OMO: Soul Food Community, the cult vegetarian café in Gururam, serves up a modern interpretations of farm-to-table produce and cooking techniques. This time, the journey takes diners to Kashmir, with ingredients that have been curated especially for this pop up.
TL Tastings
A Review of OMO: Soul Food Community, Gurugram’s Kashmiri Menu Pop-up
Cuisine
While the OMO works on a strict ‘Produce is King’ policy, it has already established itself as a pioneer in modern vegetarian cuisine. It also serves multiple vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options. Add to this an expansive menu of coffee, kombuchas, fresh juices, and gelatos made inhouse. The innovative interpretation of vegetables, fruits and herbs here have already gained a large following, while new dishes inspired by the chefs’ trip to Kashmir is quickly rising to fame.
Ambience
This beautiful mud wall laden café is on the rooftop of Galleria Market in Gurugram. Natural light filters in, with hipster cane and sustainable furniture adding to the vibe. They have outdoor seating as well, where the entire balcony is dotted with potted greens adding to the ambience.
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Appetisers
The Kohl Rabi and Apple Salad (INR 515) is a light refreshing way to start your meal. Peppered with bursts of Aniseeds and strewn marigold petals, this unusual dressing combines greens like arugula with ginger. The Baegle Bean and Chili on Corn bread (INR 575) follows next. Baegle is a bean commonly used in Kashmir. For this dish, it is cooked to perfection with Kashmiri red chillies giving a slight hit and crunchy corn flatbread making for the perfect bite.
Another great starter is the Kalari Cheese (INR 575). Wrapped in flatbread and toasted till the cheese is gooey, it’s served with a piquant pepper sauce. The cheese is sourced from a farm in Kashmir and is a must-try for all cheese lovers.
Main Course
For mains, it is hard to choose a favourite. I start with the Gourd, Morels and Collard Greens (INR 625)– a one-of-its-kind dish which uses noodles made from dehydrated gourd and accented with black garlic. The guchchi mushrooms add to the umami, balancing the entire dish perfectly.
Another favourite is the Nadur or lotus stem. Made in a traditional yogurt and mint gravy, it is served with red rice — a direct nod to the classic Yakhni technique (INR 650). The finale is the most scrumptious of them all: a pumpkin and water spice fagottini (INR 675). A pasta unlike any available in the city, this dish consists of tiny dough pillows stuffed with dried pumpkin and lentils accompanied by a spice emulsion and pickled crunchy pumpkin.
Dessert
The Kahwa Tres leches (INR 575) is another beautifully executed dish. The flavours of the decadent saffron, cardamom and almond sauce infused in milk is truly unique!
Our takeaway
With the Kashmiri pop-up at OMO: Soul Food Community, chef Vanshika Bhatia has understood the essence of Kashmiri cuisine, but also skillfully made it her own. As the produce shines in every dish, the busts of freshness and long-forgotten flavours make a stunning comeback. OMO is working towards reviving Indian delicacies that may have gotten lost with time, but by making it modern and accessible. It’s a must-visit if you are a fan of progressive cuisine!
Quick Notes
Address: R-004, 2nd Floor, DLF, Galleria Market, DLF Phase IV, Sector 28, Gurugram
Timings: 10 am to midnight
Related: Here’s What Makes Noon Chai, A Kashmiri Delicacy, So Special!
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