New Restaurants that I loved this year (and ones I had never been to)
SoBo20 (Mumbai) was the opening of the year for me. Elevated Creole cuisine feels fresh and new for India but it still hits the spot in terms of comfort and familiarity. Amar Khamar (Kolkata) was the most soulful new place I’ve been to. This is an evolutionary leap for Bengali food, more rooted in rural Bengal than the likes of Oh Calcutta and 6 Ballygunge. Or maybe the most soulful new place was Ikk Panjab (Delhi and Chandigarh). It was definitely the best Punjabi meal of my life and (like Amar Khamar with Bengali food), it feels like an evolutionary leap forward for Punjabi food. Pendulo (Delhi) has the potential to be great. Reminds me of early Inja. Mexican food influenced by Indian produce and techniques is a real thing. JSan (Goa). It’s not boasting if you can walk the talk. Vishesh Jawarani said he would make the best ramen in India and he’s definitely in the conversation. Mesa by Lodhi . I love brave young chefs following their passion an...
