Be it sunny champagne brunches or pulsating sundowners—Bo-Tai Switch in Delhi aims to please all kinds of discerning diners and party-goers, alike. Text and food pictures by Priyanka Chakrabarti
Zorawar and Dildeep Kalra’s latest epicurean offering to the capital city, Bo-Tai Switch is here to redefine the city’s culinary landscape. Nestled at the swanky neighbourhood of Shangri-La’s – Eros Hotel, this restaurant has a 24-hour alcohol license, and effortlessly transitions from a fine-dining space by the day to an effervescent bar post-midnight.
I visit Bo-Tai Switch on a balmy Saturday afternoon. The first thing that arrests my attention is their 60-ft-long bar and well-stocked at that too! They have the most extensive beverage menu designed by internationally-acclaimed bartenders from London under the guidance of Dino Koletsas, who was also the beverage menu consultant for Bo-Tai, Mehrauli.
After a quick tour of the place, I choose a cosy table for two in their alfresco dining area. The tables are laid out in a social-distanced manner, and the staff is doing everything to ensure each guest has a safe and comfortable dining experience—point in case, temperature scanning as you enter the premises of the restaurant, masks on and hand sanitiser installed right at the portico.
The restaurant has a very intimate and relaxed vibe, courtesy classy beige interiors juxtaposed gracefully with sudden outbursts of greenery. I start my luncheon with a fuchsia-coloured mocktail called Lady Luck—a rose and strawberry-infused concoction with subtle notes of ginger, lychee, hibiscus tea, saline and some citrusy elements. The sweet aromatic drink set the tone for the rest of the afternoon. Up next from the beverage menu is Temple of the Lion—a classic house rum blend stirred with Thai red syrup, spiced vermouth, lime, pomegranate, tamarind, strawberry and Angostura. Poured to perfection in a copper glass, this cocktail reminds me of sunny summers—a yearning that has been brewing in every Delhiites heart for weeks now.
Next comes the ultimate house favourite—Full Moon Festival—a salmon-hued gin cocktail embellished with rich-coloured edible flowers. What’s not to love? Then, we move over to another crowd-pleaser called Clarified Dragon Punch. Comprising of bourbon, milk, coconut, Pandan tincture, orange spiced syrup, Angostura and citrus—this illustrious cocktail is a clear head-turner!
After enjoying a variety of lofty notes, we decide to quickly flip through the food menu. The kitchen at Bo-Tai Switch whips up a delectable medley of Thai and European grills under the watchful eyes of Chef Vikas Rana.
We start with a portion of Preserved Raw Mango & Avocado salad; this tossed goodness has countless distinct flavours and textures all packed into one serving. Then, we dive straight into a hearty serving of Caramelised Crispy Prawns; with the right amount of sweet and piquant flavours, we couldn’t help but indulge in a second serving. This dish undoubtedly packs a punch.
Casting a modern twist to a quintessential dish, the Chicken Dim Sum with Thai Chilli Oil arrives on our table and instantly grabs many eyeballs—thanks, to its striking purple coating.
But, what I highly recommend is their Raw Mango & Soft Shell Crab salad–a true gastronomic delight, this salad is an artful curation of greens and crab tossed in a tangy dressing. I savour every bite of this crunchy goodness.
For mains, I indulge in hearty servings of sliced pork belly and steamed fish with black bean and coriander sauce. Both dishes are light on the palate but have delicate yet extraordinary flavours oozing out of every chomp.
To conclude the meal, I order two sinful desserts—the Belgian Chocolate Tart with Coffee Mousse and the popular Coconut Crème Brulee. Intoxicating flavours presented nonchalantly—these sweet treats are just the kind of ‘lift me up’ we all need today.
Speaking on the launch of this restaurant, Zorawar Kalra says, “Known for elevating the dynamic culinary space with an experimental approach, we are pleased to present Bo-Tai Switch as a refreshing rendezvous spot for gourmands and revellers, alike. The exemplary amalgamation of innovative cuisine, stellar bar, sophisticated interiors and scintillating vibes at Bo-Tai Switch, will not only enrich the experience of the discerning but will make them come back for more.”
Timings: 06.30 pm – 01.00 am
Address: Shangri- La Eros Hotel, Ashoka Road, Janpath, Connaught Place, New Delhi
Reservations: 011-20860051/2, +91 9870587770/1
Price for two: INR 2,500 plus taxes, approx.
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