Get the perfect concoction of cold drinks, tandoor bar snacks, and authentic Indian fare – make it a triple!

BY AIDEN JEWELLE GONZALES

Having 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. 

This time, however, we were served a generous spread spanning all the sections in their menu, from snacks, to bites straight from the tandoor, curries, daals, and much more. If you’re looking for the perfect bar bites, look no further than their Chilli paneer (THB 200), stir fried in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, with chilli paste and green chillies that lend it a moreish kick. If you’re of a more carnivorous bent, opt for the Little lamb sticks (THB 260), aromatic skewers marinated in cumin, coriander and other spices. I’m not a usual fan of lamb, but these were perfectly made and packed with flavour. 

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 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 280), cooked in a spiced gravy – kryptonite for all paneer lovers (like me). 

If you’re hoping for heavier options, I would direct you towards their curries, such as their creamy Chicken korma (THB 280) which will immediately hit the spot; their 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 Tandoori roti (THB 30); and their Chicken biryani (THB 280) which was marinated for the perfect amount of time, and eminently satisfying. 

Finally, we ended our mouthwatering feast with dessert, opting for the classic Gulab jamun (THB 99++) which hit exactly the right sweet notes without being cloying. Make sure to pair your meal with their range of old and new-world wines, or any of their signature cocktails, which all pack a punch and come in hearty portions. For the whisky aficionados, their Whisky on the rocks comes in a Patiala peg; a triple serving of this dark and smoky delight; while their Campari cocktail is similarly oversized, with its characteristic and deliciously bitter aftertaste. 

If you’re looking for something lighter, their Passion on green is comprised of Midori gin, egg whites, pineapple, and vanilla; perfect for a hot summer’s day. Our unanimous favourite, however, was the Dirty vodka martini, a classic drink with a twist in the form of a delicate burnt sugar wafer torched on top of an orange, adding the ideal sweet and citrusy accompaniment to the drink. 

MASALA RECOMMENDS

The Chilli chicken (THB 180), part of their Indo-Chinese range, which is stir-fried in a blend of spices including chilli garlic and ginger, with a kick that will keep you craving more. Perfect with an ice-cold glass of Kingfisher beer.

PATIALA PEG BAR AND GRILL

Inside Oakwood Residence Sukhumvit 24 Bangkok,15 Sukhumvit Soi 24, Bangkok, Thailand, Bangkok

Open daily from 12pm to 1am

 Tel: 02 127 0720 

Facebook: @patialapegbangkokk