Chang’s Secret

Ushered into our seats,we are immediately served chilled water and handed the menu. While containing quite a few interesting dishes,we wish it wasn’t quite so filled with spelling errors. Also,there are some Indian dishes in the menu,tucked away in the corner,perhaps as a nod to Chindian solidarity. After some reflection,we decide to start with the Singapore-style chilli fish and chicken satay.

The chicken satay actually resembles the Indonesian dish,and not its Indian cousin (skewered chicken slathered with five-spice mix and good ol’ MSG). Well-roasted,crisp and nicely spiced,the satay goes down real smooth along with a very serviceable peanut sauce. The fish,though its description is a bit convoluted on the menu,is also quite toothsome. The fish is really fresh with a nice piquancy,which tickles the palate without overpowering it with spice.

For our main course,we go for the Sliced Basa in lemon grass sauce and the Clay-pot Chicken Sapu Style. We were invited to watch our fish being prepared and we happily settled in front of the teppanyaki counter with knife and fork in hand . The chef clearly knows what he’s doing: tossing veggies,flipping the fish,the works. It’s piled steaming on to our plate,and vanishes down our gullets — an instant hit. Soaked in lemon grass sauce,with crackling skin and soft flaky flesh,this is our favourite course. The chicken isn’t as savoury as the fish,but we love any kind of clay-pot cookery,and so,duly dispense with it.

While no China Garden,Chang’s is nonetheless a great place to hang out with friends and eat a good meal. The sights,sounds and smells of the grill,the friendly staff and the saporific food — all make for an agreeable dining experience.

Meal for two: Rs. 1,500 (including taxes,excluding alcohol) Address: Second floor,Moments mall,Kirti Nagar Contact: 65803214