In Delhi’s ever-evolving café culture, quirky little places are not only surviving but thriving! Whether you’re in the mood for a quick coffee break or an elaborate brunch, the city offers an array of delightful spots waiting to be explored. One such hidden gem that I recently discovered is Uncle, a charming café located in the main market of Vasant Vihar. The moment I stepped inside, I felt as if I had escaped the hustle and bustle of the city. Adorned with eye-catching artwork, the café’s all-glass windows strike a perfect balance between minimalism and vibrancy. And liveliness? Absolutely spot on. But what really sets Uncle apart isn’t just their complimentary Uncle Chips Chaat – it’s their inventive food menu, bursting with bold flavors and creative twists in every bite.
Seated in a cozy corner, we were given a special eight-course menu that promised a variety of tastes. We started with the drinks, starting with their signature cocktail Desi Andaz, a delightful mix of Indian Scotch and Potli Masala. Soon, we witnessed an extraordinary proliferation of such combinations that crossed the limits of imagination.
Our culinary journey started with Chakna 2.0. You ask, why 2.0? Because their first offering, Uncle Chips Chaat, was just a warm-up! The Chakna 2.0 thali showcased three innovative dishes – Tangy Noodle Salad, Chilli Cheese Churros, and my personal favourite, the Millet and Beetroot Chaat. Spicy Noodle Salad, with its crunchy noodles, fresh vegetables and tamarind dressing, complements the Indian palate perfectly.
(L-R) Tangy Noodle Salad, Chili Cheese Churros, and Millet and Beetroot Chaat
But it wasn’t the noodle salad or the bajra chaat that stole the show – it was the chilli cheese churros. Typically a dessert, this savory presentation was coated in a house blend spice blend and paired with lemon aioli and chilli yogurt. The cheesy churros provided a delightful explosion of flavors, perfectly complementing the rest of the spread without being overpowering.
Next, we enjoyed a plate of Desi Chicken Parm. Yes, you read that right. This glocalized version of the classic dish had it all – crispiness, spiciness and spiciness. Topped with gooey Himalayan cheese and flavorful tomato salsa, each bite was a pleasant yet comforting experience.
Desi Chicken Parm.
Next, we tried two tandoor specialties: Peppy Paneer Tikka and Hide and Seekh. The paneer tikka, with roasted peppers, had the right hint of spice. However, the Hide and Seek-batter-fried lamb seekh kebabs served with coriander pesto fell short. The outer layer was crispy but the meat filling, unfortunately, was too dry for my taste.
Hide and seek kebab.
No meal is complete without carbs, and Uncle kept this in mind with its next offering – a mixture of kulcha and prawns. Instead of the usual curry, tandoori prawns were served over soft kulchas. The combination of crunchy prawns and pillowy bread was perfectly spicy and balanced.
Kulcha and prawns.
And just when we thought the feast was over, along came the main courses, which included Batata Byadagi Blast, Butter Chicken with Chilli Cheese Naan and Coastal-Spiced Pork Belly with Egg Rice. Each dish left me at a loss for words. Baby potatoes cooked in Byadagi chilli and coconut curry were creamy and went beautifully with the fluffy sponge dosa. The pairing of butter chicken and chili cheese naan was divine, but the real highlight was the spicy pork belly with egg rice. Served in a bento box, the tender meat was cooked to perfection and brought a wave of nostalgia with its presentation.
(L-R) Coastal-marinated pork belly with batata byadagi blast and egg rice.
Despite being stuffed, we couldn’t resist the special dessert—the Chipwich. This scrumptious Double Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwich, filled with Wayanad Vanilla and Pondicherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, was pure bliss and a perfect end to our gastronomic adventure.
Chipwich.
Overall, my time spent at uncle’s place was unforgettable. This cozy café is the ideal place to hang out with friends, family or that special someone!
Where: Main Market, 24, Community Centre, Basant Lok, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi
