Keep it simple, silly

For a quick and fancy free lunch which is equally filling, head to Chaobella

For on-the-go executives, taking out clients for lunches often become a very expensive affair. Besides, with a whole host of dishes to choose from very expansive menus, it also takes the focus away from work to food. Which is why we think the new lunch menu at Crowne Plaza makes for a good idea. The hotel is also very conveniently locatedu00a0-- being close to office places like Nehru Place and Okhla.


You can watch your dim sums get made fresh at the kitchen

However, even if business is not on your mind and you are out to grab a quick bite or if you are among the health-conscious, we suggest you check this place out. They have a fairly simple menuu00a0-- comprising a three-course meal that includes dim sums, pizzas and a dessert buffet. There are 50 varieties of pizzas and dim sums available out of which 10 will be there on the menu every week.u00a0

There are enough options for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians, so even if you are not a meat eater, there are plenty to choose from.

From the neighbour's kitchen
The chef Sam Wong, who is also the Chef De Cuisine comes all the way from China and sources most of his ingredients from the country whenever he goes to visit his homeland. Needless to say, he adds a touch of authenticity to what he cooks here.

Wong suggested we go a little off route and start our meal with Seven Spices Tian soup. Tian is a root which is blended into a paste.u00a0 The root has been sourced all the way from China. We liked it for one more reason, it eases joint pains. The soup is tasty, and actually increases your appetite.u00a0

This was followed by Chicken Shao Mai which is prepared by mixing meat from chicken breast and leg together. Also in spices, only black fungus from south China's Guangzhou region is used which the chef brings along with him.

The portions for dim sums are good and filling. We also tried, and liked, the Crystal prawn har gao and Steamed sticky rice chicken dumplings where the sticky rice is on the surface and is prepared using a complicated process where the rice has to be soaked for three hours.

We were already full having the dim sums, but nevertheless, we tried the Smoked chicken pizza which is a little more of ketchup than we would have liked and had loads of meat. A total chicken eater's delight. Dessert was served in a platter which had everything from a decently made Pineapple upside down to some finger-licking Mango mousse and Cranberry cheesecake. Absolutely worth the money, we say!

At: chaobella, crowne plaza today, okhla
Timings: 12.30 pm to 3 pm (lunch only)
Ring: 4642006
Price: Rs 1,299 per person