Having tried Punjabi By Nature in Delhi, I was excited when I got a flyer at home announcing the opening of their branch very close to my home on Whitefield road. I was excited, however a bit skeptical as I’ve seen a lot of North Indian restaurants opening in the southern region and not doing too well on the menu for the want of right chef’s. There is actually another branch of the same chain which opened in in 2012 in Koramangla area, which I never got a chance to go, so that was another reason I wanted to try this one out quickly. So I finally decided to try them in their opening week in January 2014. I was happy to be welcomed into a fairly grand restaurant sporting a brew house.
The Location
EPIP Area and ITPL is the biggest hub of technology companies, in the east of Bengaluru. It absolutely deserves its share of having good restaurants around, which have been confined to star hotels. With opening of a few restaurants in the malls and few stand alone units, this demand is rightly being serviced. Punjabi By Nature is a stand alone North Indian restaurant chain opened to service the corporate and residential clients.
Address: Plot No. 12, Whitefield Road, Sadaramangala, Opposite Prestige Shantiniketan, Bengaluru – 560066
Phone: 080 – 49677777
The Hours
Punjabi By Nature restaurant and brew house is open from 12:30PM to 11:00PM everyday. They provide a valet service outside as parking can be challenging. Also note that the happy hours are from 4:00PM to 8:00PM everyday.
I recommend making reservations specially with a bigger group.
The Ambiance
What I really like about each of their restaurants is the use of water fountains, they have a fairly big one in this venue as well. The music is light and soothing and the lighting pairs up well. As you enter this venue the micro brewery tempts you to order quickly and the interiors are very well done. The TV sets are rightly placed to be visible to all and playing current matches while there is a feel of ample space around.
The Service
I liked the warm service provided with individual table attention, in line with my expectation of this restaurant chain. Both food and drink was brought in quick time and the wait didn’t seem long from the first order to the billing.
The Price
Being one of the finest North Indian restaurant around, they do charge a bit of premium. A dinner for 2 with a pitcher of beer would be around INR 2400 ($40). The pitcher is INR 725 ($15) + taxes. However if you do go in the happy hour, you might fit in more people or more drinks in the similar price.
The Food
The signature dish which has been very famous at Punjabi By Nature are the gol gappa shots with tamarind sauce and vodka.
With a large lookout on the micro brewery, I was tempted to go for a wheat beer, the other choices are lager, a dark lager etc. Its actually a good change, when rather than going for brands, you could have the house beer. The beers can be nicely paired with a choice of starters like Peshawari Kebab and Amritsari Fish Tikka in the non-vegetarian and Tandoori Paneer Tikka in the Vegetarian.
For the main course I tried Kandhari Murgh and Punjabi Meat Masala with a Keema filled Naan. I should add that the naan size is larger than usual so order accordingly. The vegetarian options include Palak Paneer and Pindi Chole among other North Indian favorites.
I also tried a Pista Kulfi, however I found it a little hard to bite.
Overall I was happy with the servings and taste and finally felt that a nice North Indian restaurant has come in the region. I’m hoping they can continue to give the flavors and aromas in many more months to come. Definitely worth going if you love food from North of India and a beer to go with.