Have you heard stories about merchants and traders who journeyed along the Silk Route and carried the secret spice blends from one region to another? The Silk Route holds thousands of stories to its heart. It is one of the most popular trade routes in the history of humankind. This extraordinary voyage not only touched upon many cultures and most sought-after treasures but also laid down a path for a fascinating culinary journey that offered a glimpse into the various regions of the world. It could be easily concluded that this historically relevant route was not just about cultural exchange but also a universal celebration of food and vibrant tapestry of flavours. Do you know that we have a restaurant in the heart of New Delhi, which is inspired by the culinary heritage of the famous Silk Route? Join in to discover the magic of Mezze Mambo and the amazing food combinations that it offers.
Silk Route and more
This trading route which stretched across China, India, Persia, Arabia, Greece, and Italy from Asia to the Mediterranean, was not a single route but a network of paths that connected Asia with Middle East and Europe.This borderless world that once existed belonged to the merchants who carried the best of the fruits, vegetables and dry fruits from one region to another. The businessmen travelled far and a wide with a range of ingredients – spices, herbs, fruits, and vegetables and introduced it to a completely different region. Eventually, fresh and rich ingredients were mixed together to create a unique and delicious culinary experience. When the cultures of East and the West collided, the Silk route cuisine became a melting pot of Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and Chinese flavors and ingredients. Also, the dishes from these places often feature fresh, high-quality ingredients, bold flavours, and a variety of cooking techniques.
What is special about Mezze Mambo?
I really loved the fact that Mezze Mambo sincerely celebrates the historic Silk Road. From the spice bazaars of Istanbul to the meat dishes of Azerbaijan, Iran, Afghanistan to the nostalgic flavours of the North West frontier cuisine to the coastal flavours from the Maritime Silk Route, the menu is a delight. One will have fun discovering the best of the different region’s cuisine on the menu. There were dishes sitting upfront with more traditional Central Asian and Middle Eastern specialities. I am sure the slow cooked meat dishes would have been amazing but I only tried the vegetarian offerings.
Greater Kailash in New Delhi is always buzzing with new restaurants but Mezze Mambo is a must-try lunch or dinner spot. The interiors are a good mix of elegance and coziness. There is a half open terrace area for those who love to dine in the open and the seats closer to the wall art are also a good catch. Overall, this restaurant in New Delhi offers a fascinating glimpse into the gastronomic delicacies of the regions that it caters to.
To start with, I ordered some hisbiscus tea and a vegetarian Mezze platter. The hearty presentation of the different colourful bowls and the taste of the hummus and labneh won me over immediately. The pita, falafel, veggies, dips, not only filled my stomach but also warmed my heart. The nuts, olives, salads were absolutely crunchy and perfectly done to taste. Husband and I relished each and every bite of this mezze platter. Vegetarians will not miss out anything.
Our expectations had also gone a bit higher and we looked forward to some more great food. Next, we ordered Along the Silk Route -Lahmacun. Now, this is a very interesting Turkish dish which may be confused with pizza but it is different and tastier. This crispy, flavor-packed Turkish flatbread was a perfect fusion of bold spices, made subtle with the use of lots of nuts, basil and dried tomatoes. Each bite was a blend of textures and flavors—savory, spicy, and a bit tangy, all put together very deliciously.
And we ended our luncheon with jackfruit kebebs. Well, I felt it was more of a tikka but I must say it was cooked very well. The jackfruit served with the roti came with a blast of flavours. And we were happy to end the food experience on a delightful note.
I am off sugar so I opted to skip the desserts. But you must check out the new menu or ask the chef for recommendations. Chef Megha kohli has done an excellent job with Mezze Mambo and Chef Shridula is continuing the legacy. She and her team managed to impress us with the great grip on the taste and flavours.
Winter Wonders: Mezze Mambo’s Sweater Weather’ Menu
Mezze Mambo welcomed the chilly season with its delightful new winter menu, aptly named “Sweater Weather.” This curated selection of dishes brings together warm, comforting flavors and a touch of indulgence, perfect for cozy evenings. “Sweater Weather” is all about indulgence and warmth, making Mezze Mambo the ultimate destination this winter.
For those with a sweet tooth, the Strawberries & Cream Sundae offers a classic combination of juicy strawberries and luscious cream, while the Apple & Miso Crumble elevates the traditional crumble with a savory twist of miso. The decadent Hot Chocolate Cheesecake is a must-try, blending rich chocolate with creamy cheesecake in every bite.
For a fusion of flavors, the Burrata & Tartare offers a sophisticated pairing of creamy and tangy textures, and the Winter Snuggles brings a bowl of seasonal comfort to the table. If you’re craving spice, Mambo’s Pork Chilli is a fiery delight that pairs beautifully with the season’s chill. Vegetarians are not left behind with the innovative Rajma Kafta Kebab, a protein-packed, grilled delight that combines Indian flavors with a Mediterranean twist.
Do share your experience of Mezze Mambo!
