Gonzo: Where to go if you miss the lively streets of Bangkok in Delhi

Were you always jealous of the F.R.I.E.N.D.S gang on TV hanging out at Central Perk cafe? So was I, and grew up with the unrealistic expectation of having friends living next door. However, if that dream were to come true, I would probably not be meeting them in a coffee shop. I would walk to this new cafe that I have discovered, making the best dumplings and sushi sharing platters that one could want!

My friends and I are all born in the 90’s, and we love the idea of always going out for some ‘Asian’ which typically means some dumplings, sushi, Korean BBQ or ramen, all options aplenty at this new chic store in Vasant Vihar’s Priya market, the erstwhile haunt of plenty South Dilliwallahs.

With quirky posters, a grunge vibe and dim lighting sprinkled liberally with red, it won’t be very difficult to imagine oneself at Bangla Street in Phuket. The food is equally exciting, while I don’t think the place is trying to go for authenticity or fine-dine, the options scream comfort food. The menu is designed to be easily shareable, the drinks are served in fun gothic containers (mine came in a skull mockup) and there are plenty nooks and crannies to gossip in! What’s not to like.

The quirky place by Sushobhit Sehgal & Deepak Datwani, is nonetheless a gourmand’s haunt, serving offbeat Asian street eats. The founders embarked on a quest to push away the boundaries of conventional dining, offering a wild atmosphere reflected by the diner’s decor and culinary array. There is an extensive menu laden with Pan Asian,Thai and Japanese flavors; alongside lip-smacking specialties like dimsums and sizzling stone bowls.

We began our meal with the Asian Chicken Salad, assorted dimsums, a Schezwan Chilli Garlic Noodle Bowl in a stone bowl, and Golden Fried Prawns. The dimsums didn’t disappoint, I particularly remember the edamame and cream cheese dimsum very fondly. The Spicy Prawn with Yellow Curry dimsum was unique with its flavour combination, and definitely hit the spot. The Golden Fried Prawns came with a wasabi mayo and was delicious to eat. I could imagine it pairing excellently with a dark beer or a cocktail. The stone bowl was my favourite, with complex yet familiar flavours, every bite was delicious, and we kept coming back for more despite being very full. For drinks, we went for Baby Kim and Spicy Yuzu, the former a strawberry, mint and lime concoction, while the latter included cucumber, ginger and kaffir lime.

A huge seating area with a seating capacity of 35 people, and a nice open balcony contributes to the casual-dine ambience of the place. Gonzo is a visual treat for those who love a quirky decor and pop culture, with many references to comics and anime. Its ideal for those who’re looking to have delicious food that doesn’t require dressing up and being put up in a format atmosphere. While we were there when they still hadn’t got their liquor licence, with its ultimate focus on delivering delicious food along with an assortment of speakeasy drinks, the bar is soon to become a crowd favorite!

Recognized for its consistent emphasis on fun, randomness and craziness, Gonzo is poised to become a popular hang-out place in South Delhi. Call your squad to grab a bite, and sip one of Gonzo’s many quirky drinks anytime between 12:30 pm to 11:00 pm.