft bread and crisply fried, Rampur Ka Pyazi Kebab, caramelized brown onion and cashew nuts, marinated with Rampuri Changezi masala.

We are full already, but try a spoonful each of Dal Tansen, Rasgulla Curry, (melt-in- the-mouth delicately sweet rasgullas in a tangy tomato gravy) and Moong Gosht. The latter, a traditional Rampur gharana dish, turns out to be a masterpiece, mutton marinated overnight with aromatic spices, roasted moong dal and onions. This is complemented by Burrani Paratha (from Lucknow), Bakarkhani (kashmiri), Multi grain paratha and Gucchi aur Kofte Ki Biryani, made fragrant with stuffed morel mushrooms and apricot-stuffed koftas. For sweet endings, we try out the Tansen signature platter, with its serving of nine desserts, including Angoori Litchi, Blueberry Cheesecake, Caramel Custard, Gajar Ka Halwa and Khoobani ka Meetha. Wah-wah!

Summing Up
Classic and rare Indian fine dining & worth it!

Must Try
Mutton Tawa Kebab, Atta Murgh, Rasgulla Curry, Kafta Grilled Surmai, Moong Gosht
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Old TFG Review

Food: 3.5 / 5
Service: 2.5 / 5
Decor: 3 / 5

Tansen, another venture from the Ohri's group takes you on a whole new experience when it comes to good taste. Step into a world where music is the food for thought. And magic is a tune hummed in Indian or Mughlai. Tucked away between pillars and posts, overlooking the lake you can partake of the finest cuisine, the delectable choice of liquors and make a lovely, long evening of it all. You can try Paneer Dum Roll, Cutlet Sikampur and Awadh ke Galouti Kebab here.