38 Barracks
Ayushi Mathur
Connaught Place is not only a favourite amongst Delhiites, it is also a well known and talked about attraction all across India. Its reputation is backed by a multitude of restaurants, cafes and clubs which offer a variety of food and beverage options. In a buzzing hub like Connaught Place, hundreds of restaurants open and shut down each year which encourages restaurant owners to come up with unique ideas. An astounding opening that hit Connaught Place earlier this year has to be 38 Barracks, located in M-Block outer circle.
The brain child of Mixologist Mr. Kumar Sambhav and Chef Mr. Gautam Chaudhary, 38 Barracks is a true marvel both in terms of its concept and the food it offers. Inspired by the achievements of a real-life colonel, 38 Barracks pays homage to the glorious army life. The walls are decorated with real guns, rifles, trophies and medals of the colonel. There are also black and white pictures of the army giving the customers an antique and historical feel.
Most of the items on the menu are named in military style going well with the concept of the restaurant. The food at the restaurant is exceptionally sumptuous as well as fairly economical. The restaurant offers a wide variety of delicious vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes. Among the vegetarian starters, I had the chance to try their Paneer Tikka Barrels. Cut innovatively in the shape of tiny barrels, these tikkas were full of Indian flavours which might be a little spicy for some. The tikkas were served with a small glass of a palate cleanser to wash the spices down. While skin platter is an absolute delight for all potato lovers like me, another fun starter to try is their Soldier’s Mirchi Wada which is served with fresh vegetable salad and two different dips.
On the other hand, the non-vegetarian menu was very extensive catering to different cravings. For those who prefer fish, Clash of Clans is a must try. It is a platter that offers two completely different fish items, one being the English favourite fish and chips and other the Punjabi achari fish tikka. However this unique combination is topped by their unilateral grilled Salmon, the dish I absolutely fell in love with. It is a salmon fillet grilled from only one side for a long time letting the heat cook the entire fish slowly. It is served with baby potatoes and grilled vegetables that compliment its flavour extremely well. For those who crave chicken, the smoked chicken and scarmoza risotto is to die for. It is very rare that someone nails a risotto but this was perfection!
Apart from the lip smacking food they offer, the cocktails at 38 Barracks are not to be missed out on. Aside from the huge variety of cocktails on their menu, they also make custom cocktails with the freshest of ingredients like seasonal fruits. For those who like a sweet sip, their mango margarita is a must have during summers. Overall, my experience was amazing and I definitely recommend this place to all the readers.
Address: 38 M-Block Outer circle, Connaught Place
Cost for two: Rs. 1200