Saturday nights are meant to be fun, but Raasta had other plans for us, thanks to its loud music and unbalanced ‘Bongtails’. Read on…
Raasta – the end of the road
Another Delhi import, Raasta is a Reggae-themed lounge with an active live gigs scene. The “end of the road” (because it ended my night pretty damn early) is a three-storied place, with two floors of indoor seating and one rooftop floor, which has a chilled vibe that’s unfortunately slaughtered by the piercing loud music.
Raasta, although themed Reggae, was more like the average suburban watering hole playing the same music, average decor and unimaginatively boring cocktail menu. The only distinguishing factor here is the live gigs setup.
My girls and I walked into a full house with no seats on any of its three floors. Being nice people, we waited for our turn to be seated at the next available table. The staff was kind, helpful and service was as quick as it can be on a busy Saturday night, so no complains there.
This place has a gorgeous live band setup, and a suspended stage in the middle of its first two floors; a sight to behold. However, the genius behind this design, in my opinion, must receive an award because thanks to this setup, the poor souls on the first floor cannot see the band, and the peeps on the second have to bend over the high railings while being stomped upon to see the band. Whatever happened to functionality? Design is great, but if its not going to help, then how does it even matter?
The cherry on the cake is their signature cocktail, affectionately called, ‘Bongtail’, NOT! When I told a friend I was headed to Raasta, she suggested that I try one of these signature drinks. My girlfriends didn’t order any of the Bongtails and stuck to their usual, a Budweiser (INR 175) and a red wine (INR 295). The Bongtail I ordered (INR 550 for half) was out of my love for my favourite TV show, Supernatural, which I now wish I could change on their menu.
Apparently a mix of three spirits including whiskey, rum, vodka (me thinks) and orange juice, I was surprised when it was served to me in a bong (which is usual) and was green in color, which raised my expectations up several notches. I soon learned that it is a bad idea to expect good stuff out of a green cocktail, which oddly tasted more like saunf (anise). The flavor was unpleasantly balanced, and the cocktail was overpriced, if I may add.
We hoped that the food we ordered was not going to make us gag like my cocktail did, and we thank our stars that our prayers were answered. We went for the Grilled Chicken Tikka (INR 395), Honey Chilli Potatoes (INR 215) and Calamari Rings with Lemon and Herbs (INR 345). I have to say, their food is their lifesaver. If Raasta is drowning in the proverbial sea, then the food they serve is the proverbial lifebuoy. The chicken was succulent and perfectly cooked, the potatoes were the right amount of honey and chilli (love), and the calamari; let me just say that not many people and places can get calamari right, but Raasta did just that. 10/10 for the calamari.
All in all, Raasta would be my go-to place for an early dinner and wine scene with someone I wish to not talk with if I have no other plans at all (which we all know is not possible in this lifetime).
Where? Near Khar Station, Khar West.
Cuisine: Finger foods, Italian and Continental
Food you must try: Honey Chilli Potato, Jalapeno Cheese Cigars, Jerk Chicken Wings
Cocktails you must try: Hawaiian Skunk and Purple Haze Bongtails
Kind of music played here: House, EDM and Trance
Is there a dance floor?: Yes, not very spacious though
Avg price per head: INR 1200
Header image credit: Zomato
