If you’re a regular purveyor of the food scene in Delhi-NCR, you might be hard-pressed to find a place that is both calm and fun. Litchi, smack in the middle of the bustling corner of Panchshila Park in Malviya Nagar, is an oasis of peace which will make you want to spend an evening savouring tipple and lazy conversations.
Ambience
The bistro, which opened its door recently, is from the stable of Tiger Shark Hospitality Pvt. Ltd and is the brainchild of Ritika Sharma and Chef Umesh Kapoor. As for the name, which feels quite local for a space that has all the trappings of a high-end European restaurant, there is a simple explanation. “The name ‘Litchi’ was carefully picked because the fruit represents a blend of flavours and cultures, much like the amalgamation of Asian and European cuisines that our restaurant offers. Predominantly originating in Asia, the fruit is a big exotic attraction in the west, inculcating its presence in the culinary realm making it a fitting and global name for a restaurant that brings together diverse culinary traditions,” shares Sharma.
Spread across 2500 sqft, the bistro offers a warm and inviting ambiance, with a blend of modern decor and lush greenery. Guests can choose to dine indoors amidst stylish interiors (cosy nooks with dimmed lights and plush upholstery) or enjoy the charming atmosphere of the outdoor patio, which can comfortably seat a gathering of 90, and has subtle nods to both European and Asian aesthetics
Food
On offer is a great selection of dishes that draw inspiration from across Europe and Asia. One can’t help but notice a beautiful bar inside that lights up under the installation of lights suspended from the ceiling, and nature enters the space from all corners in the form of quirky potted plants, stunning trees and earthy tones across the floor.
For those looking for light bites, the Small Plates section offers tempting choices like Chicken Yakitori, Miso Pork Belly, and Crispy Fried Pickled Plum Marinated Sole Fish. For salad lovers, we recommend options like Litchi's Quinoa Salad and Farro and Gouda. The Artisanal Sandwiches include delicious combinations such as the Italian Piadina Sandwich and the Croque Monsieur. With flavours from all over the world, it is clear that the menu was carefully constructed to keep it fresh and seasonal. “Ingredients are the backbone of our food offerings. We do not compromise on high-quality ingredients. For a Eurasian restaurant, we involve sourcing from both local produce and imported specialty items. We also go to the extent of hand-picking certain ingredients internationally like our summer truffles from the borough market in London. We let these local and global ingredients take centre stage in our dishes,” adds Ritika.
We started with Turkish Cibir, which more than did right by us. The spices sang on our palate; poached eggs nestled in a creamy garlic yoghourt, seasoned with thyme and a hint of chilli oil, and served on a bed of toasted focaccia. Next, we dived into Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Pillow which is the chef’s take on the sushi. However, we weren’t a fan; the exterior was dry and the rice undercooked, which made the portions tepid. The loaded Kimchi fries were also delectable, but what subtly stole the limelight was Pork Tapa, oozing flavours which sang with the soy and spices, topped off with a fried egg.
A delicious beverage section on the menu will also cheer you up, as it did us, with the mixologist churning out a great take on the classic G&T— Lavender Berry, made with gin and a refreshing combination of berries and lavender syrup. But for those who like to keep their spirits straight, mocktails are aplenty as well. You should round off your meal with their classic Tiramisu, which is all things creamy and decadent.
Address: Address: T, 540, Panchsheel Marg, Panchshila Park, Malviya Nagar, Delhi 110017
Price For Two: INR 2500 + taxes