We have a WhatsApp group of 20+ classmates from Batch of 1980 RBS who meet up for a G2G (get-together) but unfortunately this happens only “once in a while”. Every time we meet, we make promises to meet every month but somehow that never happens. Basically, there’s a inertia that works which prevents us to take quick call on a proposal to meet on a certain date at a certain venue. Therefore, most of the time it is only less than half the strength showing up for the G2G. So, I decided to call up only those, who I knew would be willing to join at the shortest notice for a FoodAventure (food adventure)… going to a eatery at random for its signature item.

Last Saturday, 31^st August ’24, the four of us (Pulak, Tapas, Manojit and I) decided to meet at such a place called INDIE BBQ located at Noida Sector 75 (as per the Google). The decision fructified on Friday late evening and it was decided that I will pick up Tapas on the way and the others will reach on their own. We reached the address given in the web-page only to find it locked and the condition suggested that it has been locked for quite some time. There hung a banner with a mobile number. I just took a chance and called that number…

“Hello, is this Indie BBQ?” I enquired.

“Yes, Sir.” Came the reply.

“Well, I have come a long way from Delhi to taste your Grilled Pomfret and you have closed down.”

“Sorry Sir, actually we have relocated to Greater Noida West, I am sending you the location right away.” The owner responded.

True to his words, he sent the location detail with complete address and landmark, it was about 9 km from the original location (32 km from my home).

It was a food-court of a local shopping centre adjacent to a housing complex. The seating is on the open courtyard with each outlet having their own specified arrangements unlike a food-court in the malls. Officially the outlet is open for business from 1400 hours till about midnight but in reality their business starts more towards the evening (winter months may see a reversal of this trend).

We were clear about our first course, grilled pomfret and added the crispy fried octopus on the recommendation of the server. Also ordered fresh lime soda to quench the thirst. We were having street food experience sitting on the extended pavement, it reminded me of the days in Karol Bagh when we could only afford the street food at the Gaffar Market eatery. I must mention that, the place is quite clean and the staff very polite and eager to serve you to the best of their ability.

The size of the pomfret wasn’t too big, just about 6 inches but it was quite fresh and grilled to near perfection, well cooked and the spices were tempered well unlike the usual spicy fare of the street food. The crispy fried octopus was truly crispy on the outside and juicy inside. I feared that it would be rubbery if not cooked well but the chef showed his skill in making it highly palatable.

We wanted to sample the dum ki biriyani but it wasn’t readily available, so we ordered Champaran Mutton Curry with butter naan, and it turned out to be a wise call, just good enough quantity and excellent in taste. Tapas and Manojit got Mutton dum biriyani (Kolkata style) packed for home and I believe, the kids enjoyed it thoroughly.

The four of us have, thus decided to do this FoodAdventure, every month on a Saturday, convenient to all at a very short notice. We have also decided to welcome any of our likeminded batchmates to join us at such short notices at such odd places and enjoy not just the food but the camaraderie as well. You are welcome to tell us about such places that serve mouthwatering dishes. We have identified one at the Sarvapriya Vihar Market serving non-veg cuisine from the north Indian states for our future meet.    

Address of Indie BBQ:

Aastha Green Food Court, Greater Noida West, Sector-4, Opposite Eco Village-2 and SUPERTECH market. Feel free to call at 9958359295 for further assistance.