Page 12 - Masala Lite Issue 161 May 2024

12 MUNCHING

At Patiala Peg Bar and Grill, you get the
perfect concoction of cold drinks, tandoor bar

snacks, and authentic Indian fare –
but make it a triple!

BY AIDEN JEWELLE GONZALES

aving been introduced to the wonders of Indian cuisine since I first gorged
on pav bhaji at my best friend’s house, I’ve been looking for the ultimate
neighbourhood haunt that serves up piping hot, no-frills curries, naans, and
other classic fare, all at affordable prices. When I first heard of Patiala Peg Bar and
Grill, I was excited to learn that my quest might soon be over.

The restaurant is named after the ‘patiala peg,’ a measurement of liquor popularised in
Punjab; essentially a triple portion. The measurement allegedly has historical roots in
the royal family of Patiala, and is now a symbol for extra-large portions of hospitality,
hearty fare, and fine liquor – all pillars of Patiala Peg Bar and Grill.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Nestled inside Oakwood Residence Sukhumvit 24 Bangkok, the restaurant is
found down a flight of stairs which leads into a sun-drenched courtyard, flanked by
cheery lemon-and-orange walls. When you walk in, a bar that stretches out along
a wall greets you; a fitting welcome for a place whose origins celebrates fine – but
affordable – liquor and wines, showcased by their delightful, daily happy hour deals;
their beers imported from India; signature cocktails; and their impressive wine rack
and whisky shelf. If you’re a connoisseur of the latter, you can pick your favourite
bottle and keep it with the restaurant for the next time you visit; loyal customers
are even presented with a personalised locker.

Inside, the restaurant is deceptively large and unpretentious, with playful elements
such as Punjabi polo clubs on the walls, and metal enclosures filled with rocks, to
add a literal and proverbial ‘grounded’ feel to the ambience.

FOOD AND DRINK

Their comprehensive menu spans everything you could want for a hearty meal, or a
cheeky pre-game and dinner before a night out. I was thrilled to see Thalis starting
from THB 399, all replete with snacks, curries and mains, rice and naans, and dessert;
an easy option that I’m definitely coming back for.
If you’re looking for something lighter, their
This time, however, we were served a generous spread spanning all the sections in Passion on green is comprised of Midori gin, egg
their menu, from snacks, to bites straight from the tandoor, curries, daals, and much whites, pineapple, and vanilla; perfect for a hot
more. If you’re looking for the perfect bar bites, look no further than their Chilli paneer summer’s day. Our unanimous favourite, however,
(THB 200), stir fried in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, with chilli paste and green chillies was the Dirty vodka martini, a classic drink with a
that lend it a moreish kick. If you’re of a more carnivorous bent, opt for the Little lamb twist in the form of a delicate burnt sugar wafer
sticks (THB 260), aromatic skewers marinated in cumin, coriander and other spices. torched on top of an orange, adding the ideal
I’m not a usual fan of lamb, but these were perfectly made and packed with flavour. sweet and citrusy accompaniment to the drink.

Of course, one can’t visit a ‘bar and grill’ without sampling their grilled offerings straight
from the tandoori grill. For those who prefer less of a kick but still crave flavour, make
sure to try their Chicken malai tikka (THB 260), made with boneless chicken pieces and
marinated in cream, yoghurt and cheese; a light and delightful option. The Chicken MASALA RECOMMENDS
tikka angara (THB 260) is similarly tender but with a heavier spice aftertaste, while
for the vegetarians, you won’t be able to get enough of their Paneer peshawari (THB The Chilli chicken (THB 180), part of their Indo-
280), cooked in a spiced gravy – kryptonite for all paneer lovers (like me). Chinese range, which is stir-fried in a blend of
spices including chilli garlic and ginger, with a
If you’re hoping for heavier options, I would direct you towards their curries, such kick that will keep you craving more. Perfect
as their creamy Chicken korma (THB 280) which will immediately hit the spot; their with an ice-cold glass of Kingfisher beer.
Paneer butter masala (THB 300) which came in generous portions that we couldn’t
get enough of; or, my personal favourite, their velvety-smooth Dal makhani (THB
220) which was incredibly priced, and of which I could have eaten a full bowl. Make
sure to pair your meal with their range of breads and rice dishes – we opted for their
Garlic naan (THB 70), brimming with flavour and addictive in the extreme; their tender VIEW VIDEO
Tandoori roti (THB 30); and their Chicken biryani (THB 280) which was marinated for PATIALA PEG BAR AND GRILL
the perfect amount of time, and eminently satisfying.

Finally, we ended our mouthwatering feast with dessert, opting for the classic Gulab Inside Oakwood Residence Sukhumvit
jamun (THB 99++) which hit exactly the right sweet notes without being cloying. 24 Bangkok,15 Sukhumvit Soi 24,
Make sure to pair your meal with their range of old and new-world wines, or any of Bangkok, Thailand, Bangkok
their signature cocktails, which all pack a punch and come in hearty portions. For the Open daily from 12pm to 1am
whisky aficionados, their Whisky on the rocks comes in a Patiala peg; a triple serving Tel: 02 127 0720
of this dark and smoky delight; while their Campari cocktail is similarly oversized,
with its characteristic and deliciously bitter aftertaste. Facebook: @patialapegbangkokk

MASAL A LITE ISSUE 161 - MAY 2024