G. Kalyan Kumar
‘Noche’ in Spanish means the “time between sunset and sunrise.” The namesake resto-bar is nascent in New Delhi and completely different from other restaurants in Delhi in terms of concept, style, and ambiance.
The evening restaurant and bar focus on the foods and beverages of the Caribbean, Central, and South America. To fulfill your cravings for Spanish, or Mexican food Noche has lined up a fastidious menu. The management of First Fiddle Restaurants owned by Priyank Sukhija has given it an international touch in many respects.
Noche introduces you to the concept of art-filled eateries in India like the ones you have heard from New York or London. Now this New Delhi “Arty” resto diner destination is giving a stiff race to many entrenched names.
At Noche, guests can nosh on classic Spanish and Latin fare while drooling over the displayed artifacts by masters of yore.
Noche seeks to take guests to a whirlwind romance of art, great tastes, and music resonating with the earthy vibes of an artisanal restaurant coagulating the warmth of Latin America and the oomph of Delhi’s royal culture and flavors of India.
Noche has got a great locational advantage as a part of the prime neighborhood in South Delhi’s Bhikaji Cama Place that overlooks the five-star Hyatt Regency Hotel across the road. The panoramic enclave of One Golden Mile has many other high-octane bars and restaurants giving company to the majestic Noche.
Big menu and the man behind it
Reiterating the Latin stamp Noche has lined up a bevy of sensory indulgences for the plate as an extension of its artistic trove. Priyam Chatterjee, the award-winning chef, has thoughtfully curated the menu that is apt to be called a ‘Fiesta of Flavours’ and adds a unique touch to the compositions by absorbing the best from the native repertoire that celebrates dining with fun and laughter.
Priyam Chatterjee was the first Indian chef to be awarded France's Ordre du Merite Agricole. Chatterjee has managed to meld the best of both worlds in a taut harmony.
For art lovers, this restaurant is more than a venue of sensory indulgences as masterpieces of world-class artists such as Salvador Dali, Yayoi Kusama, and Pierre Cartier, are beckoning you to a contemplative mood.
Great decor by Brent Chair
The Bent Chair designed structure of Noche expresses its core theme--of food and drinks with culture and artistic pleasure including music with great lighting decor. Noche is like an immersive space blending global inspirations and Indian roots.
This “Arte y” restaurant’s 8-corner star flooring, the nice marble patterns in the outdoor bar, and the backlit bar’s complex layout of mirrors induce a surreal ambiance to the guests.
The decor makes the "Noche experience" a journey to a world of color, art, and gastronomic pleasures discovering many new tastes. The Bent Chair decor reinforces the culinary experience with an arty welcome as seen in the pencil drawings at the outlet, the flying sunflower painting gracing the stairs, and the brave astronauts hanging from the ceiling lights. This arty touch is Noche’s biggest strength, making the thinking and jolly crowd converge seamlessly.
Signature dishes and Caribbean cocktails
Let us not miss the Noche fare in terms of international food. Note that the must-try signature dishes are many but Buff Tartare, Pork in Coorgi Ghee Roast, and Achari Lamb Shoulder Pibil can top the list.
The taste of hearty cocktails you cannot miss. The exclusive Caribbean cocktails have the master stroke of Barcelona-based Giuseppe ‘Papi’ Stasi elevating them to artisanal cocktails of aspirational quality.
Giuseppe has curated a melange of signature concoctions with ensembles such as Trash Talk G&T, Van Van Colada, and El Grito. Giuseppe 'Papi' Stasi is famous for his brand TrashTalk and is based in Barcelona, Spain.
Personal anecdote on Noche food
My food at Noche (of course with family) had some lip-smacking plates of chicken, beans, and guac as amalgamations of Jhalmuri and church beans splashed with sauces. Avacado guac nachos were yummy while Barcelona shrimp and garlic appeared like regular prawns with Goan Vindaloo flavors. That experimentation deserves a thumbs-up.
An array of variety mushrooms named Habanero delighted immensely with the velvety 'malai' and galouti masala. Ceviche spiced Tuna bhel was unique. The crispy Empanadas asserted the imaginative touch in the menu. The Lamb Arzo Biryani with orzo pasta that skips rice will rejoice many. The filling meal, followed a dessert which I had many choices to battle with until I zeroed in on something “special” and it turned out to be more than a dessert but a culinary art.
The Noche Tres Leche (tree of life) dessert served to me was a beautifully crafted petal flower and it tasted heavenly as I savored more of the fluid cakes beneath.
The friendly crew led by operations manager Shubham Anand deserves special mention for the care of guests and the service, especially in explaining the nuances of various dishes. So, Noche is a must-go destination and who knows its depth of offerings will not make you a regular too!
