Andheri East, unlike its western counterpart, offers limited options for a night out – most spots are either questionable dives or located in 5-stars. The soon-to-be-opened Reise (which means travel or journey in German) in Chakala aims to set things right by offering guests a contemporary vibe and a well-executed culinary experience that will take you on a journey across the globe.
AMBIENCE
Located on the ground level of the Oriental Aster hotel, Reise occupies what used to be a conference room. A neutral palette and well-placed ceiling and floor lamps ensure the compact space – which seats about 70 – feels cosy, but never cramped. Four-seater tables occupy either side of the bar – the section to the left is brightly lit, while chairs with a distressed white finish and apple green faux leather upholstery add to the contemporary feel. You’ll also find elements of the theme, i.e. travel, subtly incorporated into the décor in the form of photographs of scenes from around the globe, a trunk full of trinkets and, our favourite, intricate doodles of iconic monuments such as the Great Wall of China and St Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, set on each tabletop. The bar, too, is adorned with passport stamps from different countries. To the right of the bar is a dimmer space with warm brown chairs and sleek couches. Offering almost a private dining feel, this one’s good if you’re with a large group or on a date.
FOOD + DRINKS
While classic cocktails and shots take up a bulk of the bar menu, they also offer 8 signature cocktails inspired by different countries. The Dark N Stormy (Rs 260) – with origins in Bermuda – comes with a generous splash of ginger ale, while the Lemon Rosemary Gin Fizz (Rs 250) – inspired by Italy – is pleasantly refreshing.
The food menu is divided according to continents – Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East and America – with a focus on small plates to pair with your drinks. From the Domestic Travel section – which offers Indian flavours – the Kundan Tara (Rs 195) impressed us. The roasted mushroom comes with a creamy marinade and subtle smoky flavour, holding its own against its non-vegetarian kebab counterparts. The Arbi Andhra Chilly (Rs 190) is another unlikely winner with taro root cooked perfectly – crisp on the outside and soft on the inside – with just enough spiciness to give it some kick, without being overwhelming. Each dish can be paired with four chutneys – tomato and garlic, traditional mint, green chilli (our favourite), ghati masala – which slightly alter the flavours by bringing out different notes.
From the Far East section, we sampled three kinds of dimsum accompanied by a soy-chilli dip and a sweet-tangy lemongrass one. The Crystal Veg Dim Sum (Rs 210) comes with a carrot and shitake mushroom stuffing, lifted by a hint of celery, while the Spinach Parmesan Cheese Dim Sum (Rs 250) makes for the perfect cheesy bar snack. The Smoked Chicken Dim Sum (Rs 230) marries East and West and comes drizzled in a smoky house barbecue sauce. We made a quick pit-stop in Africa with the African Chicken Balls (Rs 190), with poached chicken stuffed with spicy-sweet cinnamon that complements the tart cherry tomatoes. Next, we ventured into potentially sacrilegious territory with the Videshi Khichidi (Rs 250), but were once again pleasantly surprised – a twist on a traditional risotto, the creamy cheese and familiar hints of dal tadka make for the perfect bowl of comfort to end an alcohol-fuelled night. Similarly, we’d go back for, the Thepla Taquitos (Rs 200) – lightly spiced, buttery thepla with a creamy refried beans stuffing. Finally, rounding off the night was the nutty Brownie Mousse Pave (160) – light chocolate mousse sandwiched between three layers of chocolate brownie – and the Gulab Jamun with Granny Smith Rabri (Rs 160), which offered a variety of textures, while the rabri offset some of the sweetness of the gulab jamun.
IN A NUTSHELL
WH Verdict: A culinary journey that won’t break the bank.
Meal For Two: Rs 1,200
Timings: Noon to midnight
Follow them on Instagram
**The writer was invited by the restaurant to preview their menu**
Andheri East, unlike its western counterpart, offers limited options for a night out – most spots are either questionable dives or located in 5-stars. The soon-to-be-opened Reise (which means travel or journey in German) in Chakala aims to set things right by offering guests a contemporary vibe and a well-executed culinary experience that will take you on a journey across the globe.
AMBIENCE
Located on the ground level of the Oriental Aster hotel, Reise occupies what used to be a conference room. A neutral palette and well-placed ceiling and floor lamps ensure the compact space – which seats about 70 – feels cosy, but never cramped. Four-seater tables occupy either side of the bar – the section to the left is brightly lit, while chairs with a distressed white finish and apple green faux leather upholstery add to the contemporary feel. You’ll also find elements of the theme, i.e. travel, subtly incorporated into the décor in the form of photographs of scenes from around the globe, a trunk full of trinkets and, our favourite, intricate doodles of iconic monuments such as the Great Wall of China and St Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, set on each tabletop. The bar, too, is adorned with passport stamps from different countries. To the right of the bar is a dimmer space with warm brown chairs and sleek couches. Offering almost a private dining feel, this one’s good if you’re with a large group or on a date.
FOOD + DRINKS
While classic cocktails and shots take up a bulk of the bar menu, they also offer 8 signature cocktails inspired by different countries. The Dark N Stormy (Rs 260) – with origins in Bermuda – comes with a generous splash of ginger ale, while the Lemon Rosemary Gin Fizz (Rs 250) – inspired by Italy – is pleasantly refreshing.
The food menu is divided according to continents – Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East and America – with a focus on small plates to pair with your drinks. From the Domestic Travel section – which offers Indian flavours – the Kundan Tara (Rs 195) impressed us. The roasted mushroom comes with a creamy marinade and subtle smoky flavour, holding its own against its non-vegetarian kebab counterparts. The Arbi Andhra Chilly (Rs 190) is another unlikely winner with taro root cooked perfectly – crisp on the outside and soft on the inside – with just enough spiciness to give it some kick, without being overwhelming. Each dish can be paired with four chutneys – tomato and garlic, traditional mint, green chilli (our favourite), ghati masala – which slightly alter the flavours by bringing out different notes.
From the Far East section, we sampled three kinds of dimsum accompanied by a soy-chilli dip and a sweet-tangy lemongrass one. The Crystal Veg Dim Sum (Rs 210) comes with a carrot and shitake mushroom stuffing, lifted by a hint of celery, while the Spinach Parmesan Cheese Dim Sum (Rs 250) makes for the perfect cheesy bar snack. The Smoked Chicken Dim Sum (Rs 230) marries East and West and comes drizzled in a smoky house barbecue sauce. We made a quick pit-stop in Africa with the African Chicken Balls (Rs 190), with poached chicken stuffed with spicy-sweet cinnamon that complements the tart cherry tomatoes. Next, we ventured into potentially sacrilegious territory with the Videshi Khichidi (Rs 250), but were once again pleasantly surprised – a twist on a traditional risotto, the creamy cheese and familiar hints of dal tadka make for the perfect bowl of comfort to end an alcohol-fuelled night. Similarly, we’d go back for, the Thepla Taquitos (Rs 200) – lightly spiced, buttery thepla with a creamy refried beans stuffing. Finally, rounding off the night was the nutty Brownie Mousse Pave (160) – light chocolate mousse sandwiched between three layers of chocolate brownie – and the Gulab Jamun with Granny Smith Rabri (Rs 160), which offered a variety of textures, while the rabri offset some of the sweetness of the gulab jamun.
IN A NUTSHELL
WH Verdict: A culinary journey that won’t break the bank.
Meal For Two: Rs 1,200
Timings: Noon to midnight
Follow them on Instagram
**The writer was invited by the restaurant to preview their menu**