The Northern Frontier (Opp. Dass, Nagar Road)

Ph : 65619300, 65619301
A large number of hits on this blog have been by the people looking for information on some restaurants mentioned in Times Foodie articles below, namely Sigree, Toscana, Saat Handi, etc and ..The Northern Frontier.So, decided to use the opportunity of a celebration to checkout this restaurant.

Situated on Nagar Rd, apx 2 Kms from Yerwada Bridge, keep looking on the left lest you miss it. On the other side of the road, there is DASS Store.The seating is inside as well outside, but since it was raining heavily, so decided to use the indoors. Since it was a weekend, so had called up and booked in advance. Good decision, since it was packed by 9 PM. The decor is simple, ambience peaceful and the interiors spacious. The woodwork looked authentic and the lighting was adequate, though I hope, they should have instantaneous power backup, going by the power failure routine in Pune. !

Since, our party was a mix of veg and non-veg, hence decided to try both. So for starters, ordered Paneer Achari Tikka and Chicken Kori Kabab along with sweet lime soda, since soups were rather limited in the menu. Both dishes arrived in some time and both were great. The Achari Tikka, tangy and delectable with soft cubes of paneer, and slices of capsicum,onions and tomato. The Chicken Kabab, on the other hand, nicely marinated, soft and juicy chunks of chicken, with a smokey aroma were nicely done. Great way to start the evening. !

For the main course, decided to go along with Paneer Birbali and the typical Dal Fry. For the Non-Veg , we were vacillating between Chicken Yakhani and Chicken-Wazwan Style, but finally went ahead with Chicken Wazwan.Also, ordered some Naans, Kulchas and Ajwain Rotis.
The main course arrived in due time. We were curious what would paneer birbali and chicken wazwan be like since we had never tried before. Paneer Birbali, although I never got around taste much, was something like spinanch and some other leafy vegetables stuffed between slabs of paneer in a yellow (probably, besan) and red gravy. Personally, I did not enjoy it, but probably thats because I was gorging myself on Chicken Wazwan. But, other in my party were satisfied, if not entirely swept off.

Coming to Chicken Wazwan, big chunks of juicy chicken in a saffron based thin and rich gravy. The taste was rather subtle, I tried separating the different tastes of masalas but was unable to. The taste and aroma of Saffron was too overpowering. Also, we felt the salt was a bit less, but that was ok. We did not want to destroy the authentic taste. And it was nothing like I have ever tasted before. The gravy was thin but great to taste. The chicken pieces, succulent and soft and sufficient in numbers. The Dal Fry was the usual, but thick and well tempered and had an authentic taste.The Kulchas, Naans and Ajwain Roti went well along with them.

By the time we were finished with the Rotis, we were nearly full. But, I had to give a try to the Chicken Biryani. With much pursuasion to my partner for non-veg, we ordered it. Again, big chunks of chicken, juicy, soft and well done arrived shortly. But, in reality, we did not have any space left. But, it was too tempting to let go. So, by the end of it, we were just having chicken, leaving the rice almost untouched. But, it again went well with the Wazwan gravy. Finally, we rested our forks and spoons and said, "Enough". And of course, we did not have any corners left to try the desserts.

To sum up then, a truly enjoyable evening. The service was prompt and couteous. If The Norther Frontier is on a list of recommended restaurants, its not with out a reason. I would love to visit them again, but I would prefer to keep its taste exclusive for certain occasions, rather than get used to it.Costwise, the main course dishes are about Rs. 130-150, starters about 80-100. in all, a decent meal for 2 would be well covered in Rs. 500-600.

Dont forget to book a table in advance.