Traditionally, the dining culture in Kolkata has offered three primary choices for food lovers: street food, iconic food spots, or five-star hotel dining. The last three years have opened an exciting category that serves the needs of taste, ambience, innovation and fuss-free dining. Madam G is part of this new segment of the local hospitality offerings.
Drishleen Sethi, founder of Madam G shares, “We have stayed true to the recipes which have been part of our heritage for several generations, presented in a modern way. Inspired by tapas-style dining, the goal is to let diners try a bit of all regional cuisines in one meal.”
Malai Toast and Neemcho Negroni Photo: Madam G
Sethi kickstarted her culinary innings by partnering with Rakshay Dhariwal to launch Ping’s Cafe Orient in 2017 and SAZ – American Brasserie in 2019. With Madam G, she partners with Eeshaan Kashyap to co-build the design narrative and flavour profile. Head Chef Tanmoy Ghosh builds a long and extensive menu of regional Indian dishes. The menu features an array of recipes with ingredients sourced from across the country. You’ll spot dishes from Coorg, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh; an array that is familiar yet surprising.
Cross country eating
Hummus and Crab Vada Pav Photo: Madam G
Start at the bar with cocktails. Ask for the ‘Neemcho Negroni’ that pairs the bitterness of Campari with a homemade neem liqueur. ‘The Malabari Highball’, Gondhoraj-based ‘Tribute To The Mughals’, and celery-and-watermelon ‘An Evening At Victoria’ are other cocktails you’ll enjoy. Special mention for the bar bites like Khakra paired with an eclectic selection of hummus ranging from Curry Leaf, Molgapodi, Chorizo, and Soy Keema. The Ghevar with Burrata is another surprising addition. The Andhra Mango & Chilli Paniyaram felt a tad too sweet, courtesy the murabba-styled mango.
The Arbi Ghee Roast with an Appam Benedict, Crab Vada Pao, Edamame Tokri Chaat, and Naga Style Baby Back Pork Ribs are other worthy orders. The team takes their desserts very seriously. We suggested you order the stylishly presented dessert platter of the Malai Toast, Mille Feuille, and Chena Pora Cheesecake. We recommend the homemade Kokum & Chilli and Besan with Crumble ice creams.
Food meets design
Photo: Madam G
The 97-cover restaurant is washed in rich notes of copper and gold, punctuated with desi decor hints. Architect Ajay Arya says, “It’s not over-designed, but minimal. We’ve played with a small colour palette – charcoal grey and beige primarily. But Madam G’s logo, which is cobalt blue, gives it a pleasant pop.” You’ll spot the use of Ikat as part of the door panelling, placed against raw silk with a screen-printed script of poetry in Bengali. We loved spotting the signature Kashyap touch – be it the fabric panels ceiling installation that uses recycled paper woven on a manual loom, the matka taking form as a light installation in the private dining room or the foil work on wooden panels inspired by the varq garnish on Indian mithai. Enter the private dining area for a vibrant and tactile art wall – it’s unapologetically Eeshaan.
In the pipeline is the launch of their modern mithai brand, Maska, aiming to be a front-runner in India’s growing luxury gifting category.
Swing by Madam G to taste quaint and unexpected pairings that work well for a dinner with friends, family, or a table for one.
Things to note
Address: 2, Lee Road, Altitude – The Business Park, 2nd Floor, Kolkata 700020
Closed On: Tuesdays
Cost For Two: Rs. 2500 (with cocktails)
Cuisine: Progressive Indian
