Whether you’re in the mood to bask in the sun or want to enjoy a laidback chitchat with friends in a cozy area, the place has just the right settings. With outdoor seating arrangements to an indoor lounge to a tiny (and dimly lit) yet well-stocked bar, you can choose where you want to sit, depending on what sort of ambience you’re in the mood for.[break]
Also the spaced-out seating arrangements give you enough privacy and don’t make you feel uncomfortable and conscious about having a loud conversation.
The menu includes an appetizing array of chicken delicacies. The foods have a slight kick for spiciness but they aren’t that spicy, either. Also, the sauce they use has a lemony-freshness to it that masks the spiciness, making it easy for even those who prefer their food non-spicy to fall in love with their meal.
However, there’s not much variety and chicken dishes primarily dominate the menu. But there are light snacks and even pastas and sizzlers to choose from if you’re not in the mood for too much meat.
Photos Courtesy: Prianka Rauniyar
The starter, Sukuti Sandheko, which is spiced meat pickled with green chilies and herbs, is light and crunchy. The chef, it seems, has perfected the recipe and hence gets the taste just right.
The Peri Peri Chicken, served with Greek salad, confirms that the chef has an amazingly light touch, rare mastery of textural contrast and the inventiveness to compliment his technique. From the color of the chicken, you can see that it’s been cooked to perfection.
When you take a bite, you won’t be disappointed as the chicken is juicy and enticing. The tangy sauce makes it all the more savory and divine.
Then there’s that salad that accompanies the chicken. Presented with colorful ingredients, each mouthful explodes with a zesty flavor. Sweet, sour, crisp, soft – it’s delightful!
If you’re there for lunch or dinner, don’t forget to order a bowl of Spicy Rice to go along with the Peri Peri Chicken. You can also have the flavored rice by itself, but the combination of rice and chicken is simply amazing.
The mixed Chatamari is definitely something that’ll have you reaching out for more. Even when you’re overstuffed already, you can’t help but give in to the succulent taste of egg and chicken over a thinly rolled roti.
Prices are reasonable, given the quality and the portions. The food is mildly addictive and the service is prompt which makes for an interesting combo. The waiters are friendly and attentive, scurrying over to refill your water glasses before you’ve even thought about asking for some more.
The bar doesn’t serve a variety of drinks. But if you want to have a drink or two over a game of live football on the big screen, then head over to Peri Peri. You’ll have a few basic options to choose from – the regular rum, gin, vodka, whiskey and a few cocktails like Screwdriver, Long Island ice tea, but once again, the prices are surprisingly low as compared to other restaurants in the same area; so it’s a safe bet.
Admiration for Peri Peri Chicken doesn’t come so much from its uniqueness or its off-the-beaten-path vibe but rather from its fearless pursuit of an authentic ingredient and daring to keep the menu simple and basic.
The only regrettable side to this place is the fact that it doesn’t serve desserts. One of the owners, Satish Pradhan, defends this by mentioning that the crowds they cater to aren’t dessert-fancying types. But you just wish they had the option. Just in case you’re in the mood for something sweet after enjoying the fiery chicken. It’s just a small glitch in this attractive and flavorsome addition to foodies’ universe.
Peri Peri is not your quintessentially restaurant-like restaurant. And when you walk out, you feel as though you’ve been on a journey to somewhere that’s genuinely a bit different and far, far away from the hustle bustle of the city. It’s like you’ve discovered a great little secret. Step in at Peri Peri Chicken even if it’s a little out of the way. You’ll be glad you made the detour!
Opening hours: 12 noon to 10:30 pm
Budget: Rs 500 – Rs 800 for a meal for two
Parking: Complimentary
Call: Satish Pradhan 9801038660
This chicken and couscous dish is a winning weeknight dinner