Finally, the denizens of Delhi have a destination for authentic Bengali food at reasonable prices. Brown Sahib, which opened it’s doors to a waiting public less than a month back, serves an eclectic collection of authentic Bengali and Anglo-Indian food at MGF Mall, Saket. Started by ex-journalist Rajyasree Sen, I appreciate what she’s done with the decor, staff, prices and just about everything else about Brown Sahib, including the name. I’ll add a little disclaimer here that ‘reasonable’ is relative to the value one receives.

Originally, the term ‘Brown Sahib’ referred to Indians who had acquired a taste for all things British, including their thoughts and culture. In fact the image used by the restaurant is Rajyasree’s grandfather who was, according to her, a ‘Brown Sahib’. She’s even displayed his collection of unusual pipes at the bar.

Warm and inviting, Brown Sahib has 48 covers, excellent waiting staff and years of experience in the kitchen. Believe it or not, more than 50 years of culinary experience exist between the two Chefs in Brown Sahib’s kitchen, which I believe sets the stage for some really delicious food. Moving around is easy, even for me and the chairs are comfortable. Apart from the marble tableware, which I found uncomfortable, there really isn’t much to turn off a guest – even a grumbler like me.

Apart from calls of duty, I don’t really eat out much, the main reason being there’s very little incentive to do so these days. The menus look the same, service is either subservient or lackadaisical and most serve average food. The environs are either pretentiously unpretentious, lack character or are the ‘dahlink-muah-muah-wasn’t-that-the-same-dress-you-wore-last-year’ type of places, none of which appeal for obvious reasons. I find the first mindlessly bohemian, the second a waste of time and end up counting boob jobs at the third, since meaningful conversation is unheard of.

Thankfully, Brown Sahib falls into none of these categories and for me, is comparable to Bernardo’s in Gurgaon. Though the interiors of the two are poles apart, the food is honest and the cooking genuine. Both make for a very satisfying dining experience and that’s what really matters doesn’t it?

Next: Our meal at Brown Sahib

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