In its renewed avatar, Smoke House Deli 2.0 in New Delhi brings flavours of Europe to the menu; this time, with a special focus on healthy bites peppered with deliciousness. By Bayar Jain
It’s been over a decade since Smoke House Deli began serving beautifully crafted dishes. As pioneers of bringing a European cafe-style ambience onto Indian soil, these restaurants have transformed dining out for some time now. The latest avatar of the Vasant Kunj outlet in New Delhi is another step towards its metamorphosis. One balmy evening, I venture out to sample its new menu.
Ambience
Not one to like bustling malls, stepping into Smoke House Deli on the ground floor of DLF Promenade Mall in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi is a happy surprise. Instantly, the buzz outside is silenced. Instead, I find myself walking through a European-style setup; one that could easily be confused for a corner-side Parisian eatery. Terrarium-inspired green foliage adds to the largely monochrome decor, while hand-drawn illustrations grace the walls. A showpiece of the restaurant’s signature black cat, Salem, eyes the space from atop the new Goodness-To-Go station—a healthy foods takeaway section.
While the seating seems cosy, the slight nip in the air compels me to beeline for the al fresco seating. Opening to the mall’s central courtyard fountain, the patio side of the restaurant accentuates Smoke House Deli’s signature European avatar further. Picture Areca palm landscaping shadowing diners towards the centre and white marble tables dotted all around the patio-inspired fenced area. Sounds of the mall’s outdoor fountain add to the charm, lending the restaurant a surprisingly calming background score.
Food
Cosied into the ochre sofa, I decide to kickstart the evening with a drink. Captain Jerry catches my attention. The rum-based drink is strong with a good hint of Drambuie and lemon zest to elevate the flavours further. The soft complimentary bread rolls and herb butter help break from the drink’s bitterness, leaving my palate ready to delve into the meal.
The multi-page menu spans soups, salads, grills, platters, burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, pastas, and more. For its renewed version, Smoke House Deli has introduced new additions, too. Jaydeep Mukherjee, Brand Head – Smoke House Deli weighs in, “We return to one of our favourite neighbourhoods with 2.0, with many exciting additions to the menu—an all-new Goodness-To-Go section, house-made cheeses, delicious Neo Neapolitan pizzas as well as our signature artisanal delicacies.” Comforting flavours, I’m told, underline each creation.
Appetisers
Instantly intrigued (and hungry!) I bite into my first dish: Smoke House Dips & Crisps. The lavash crips pair well with the creamy hummus. The fresh greens served on the side have a delectable bite. While the smoked beetroot borani, for me, edges on the sweeter side, the herbaceous and tangy guacamole more than makes up for this miss. The second starter, Whipped Ricotta with Truffle Oil, also echoes similar sweet and creamy notes, but the charred sourdough’s crunch triumphs.
With breads devoured, I move onto grills. The Grilled Naga Chilly Cottage Cheese Skewers are soft with a slight kick of the chillies—just the way I like it. The accompanying garlic remoulade and herb yoghurt is creamy—ideal for mayonnaise lovers. A fresh Cucumber Fizz—a cucumber, basil, lavender, and lemonade drink—helps stray from the heavy creams. The freshness of the herbs and cucumber is evident with each sip, leaving behind a welcoming cooling sensation.
Main Course
Ready to devour hot plates now, I sip onto a hearty bowl of mushroom soup. The toasty mushroom umami brings a smile to my face, compelling me to sweep the bowl clean within minutes. The complexity of strong mushroom flavours has been dealt with simple ease, without compromising on earthy aftertastes. Not long after, this familiarity of tastes takes a U-turn with a Moroccan peasant dish, Tagine. Couscous grains come paired with sautéed vegetables and a lentil puree. Think steamed broccoli florets, crunchy bean pods, zucchini juliennes, and olives, among other things. Cameos of raisins, too, surprise every now and then. The final dish in the mains, according to me, clinches top-spot. The SHD Curried Vegetable Lasagna glistens under a sheen of tomato puree doused in spices aplenty. The veggies are infused beautifully with the curry, while the lasagna sheets are cooked to perfection.
Dessert
Despite a full stomach, the desserts menu at Smoke House Deli beckons. With a range of sweet treats on offer—including eggless variations—I decide to settle with a flourless chocolate fudge with ice cream and a baked Philly cheesecake. After all, any meal is incomplete without these classics! While the cocoa treat is indulgent with their homemade ice cream serving as the ideal accompaniment, the cheesy delight has my heart. Doused in fresh blueberry compote, the heavenly treat isn’t as heavy on the palate as its counterparts found elsewhere. Happily satiated, my inner child grins in delight as I leave with a promise to return to this European diner for another evening.
Address: Ground Floor, DLF Promenade Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi
Timings: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 am to 12:30 am
Price for two: INR 1,400 for two people (approx.) without alcohol
Related: This New Japanese Restaurant In GK, Delhi Does Not Serve Sushi!
Bayar Jain
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