It is difficult, almost impossible, to find authentic Mexican food in Delhi NCR. In the recesses of building 10C Cybercity, is a Spartanly done up, clean, functional, and friendly, new restaurant.
Young Akshay Mittal, an IIT alumnus and the proprietor, is there himself to greet diners, and take them through the choices.
Akshay takes me to the counter, behind which is the open kitchen, and explains the concept. It is a three step process. First, I have to choose the format – either a burrito roll, or naked burrito―which is without the tortilla wrap, or tacos―which are crispy or soft (like our rotis), or go light with a salad. Then, I need to decide the filling. There is fajita (peppers and onions; Rs. 130), paneer (added especially for Indian vegetarians; Rs. 150), pollo blanco (white, traditional Mexican filling; Rs. 150), pollo oscuro (spicier chicken; Rs. 150), and lamb (Rs. 170). Step three involves the toppings. Here I can take one or all, at no extra cost, from a huge choice – ranging from beans, pico de gallo (like our kachumbar), three kinds of salsa, cheese and sour cream. A home-style guacamole is extra at Rs. 25.
It might sound confusing, but believe me, it is actually quite fun. What I end up creating for my lunch is a dish that is crunchy, creamy, meaty, and spicy―a kaleidoscope of tastes. I try the crisp taco combo, with lamb in one, and the two varieties of chicken in the rest – with just about everything on it. All three are delicious and fresh. Little wonder, considering Picante makes each ingredient every two hours.
Next I try the caja (Spanish for box) menu. It has the veg Mexican gumbo (Rs. 80), a stew with origins in southern Louisiana; served with rice, this dish has a familiar yet exotic taste to it. The veg stew is thickened with the addition of okra (bhindi), which gives it a wholesome flavour and texture. The arroz con pollo (Rs. 90) is grilled chicken, in excitingly spicy gravy.
For dessert, I order arroz con leche (Rs. 70), a typical and popular dessert served in households all over the Spanish world. I am pleasantly surprised to discover how similar it is to our own phirni. It is indeed a small world.
Picante Mexican Grill is just the place to head to when you are in the mood for something other than the routine culinary experience. Also one that is light – on both your stomach and your pocket.
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