Swwing, a wine and gourmet bar in Bengaluru, redefines dining in the Garden City. Travel+Leisure India & South Asia stopped by to review its offerings.
Under the aegis of food entrepreneurs Tarun Sibal and Akshay Luthria, Swwing recently opened in the heart of Bengaluru’s trendiest district, Indiranagar 12th Main. The restaurant offers an immersive dining experience and is a departure from the typical gastropubs of Bengaluru.
TL Tastings
A Review of Swwing
Cuisine
The menu at Swwing is tropical. It draws inspiration from the southern reaches of Sri Lanka, Cambodia, mainland Thailand, and other Asian countries and also celebrates the diversity of India’s coastline.
We Recommend
Small Plates
Among all the small plates on the menu, what stood out was the Crab Toast with a cutting of Mulligatawny soup. While the toast was simple, with a melt-in-the-mouth crab topping, the soup made for the perfect warm accompaniment, complementing the flavours well. The Smoked Aubergine Pachdi, another genius dish, elevated the simple vegetable to a gourmet level–the tempering of curry leaves and mustard seeds left no room for scepticism.
Other small plates that will surprise you pleasantly are the Sweet Potato Croquette with pulled portobello mushrooms and pear and apple salad; and the simple yet flavourful Chicken Taco with fresh turmeric, coconut, and Matah Sambhal. The tropical flavours shine through in all the dishes which is no mean feat.
Medium Plates
Even if you are not a fan of offal preparations, the buttery smooth Bheja Taka Tak might convert you. Paired with savoury pancakes and tomato and curry leaf butter, this preparation won me over. The Tomato Sticky Rice Biryani was reminiscent of the biryanis served at Kerala weddings in the early aughts. The Goat Sliver Gochujang Ghee Roast is paired with crispy laccha paratha or neer dosa–the dish is as homely as it is gourmet.
Drinks
Swwing is a wine bar offering wine pairings with every dish–the menu puts the focus back on Indian wine-producing regions. The small plates were paired with a mix of tannic, and light, smooth and heavy wines. The Source Sauvignon Blanc–medium bodied and medium acidic–went well with the aubergine; the light-bodied, dry Sartori Pinot Grigio with its silky mouthfeel was perfect with the crab. With medium plates, the crisp Dr Loosen Riesling and Fratelli Sette were served among others.
Our Takeaway
Swwing is a winner–in both ambience and offerings. The lighting, rattan ceilings and chairs, and the deep blue shade that dominates most decor are clear winners. It is a fine dining experience that Bengaluru has been waiting for.
Quick Notes
Price for two: INR 2,500 + taxes
Address: Indiranagar 12th Main, Bengaluru
Timings: 7pm to 1am. Currently open only for dinner
Related: TL Tastings: Akra — New Delhi’s Newest Restobar That Is All Things Cosy, Chic & Creative!
Written By
Adila Matra
Deputy EditorAdila Matra is a Delhi-based writer who likes to hop on board a bus and head to the Himalayas when she hears the call of the mountains. An ardent lover of hummus, Adila makes it a point to sample strange local dishes wherever she goes. When she is not travelling, she can be found lazing around, watching cool sci-fi shows or reading historical fiction.
