Copper Chimney is a name familiar to many Mumbaikars. My folks have been to this place in the 70s and in recent times, and we’ve heard much about their Worli and Kala Ghoda restaurants. So when I got a chance to check out their Great Indian Kebab Festival which is on right now (until Feb 25^th), expectations were high.

Copper Chimney is now open at Phoenix Market City on the swanky new 3^rd floor which is being termed as the Fine Dine destination of choice for Punekars. It’s not hard to spot, right next to Indigo Deli.

A rustic yellow door welcomes you, giving off the right vibe. There is a wide variety of seating options, right from the bar to comfortable chairs and booths. Mellow lighting sets the mood, and exposed brick walls might transform you somewhere to a home in Punjab. The restaurant specializes in food from the North and the North West Frontier, regions along the famed Grand Trunk Road.

Copper Chimney is offering a total of 10 special Kebabs as part of their Kebab festival menu, five of which are vegetarian. I intended to taste each and every one of them and there is something for every taste.

The restaurant has a mocktail menu which is not to be missed. Fresh mint, black salt and cumin feature in a lot in the drinks which pair well with the type of food. Fresh mint is welcome in the heat we are all getting resigned to for the next few months. Black salt and cumin provide a familiar chaat masala type flavor which is loved by most. The Khatta Jal Jeera combined Kala Khatta with Jal jeera and will bring a smile to young and old alike. The Rusleela is a good choice for pineapple and ginger ale lovers. The Cucumber Mint Cooler was surprisingly my favorite.

The Copper Kadak Roomali is a must to ease you into the feast that lies ahead. This is one giant masala papad by any other name. Part of their original menu from 1972, we now see this in many other restaurants. Sprinkled with chili, spices and onion/tomato, this literally gets your juices flowing.

The special kebabs started with Khade Masale Ka Paneer Tikka. This is a great choice for spice lovers. Tandoori Mushrooms are another zesty item and so is the Sialkoti Aloo, liberally marinated in a chili spice paste, studded with kalonji and ajwain. If you prefer something milder, the Kashmiri Paneer is the way to go for Paneer lovers. Dilli Ki Lal Tikki is a deep fried appetizer but is a must try. A soft delicate paneer croquette is stuffed with beetroot and mildly flavored with green chili. It almost has a molten center which bursts open as you cut through it. Served on a bed of ‘Lacha’ or fried potato strings, this kebab was my favorite.

I tried a couple of other kebabs from the regular menu – Hara Paneer Tikka which was paneer marinated in a green spice paste and grilled over charcoal. Makai Malai Seekh was a vegetarian option made in the Seekh Kabab style. This is another mild preparation great for kids or to pair with something spicy. This was a bit dry for my taste.

If you have read my post about Malai Kofta, you know my thoughts on the subject. I really don’t like the current ‘white’ avatar the Malai Kofta has taken on. With great hope, I went for the Malai Kofta at Copper Chimney, hoping it would be something classic. And I wasn’t disappointed. The kofta was different from any I have eaten recently but it was delicious. The kofta dumpling had plenty of nuts in it, giving it a nutty, textured feel. The sauce was mildly spiced, flavorful and creamy. It went very well with Aloo Kulcha, a leavened flat bread stuffed with smashed potatoes.

The Kebab Festival also has many specials for the carnivores. You can read about them here over at MovieRecipe.

Another option I found interesting at Copper Chimney is their Endless Charcoal Grill. You get unlimited portions of vegetarian and nonvegetarian kebabs along with Soup, Aloo Kulcha and Biryani, all served at your table.

Check out the Kebab Festival at Copper Chimney this month, or visit year round for authentic North Indian food. It is a good fine dining choice for a meal out with the family.