The goodness of Asia
Upstairs has gained some traction thanks to their cheap-cheaper-cheapest drink routine.
Upstairs, yet another pub that has opened in the city, has an interesting concept of bar. As the night grows older, your drinks get cheaper, until the fourth one is eventually free. The new Asian bistro situated on a rooftop of a residential building in Tardeo. Despite located near the iconic Sardar Pav Bhaji and being on Google maps, the resto-bar was quite a challenge to find.
The terrace boasts of a little garden with potted rosemary, basil and mint that surrounds a Buddha statue; because what best way to establish the Zen vibe than that. Overhead, Bohemian style fairy lights run from one end to the other. One of the walls on the terrace boasts of a ‘Today We Rage’ neon sign that goes hand in hand with what they have on their playlist (which is just a lot of Justin Bieber songs.)
The Wasabi Prawns (Rs 325) had gotten us extremely excited when we spotted it on the menu. A Japanese delicacy, prawns are Wasabi flavoured and tossed in a wok and served with pickle. When plated, they look like glazed beauties, but once you have the first bite, you feel like you could give it a pass — the pickled undertones of the dish makes one almost nauseous. Next up, the Indonesian style Mountain Chili Chicken (Rs 230) is every bit different than your quintessential chilli chicken. The menu warns you that the dish is a spicy mess, but don’t be discouraged by the description — the chicken is beaten to beautiful soft meat that is entrenched in a not-so-spicy sauce that disappoints in no way.
A Tibetan delicacy, the Chicken Coriander momos (Rs 220) are melt in the mouth little balls, and deserve a special mention.
The Katsu Chicken (Rs 250), minced chicken flavoured with Japanese herbs, coated with Panko and is deep fried till golden brown. When paired with the dip, the appetiser makes for a brilliant pairing with the cocktail, The Lantern (Rs 350). The drink is a heady concoction of whisky, cranberry and mint with cinnamon — appealing to both the nose and your palate.
Upstairs does a grand show of their cocktails. One would assume that their Goldfish Martini (Rs 350) is just an orange juice-based tipple, but there is literally a goldfish in your cocktail! Well, not in your drink, but in the pot carrying it. The drink is herb infused Galangal Vodkatini strong enough to hit you in the first few sips. The Charcoal Sour (Rs 350) is a whisky-based cocktail where the whisky is roasted with orange and peppercorn. Served in a traditional Chinese bowl, the flavours are perfectly balanced with orange and Kaffir lime.
With their cheap-cheaper-cheapest drinks routine, Upstairs is an attractive bar targeting its audience right. You might get high as a kite with this routine and enjoy the place a bit more. With the food being as impressive as the cocktail menu, you may not want to leave the place at all.
Rating: ***
Price for two: Rs 900
A pint of beer: Rs 150
Where: 5th Floor, Konarkshram Building, Behind Everest Building, Tardeo.