Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra Launched in New Delhi

MASSIVE RESTAURANTS spearheaded by Zorawar Kalra under the mentorship of his father, the legendary Jiggs Kalra launched Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra in New Delhi, on Janpath, on Friday, July 8. The 70 seater 4000 odd square feet restaurant (including the private dining room). For those wanting to get a taste of what the food is going to taste like, you have to wait till July 18, 2016 when operations begin for dinner only during the first few weeks, a company source told us.

The concept note handed out by the company gives us an inkling by saying “Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra, New Delhi is the World’s first subcontinental restaurant showcasing cuisine from regions comprising of modern day Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and most importantly India. Celebrating food, developed over centuries, of the historic geographical landscape, impacted and influenced by various cultural, trade and colonial interactions.” It adds that the restaurant aims at using cutting-edge techniques and presenting Indian cuisine Version 4.0.

The philosophy adapted in the menu revolves around progressive Indian cuisine which is a synthesis of over four decades of research and exploration across various Indian kitchens by Jiggs Kalra. It forms a part of the vision of presenting the future of Indian Cuisine - Version 4.0. Although, post-modern and post-molecular techniques form a part of the vision of presenting future of the subcontinental cuisine, the focus is, and will always remain, on the taste and authenticity of its cuisine first, the note adds.

As part of the curated culinary journey, guests will also experience an array of beverages inspired from elements widely used in cuisine surrounding the subcontinent, with a union of some traditional ingredients to develop an exceptional blend synonymous with the concept of Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra.

According to what we have been reading online, Zorawar Kalra has been quoted extensively as saying that the New Delhi restaurant is different from the first and extremely successful Masala Library in Mumbai.

"We are planning to go international. We are looking at multiple overseas market. But we don't want to talk about it. We want to have one Masala Library internationally in 12 months. Masala Library will not open in India now but our other brands like Farzi Cafe, Made in Punjab and Pa Pa Ya, will open all over India.

"We plan to open 10 restaurants in India this financial year. After Dubai, we will soon open one more Farzi Cafe on foreign shores," Zorawar told agencies in an interview recently.