Travel+Leisure India & South Asia gets a taste of what makes Street Storyss, a vegetarian restaurant in Bengaluru, a go-to for many in the city, especially its experimental eaters.
TL Tastings
A Review of Street Storyss, Bengaluru
Across the world, few things capture the soul of a spot like its local food, best served at hawker booths and holes-in-the wall. Tapping into this sentiment, Street Storyss, a vegetarian restaurant in Bengaluru, brings discerning diners a carefully-crafted celebration of global and homegrown flavours, techniques, and ingredients; albeit with an inventive vegetarian twist. This is complemented by a vibrant ambience marked by verdant corners, minimalist murals, brass details, jazzy music, and the constant gasps of delight in every bite and sip.
Cuisine
The menu at Street Storyss, helmed by chef Tarun Sibal, is largely seasonal, championing ingredients sourced directly from local farms. Adding a vegetarian spin to popular street food creations from across the globe (including different parts of India), the options here are eclectic and experimental. Think tikkas marinated in a Spanish sauce or pumpkins paired with Chinese breakfast staples. The plates are postcard perfect, with every serve coming in with the promise of health and depth of flavour.
We Recommend
Small and large plates
Quick bites are synonymous with street food and community dining lies at the heart of this establishment. Going for an assortment of salads, chaats, and small plates is deemed the modus operandi for many repeat diners. The crisp and refreshing Citrus Summer Salad (INR 395) with orange and mustard dressing is a sensorial celebration of fruits, vegetables, and grains grown in the country. Apples, puffed rice, nuts, and greens bring the crunch while juicy oranges and grapes add a burst of flavour in every bite. The refreshing, light dressing ties them all together.
The Corn Khees Chaat (INR 375) with green chilli, coconut, and peppers is a nod to the underrated and nutrient dense paneer-like preparation that’s unique to a few parts of India. Spices cut through the creaminess of this well-rounded creation, which will have you going back for seconds (and thirds). The Bangkok Stir Fry (INR 365) is a revelation channelling the flavours of Thailand’s most popular street food markets while spotlighting a popular Indian ingredient–eggplant. Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, every bite of this dish bursts with notes of chilli and garlic.
For a sure-shot crowd-pleasing bite, try the Chilli Cheese Wonton (INR 395). Fried to crunchy perfection and filled with soft cream cheese whose indulgence is cut by a sharp homemade chilli paste — this is plant-based food’s finest example. Chimichurri Paneer Tikka (INR 395) promises pillowy-soft bites, courtesy of the star ingredient being made fresh in-house. Paired with the refreshing, punchy character of the classic oregano-parsley-cilantro Spanish condiment, this one’s as flavourful as they come.
Heartier bites brought with them more eclectic techniques and flavour combinations. The Pumpkin Ghee Podi (INR 395), for instance, takes the idea of a popular South Indian condiment and fuses it with creamy winter squash. Dig deep with the flaky and layered Scallion Chilli Paratha, reminiscent of the beloved Chinese breakfast staple bread, and you’ll discover hits of pungent and flavourful blue cheese in every bite. Interestingly, this unique creation caters to both, adventurous eaters and comfort seekers.
The Jackfruit Biryani (INR 475) is a seasonal must-try. It channels the flavours of Hyderabad’s old city with its layered notes and accompanying garlic-cumin-red chilli Burani raita. The roasted garlic garnish in the latter is a delightful textural addition while the jackfruit itself is meaty and jam-packed with flavour.
Drinks
The complex flavours of every creation here pair like a dream with their selection of mocktails and brews. The Mexican Tribe (INR 285) with pineapple and jalapenos is a perfectly-balanced medley of sweet and spicy. The Sundowner at Street (INR 285) is a showstopper with each sip singing with notes of orange, passion fruit, and soda.
Dessert
Those with sweet teeth are spoilt for choice here. The menu champions guilt-free indulgences. The poster child is the Dark Chocolate Mousse (INR 425). Despite being made with just water, sweetener, and cocoa, it’s surprisingly indulgent. The caramelised oranges cut through the creaminess, adding a refreshing burst of flavour in the process. Every bite is satisfying–the stuff of all diet dessert dreams!
The Coconut Kulfi with Passion Fruit Puree and Banana (INR 375) doubles down on the indulgence. The chunky frozen treat is perfectly complemented by the soft fruit, especially when drenched in some caramel sauce. You’re bound to go back for seconds with this one!
Our Takeaway
This quaint bistro-style craft kitchen is tucked in the bustling bylanes of Indiranagar with a large and vibrant signage guiding the way. Through the pastel-hued doors is a ‘gram-worthy dining space that reflects its culinary ethos. The long central table, for instance, encourages community-style dining and shared plates. The brass trumpet lights and contemporary murals fused with cosy, laid-back lounge seating are a nod to its modern, experimental menu with comforting and familiar flavours. The abundant verdant corners are reminiscent of the space’s seasonal sensibilities. Although cosy, this vegetarian restaurant in Bengaluru retains a certain breezy characteristic, even as it slowly fills up during rush hour. The constant hum of chatter, clinking of utensils, and swoosh of servers zipping past tables is a testimony to the restaurant’s stellar reputation, as are the flavours that come with each of their plates. These factors, combined with the pure fun of the creative menu, sets this place apart from its counterparts in the city. Head here on a weekend to discover the abundance of stories to be told, heard, and savoured.
Quick Notes
Price for two: INR 1,500
Timings: 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Address: Srinivasam Towers, Paramahansa Yogananda Rd, Defence Colony, Indiranagar, Bengaluru
All Images: Courtesy Street Storyss, Bengaluru
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