From potli biryani to virtual reality games, Smaaash at DlF Mall of India is surely a family entertainer. By Ankita Jain
Imagine being at a carnival where celebrations never stop, a place that instantly transports visitors to their childhood. That’s how it feels like being at the Mighty Small Café and Bar in Smaaash, the gaming zone at the newly-opened DlF Mall of India, Noida. As you walk into this carnival themed café, the first thing that grabs your attention is the bright red and white seating area with huge circus posters on the wall. On the other hand, the bar features a scrabble inspired façade with names of drinks on it for the amusement of the customers. All elements, like the origami birds, 3D animal art installations and red glass panels come together in a beautiful way in the bar section.
The fact that members of different age groups, including children, can also be entertained here, makes it a complete family café. While one unwinds at the bar while relishing his favourite delicacy, the kids can play in the newly-opened Trampoline Park. Also if one is adventurous, there are quite a few virtual reality games to keep you on the edge.
If you are one of those who wants to tickle their taste buds without hampering the calorie count, then the Southwestern chili soup and the big fat green salad packed with all things healthy, is your escape. Moving over to the appetiser section, the tartlets stuffed with corn, mushroom and jalapeno miss the spicy flavour but the volcano of nachos served in a stone bowl loaded with salsa, veggies, cheese and sour cream is a perfect blend of herbs over the crispy nachos. Try the pav bhaji fondue and be ready for the twist. The pav breads come as slices and appear like potato wedges and the bhaji is as tempting as it looks, topped up with cheese and coriander. The chilli chicken tartlets could be better with more chicken pieces and the chilli sauce.
For the main course, hot lips, grilled cottage cheese burger seasoned with a hot shock seasoning with sriracha mayonnaise sauce and sweet chilli fries served with spicy slaw is a must try. The appetising pan fried noodle meal, served with roasted chilli paneer, Chinese greens and freshly sprouted mushrooms, soaked in barbeque sauce, is the best of all. There is chicken lollipop and Koliwada chicken popcorn for the non-vegetarians. The menu also includes scrumptious pizzas and burgers and different varieties of bread like rotis, naans and paratha which come in a special combo offer.
When it comes to the combination of rice, masalas and some meat, biryani starts popping in our mind. For those biryani lovers, potli biryani with its vegetarian and non-vegetarian options focusses more on the flavouring than the spices with a little dosage of cashew paste and ghee. If you want to experiment, try the Mighty Mix which includes prawns, mutton and chicken. It is not just an array of different flavours in the carte but also the presentation that leaves you spellbound. And the thick shake named Baby Split, prepared in a blender with a small scoop of ice cream, milk, banana, chocolate chips and sugar is a sweet ending to a good meal.