Raasta –The Caribbean Lounge at DLF Cyber Hub : Restaurant review

Good Food keeps me at peace! I am sure this is one line which everyone agrees to. A place where you can sit relax and enjoy a good cuisine with friends and family is the next thing you want in life. I am here to introduce you to one such amazing restaurant named Raasta.  Recently I was asked to visit Raasta I was so excited, as I had heard many praises of it but never got a chance to try their mouth watering cuisine.

Commenting on the launch of Raasta @ DLF Cyber Hub, promoters Joy Singh and Rahul Kundan
say, “Raasta is a philosophy and way of life. The huge popularity of the brand made it essential for us to take it to more people and places. DLF Cyber Hub with its cosmopolitan culture and fabulous ambience was an apt choice for Raasta on its journey of expansion.”

Lets start with the interiors first, staying true to form, architect, Sumeet Nath has used comfortable bamboo furniture all across, set against a backdrop of rough stone hewn walls, give the right amount of ‘chill’ to the space. The décor is quirky, and takes a dig at all things institutional, much like the maverick philosopher who inspired it. Boat shell pushcarts and large truck tyres painted in red, gold and green, back-up as table stands; while caged boxes hold together little references to our industrial and corporate lifestyle. The street style is very much alive with street lamps hung upside down from the ceiling to form a part of the lighting schematics. The movable DJ console and stage form the central focus of the space with the Ms cages with iron chains for a symbolic 3d mural on the main wall of the restaurant where again traditional bongs have been used to add a dose of colour and bring together the connect with the original Raasta. The trademark record cover wall creates a colourful backdrop to this corner. 

While talking about Raasta’s appetizing food menu, Chef Anil Pandey from Raasta elaborates “Staying true to its Caribbean origins, Raasta  serves seamlessly varied cuisine from the cultures of Spain, Africa, East India, China and other palettes into a distinct tradition all its own. Our offering promises to satisfy every craving, as well as makes for a great option for a meal out.” The menu reflects a fusion of a wide range of cultures and heritages, and many ethnicities that landed on Caribbean shores for the past centuries. They have three different menus to offer, one is al-carte-menu which is available all day, second is  offered after 10PM and they have "Raasta on the Go" menu which is for corporates of cyber city and is offered from 12-4pm.

We started with mock tails and then cocktails. We then had crisp of Plantain Frittos(raw banana chips) followed by soco peppery Apple yogurt salad. From the amazing cuisine chicken stripes won for us, crispy outside and tender inside. Then we had three lamb burgers with inhouse salad, non veg barbatos platter, Salmon Prawn and smoked skew sole. The cuisine is Caribbean and taste delicious. Every dish was well cooked with proper amount of ingredients. As Caribbean cuisine is close to indian cuisine by that I mean caribbean dishes use flavors and spices which are used in any regular indian dish.

Among the cocktails we loved the bongtail the most, because we liked the way it was served. Take a  look at the picture below! They have different flavours which are popular in males and different in females. My friend Gaurav is posing and enjoying the bong (shh... its a cocktail ;)).

BONG-TAIL

Owner of Raasta: Joy is making bongtail for us

In case you are a large group, the Barbados Platters will surely satiate, as well as the all time Caribbean favorite, the Red Snapper Escovitch. Lunch hour visitors will be delighted by the “grab and go” lunch menu. Take a quick trip to the Carribean with our Grilled and Spiced Fish Bowl, Grilled Cajun Chicken Bowl, Herbed Prawns Bowl, Jerk Chicken Strip Bowl, or try the Penne Arabiata and Penne Pesto.

 

Then we had desert. Some more pictures for you, take a look.

ABOUT Raasta: The Caribbean Lounge

Raasta, the Caribbean Lounge brings a dose of sunshine, happiness, and Raasta culture to the capital. The first Raasta was set against the leafy background of Hauz Khas Village, where the bright and bold colours brought alive the culture of universal brotherhood made so famous by stalwarts like Bob Marley. In it’s one year of existence, Raasta has created a ‘feel good’ vibe, great music, fun events and fabulous food. The commitment of Raasta to create a truly unique ambience has made it a cornerstone of the HKV culture, and a memorable experience. Raasta, DLF Cyber Hub will soon be bringing this cult to the twinkling city of Gurgaon.