The Holiday idea of most Delhiites is to either go to a beach or to the mountains. While mountains are still an easy drive of 6-7 hours, there is no beach in the surroundings. The now defunct Olive Beach (Restaurant) at Chanakyapuri was one place that gave a feel of lazing around at the beach But with limited space and expensive rentals, there aren’t many restaurants that are exploring the beach theme even when thematic restaurants are the new fad. Gladly, Tabula Beach Café is one of those additions that fill in the void.
Tabula Beach Café is located in the Asiad Village complex which has ample parking, is away from the hustle bustle of the city and has something to offer for almost every foodie with Indian and Chinese restaurants already being housed there. And now we have Tabula Beach which offers world cuisine and shortly opening a Mexican bar. If your idea of a beach holiday is sand, beach chairs and good music…then look no further. Tabula Beach offers all this and much more – wish they could get some sea waves too. A little hammock on the side could have further added to the feel of the place but overall, I am very happy with the ambience.
The service is a little laid back perhaps allowing time to the guests to soak in more sun. Our initial cocktails took a little time to be served but things got better from there. One my favorite cocktails amongst those I tried was Smoking Ace. A mix of smoked bourbon, apple juice, cinnamon with crème de cassis, it will appeal to most bourbon lovers. Also try the Flamed Espresso Martini with flavors coming from Sambuca and roasted coffee beans espresso…a must try for coffee lovers.
Paan ki Dukaan is like drinking your favourite meetha paan that has been spiked. The paan leaf, gulkand, cardamom spiked with vodka and notes from Sambuca will be a hit with the paan lover. Seemed like Tabula Beach had perfected a cocktail for almost everyone till I tried their version of LIIT which they call Earth – I really did not understand the need to add chopped apple – neither there was a spoon to eat it with nor were they fine enough to come through the straw.
I try the Pork and Pineapple Pizza. The contrasting flavours of pulled pork and grilled pineapple gives the umami effect and even though my friend is not fond of pork, she keeps biting into it till she finishes the slice. Another must try here is the Vietnamese Chicken Skewers. These are flavoured with lemon grass and garlic and they go really well with the chilli-cucumber dip.
Even when all the prawns were not of the same size, I enjoyed Prawns Karwari. Named after the Karwar district in Karnataka, the grated coconut, curry leaf and ginger does wonders to uplift the prawn flavors. And even though the prawns are of different sizes, they are cooked well.
The portion size of most dishes is good including that of the Fish and Chips. While the fish is juicy and cooked to perfection, I find the batter to be slightly thick in the middle and the fish a tad over-salted. Also, the menu stated that it is served with home style chips but the fries are ready to eat – McCain. Not one of the dishes that I would recommend at Tabula Beach.
One never goes wrong with the sinful Banana Nutella Cheesecake and neither did Tabula. It is a great way to end a meal.
So whenever you feel it’s time to soak in some sun albeit in a make believe beach in Delhi (!), put on your colourful dresses, get your slippers on, wear the hat and head to Tabula Beach Café – but do leave your bikini behind at home though.
Ratings (Out of 5)
Food: 3.5 | Ambience: 4.0 | Service: 3.0 | Overall: 3.5
Meal for two: Rs. 2000 | Credit Card: Yes | Alcohol: Yes | Wheel Chair Friendly: No
Address: Tabula Beach Café, The Village Complex, Asiad Village, Khel Gaon, Delhi | Phone: 011-33105032
Disclaimer: This review was done on an invitation from the restaurant. Due judgement and care has been applied by the author to remain objective and unbiased in the review, but readers need to consider this review keeping this fact in mind.
