The Poke Bar - A Trendsetter!

With the number of Oriental, Pan Asian, Chinese and Japanese restaurants opening in Delhi one is now spoilt for choice. From authentic fare to modern twists there’s literally something to suit the varying palates as well as pockets!

However, one that is quietly pulling in the numbers sits in a cute li’l corner of Lodhi Colony Market. No points for guessing that I am talking about Guppy - possibly the best stand-alone Japanese restaurant in Delhi, for the longest! While regulars have their favourites, and Sunday brunches at Guppy continue to be ever so popular, Chef Vikram Khatri is always innovating and presenting something new.

An extensive choice of poke bowls at The Poke Bar.

Poke bowls, comforting bowls of marinated fish, a mélange of vegetables, some crunch and a hearty grain mixed together with a sauce that marries it all, are now a regular phenomenon at the many new, as well as existing, Oriental restaurants. But when Chef Vikram introduced these dishes that originated in Hawaii (thanks to its vast Japanese population and influence) the Delhi populace had to be educated about the concept. In fact, there were many articles that actually spelt out the pronunciation (Poh-kay) because the concept was so new. 

Following the successful introduction, end of last year, Guppy opened the very first Poke Bar in India, a space with an open kitchen, dedicated to making a variety of these bowls. One can pick from a choice of signature bowls that come with tried and tested combinations, or create your own poke bowls. While a traditional poke bowl would typically comprise white rice, marinated chunks of fish, Japanese pickle and a dressing of soy-seasame oil-vinegar and sprinkled with sesame seeds, Chef Vikram is happy to make it more fun and interactive by encouraging people to customize each bowl. We think this is a great idea and works very well for families with kids. Pick your choice of protein (salmon, tuna, shrimp and so on), basic grain (white rice, black rice, barley, quinoa or millet) veggies (seaweed, pickled cucumber, regular cucumber, red onions, shallots, spring onions and so on), crunch (shrimp crackers, root chips, wasabi peas, nuts and seeds), and a sauce (soy, yuzu, teriyaki and so on).

The Poke Bar menu also features small, yet satiating plates like edamame with sea salt, prawn gyoza, prawn tempura, pork belly skewers, making it a complete dining experience, ideal for Delhi summer. The qwirky decor and refreshing cocktails always lift our spirits too as the temperature begins to soar :)

Details:

The Poke Bar, 28, Main Market, Lodhi Colony, New Delhi

Phone: 01124690005 / 6, +919650185005

Timings: Lunch 12pm to 3.30pm; Dinner 7pm to 1am

Meal for Two: Rs 1500 ++