Bangalore's Taste of Punjab: Oye Amritsar

Think of any restaurant serving north Indian food in the city and the impression you are likely to have is of a place with a kitschy dhaba-like decor, replete with lanterns, cheesy film posters and loudspeakers. Oye Amritsar , the new kid on the block, is no exception to this stereotype either. Housed in the same building as that of Saigon and Ruby Tuesday , Oye Amritsar brings to town the rustic flavours from the land of five rivers and is the perfect place to head to for a hearty meal, thoda malai marke!

Oye Amritsar offers both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The cocktails have names with a naughty twist, such as, Tar-Booze, watermelon pieces doused in gin and sprinkled with rock salt, or the Frozen Kairi Daiquiri, garnished with green mango. In the mocktail section, you could take your pick from the ubiquitous lassi, served in large tumblers, or the refreshing sugarcane juice.

The menu consists of the usual Punjabi fare—roti, naan, paratha, dal, vegetables, poultry, seafood and mutton dishes. Each of the items is a treat in itself, tender, succulent and easy on the palate. A few must-tries are Tandoori Chicken and Ajjwain Fish.

Once you are through with the main course, order some Jelabi Naal Rabri or a plate of Malai Kulfi Faloodawaali from Balwinder Singh Sr Mithaiwala. And just when you thought you are ready for the check, the paanwala comes up and asks for your choice of paan—the perfect way to round off the great Punjabi meal.

Oye Amritsar doesn’t offer buffet options at lunch, but has fixed thalis, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, instead. The service is courteous, and the valet parking comes as a huge relief.

It’s time to discover the spirit of Oye Amritsar, wouldn’t you say so?