As I walked towards Wykiki Brewpub, located on the rooftop of Taj City Centre Newtown, one of the best barbecue spreads I had ever tasted awaited me. With rock and hip-hop chartbusters wafting through the air, on a chilly and breezy day, I sat down with Taj’s executive chef, Subrata Debnath and cluster general manager (operations) and general manager Indranil Ray for an afternoon of tasting their newly curated winter menu — Smokin’ Now. The items derive inspiration from Algerian, Moroccan, German, Chinese and Indian cuisines to give you a slice of barbecue heaven in every bite. While the contemporary-style brewpub has both outdoor and indoor seating, we sat under a clear sky to experience an authentic winter barbecue menu that will be available till February 29.
When I tried the Char Siu Pork Belly served with bao, I knew why it was so loved. The sheer balance of taste and softness with the crackling grilled outer layer of the pork belly is a delight for winter afternoons
If you are a seafood person then the Grilled Sriracha Prawns will impress you with its sweet and spicy savour.
Subrata Debnath, executive chef of Taj City Centre Newtown, said, “The dishes have taken inspiration from international cuisines to give one of the best barbecue curations ever. I must say that people from all over the city come here just for the Char Siu Pork Belly. We have decided on the dips and dressing for every dish with precision.”
Indranil Ray, the cluster general manager (operations) and general manager at Taj City Centre Newtown, said, “These grills and barbecued dishes encapsulate the world barbecue. From German Frankfurters to Kashmiri morels, the global flavours along with our four housecrafted beers available here at Wykiki are apt for chilling on a winter evening."
What: Smokin’ Now menu at Wykiki Brewpub
Where: Taj City Centre Newtown
When: Noon to midnight
Pocket pinch: Rs 2,200-plus for two