THE AZULA WAY INTO YOUR HEART

Recently over dinner with my family I dined at Azula Kitchen and Bar, located in the heart of Delhi at New Friends Colony. Azula stood out to us with its fabulous neo-contemporary decor and the Pan-Asian food menu with Latin influences. In every family, everyone has different dietary preferences and sometimes it can be challenging to find a place that caters to everyone. However, at Azula, the menu has been carefully curated to serve everyone’s plate. My sister is allergic to gluten and also found an array of options to choose from on the menu. The ambience of the restaurant stood tall yet comfortable whether it is a cosy dinner for 2 or a party of 10. The vibe blends perfectly for all. The decor too is a visual treat - clean, stylish, and tres chic! This revolution I talk about is fine dining for a sensory experience almost like chemical gastronomy which is also easy on the pocket. Having said that, one would still get the feel of an urban chic lounge like the Cipriani’s of the world. As I entered and sat down, whimsical blue and sweet mellow lights captured my gaze and I swirled in my element of being in the mood to eat a good meal and relax with fond music. For our first course, we chose the Sichuan Cucumber Rose Salad; the cucumber was heavenly marinated in soy sauce, thinly sliced and carefully rolled. Its intriguing fresh taste in my mouth made me want more.

The delectable sushi platter came in a boat fashioned from wood and held an assortment of 24 delicious Sushi consisting of Avocado and Asparagus Maki, Azula Miduri, Black Salmon and more. We dug right in with our chopsticks and enjoyed the gently rolled rice treat which also paired perfectly with the delicious inhouse chilli oil at Azula. The entry was a mixture of soft crystal dim sums, Bang Bang Cauliflower Tacos and their Eggplant Fries, which was a pleasant surprise for me as I don’t take too well to eggplant. The edible flowers served with every dish also stood out to me and made the dining experience that much more beautiful.

The prawns were succulently brimming with flavour and the smoked noodles were a piquant addition to the palate. My mother also ordered their in-house mock tail ‘Macau’, is an incredible infusion of sweet, fresh guava juice with a kick of green chillies; satisfaction for one’s soul. To sweeten the deal the Chef sent over a delectable Yuzu Panna Cotta, which just melted ever so slowly in my mouth that I had to come back for a second, even a third! It was perfectly sweetened, fluffy and the invigorating orange glaze married the flavours together marvellously. Azula is a sensory experience, from its stylish interiors to its charismatic staff and service. The ingredients used are fresh and mindfully sourced, giving every dish a belonging of its own. This is what makes Azula an asset to the city’s restaurant scene. Dining at Azula is nothing short of an experience, a 360-degree turn for one’s senses - an affair of taste to remember!