When talking about North Indian restaurants, your mind is instantly filled with clichéd images of subdued elegant spaces lit by crystal chandeliers and furnished in soft delicate hues. The youth of today however prefers a more eclectic space, enlivened by colours and quirky designs. Let go of the formal dining conventions and look towards the playful and fun loving side of Indian gastronomy. This is the funda which ‘Khaaja Chowk’ swears by. This cheerful quirky chain of restaurants is loyal to MG road area, both their outlets being on the same busy route. The one we are talking about presides on the third floor of MGF Metropolitan Mall, Gurgaon. The ambience breaks away from the stereotypical character associated with North Indian restaurants and targets for a more playful look. The restaurant is mostly invaded by those who have a hankering for delicious Indian food.

The menu of Khaaja Chowk is a fun one and tackles the Indian cuisine in a fresh new way. It is smattered with North Indian, Mughlai, South Indian and Rajasthani cuisines, paying a special homage to tangy Indian street fare. Food is pretty reasonable in prices so feel free to indulge. Chakhana or as they term their appetizers section features dishes like, sabudana wada, chicken 65, khurmi naan, nawabi murgh seekh masala, Mylapore idli medley, Hazratganj ke galawati kababs, hara bhara kabab, mutton seekh kabab, gongura paneer tikka, desi papad nachos and palak patte ki chaat. Opt for a crazy iced cocktail to marry your appetizers. Curry leaf tall, imli cosmo, paan supari martini and chilli aam masala is a good option. Further the evening with a delicious array of curries like, chicken lababdar, paneer makhani, rogan josh, makhmali kofta curry, biwi ki dal tadkedaar and Kashmiri dum aloo.

Add some exclusivity to your sweet course with beetroot halwa, paan ice cream, gol matol shahi tukda and gulab jamun flambe. Khaaja Chowk is designed in a very eye-catching and appealing way with an exposed brick white wall setting off a bright patterned furniture. Small tables and cosy red booths gleam under the pale golden glow of this dimly lit room. There are plenty of good dining options including an open tempo which acts like a quirky booth to sit in. Interiors are casual, cheerful, attractive, colourful and eccentric. The space is meant for friends and loved ones to relax in and have a good time.