Gunpowder
Right about this time of the year, my taste-buds start getting purposeful and I know it’s time to head to the National Capital for appeasement. Innumerable edible reasons await us but the one that has off-late popped into my head is dished out by an unpretentious little eatery called Gunpowder in the sprawling Hauz Khas Village.
It was a fine spring evening when I made my first acquaintance with this establishment. As part of a carnivorous lot that wound its way through the labyrinthine alleys of the village, past charming stores peddling kitsch and finally up four flights of a narrow staircase. That we were a large group disqualified us for the best table: a two-seater on the balcony peering down onto the mossy kund and its green surroundings from a lofty perch.
The open kitchen displayed shiny equipment in barely enough space for the journo-
turned-chef owner and another pair of helping hands that fashion the superb home-cooked flavours. Their relaxed pace and the come-as-you-are ambience suggests you could be at a friend’s place. The limited-item menu (read printed A4 sheets), dependent on availability of fresh ingredients, could change daily so you may not want to play favourites. Subsequent visits taught me well. The one time, they were out of coffee, another, the prawns and once most disappointingly their tuna curry.
Interestingly, we were introduced to Gunpowder by a friend who swears by their avial and kaddu preparation. I must grudgingly confess he has plenty reason even though that is pretty much the extent of their vegetarian offering. But what really does it for me is their pork curry cooked Coorgi style and accompanied by Malabar parotha. It really isn’t a curry but thick gravy instead, just barely coating the meat in a rich spicy masala. Another finger-licking (literally) item is the kothuparotta, a coarsely shredded parantha topped with mutton or chicken, impossible to fork or spoon into your mouth. And then, and then, their heavenly coffee to complement a truly delicious meal.
However, just in case you are inspired by my drooling-in-print, you must remember to 
make reservations. Else you will be dejected at being turned away for lack of food, even if you do find a table, as they tend to run out of their most popular items by about 3pm. Take it from someone who has experienced it firsthand. Last winter my sister Nikuji, Mini and I killed time, for a table to come available, by posing for pictures even while our hunger grew unbearable! Be warned…
Non vegetarian dishes of Malabar are yummy, better than the Mughalai dishes.
I second that 🙂
Fooooooooooooodddd yummmmmmmmmmmmmmmyyyyy
Bikram’s
yessssssssss…!
happy to see our photos alongwith the delicious write-up!
Excellent, wasn’t it…?
Can you put up some pictures of this divine Malabar cuisine, and some more details of the composition. I have never heard of this tree top location, how do I get here??
Sounds worth a trip
It is certainly worth a trip. Even though I must confess I am so busy eating, I never get around to taking pictures of the food 😀
I have linked back to their Facebook page which has all the details required to locate/reserve it… Best of luck.
I like the name. My Tamilian friend calls the yummy idli chutney powder Gunpowder. This chutney powder is supposed to be mixed with oil to make an instant dip to eat idlis with. North Indians don’t have a taste for this, but I find it yummy.
It is named after that same yummy powder. Inexplicably, you pay for it per spoonful. A patent issue you think…? 😉
Could be. People have their own receipes for it, maybe their’s is the killer one.
Perhaps…
Will you believe it…I went there last month and it was exactly like you said….was turned away without food! No reservations! Still, though I didn’t get the food you did, i got similar pictures!! (Blah!)
Waiting to go to Dilli again to get some Gunpowder!
I believe you! BTW, they have have reliable Facebook page where they confirm reservations. I have a linkback to it on my post. You may want to be prepared the next time… Cheers.
sounds like my kinda place..surprisingly have never heard of it before.
Love these foodie write-ups even tho they are torturous sometimes…Usually I read them in my work chair, having skipped lunch and my stomach making growling and unhappy noises…:(
It’s a couple of years old now, and you should certainly grab a bite sometime. They promote upcoming artists by displaying their works and I think I once spotted a book, too. Note to self: should get some details on that 😉
Pics of the place are idyllic. A Hauz Khas village? Where exactly is that?
It is any idyllic location brimming with Khilji dynasty character, bang in the midst of New Delhi. You should visit sometime…
Went there this Summer- although Winters will be a better time to go given the hot food ; ) – love the place ! Chef seemed to be a pretty serious guy – no smiles even when we complimented him on the yum food !!!
Winter afternoons, perfect time to attain spicy nirvana!