Octopussy

If your love for seafood goes beyond prawns, this place should be on your must-visit list

Those wriggly creatures that swim about in the sea seem even more delightful when they land on your plate. This opinion had been reinforced when I had gone vacationing in southeast Asia a couple of years back. But yeah, though I am quite adventurous about food, even I'd skip the raw/semi-cooked versions of seafood that a lot of people relish.


The decor is casual dining but offers a great view of CP

Luckily, there was no raw or semi-cooked seafood awaiting me at Zen where a seafood fest is on currently. It did feel good to go to a restaurant which was brimming with people -- from families to executives working in Connaught Place to businessmen cutting a deal and even youngsters chilling out -- for a change. And even though there was a queue outside, the restaurant allowed people to eat and chat in peace, without hurrying them up in any way.

At a relaxed pace
D ufffdcor-wise, there aren't too many noteworthy things here. There is nothing fancy about Zen, it is very regular
businesslike, but you get a great view of CP especially if you are seated on the upper floor which overlooks the dining area below and a part of Inner Circle. I also liked the Chinese horoscopes placed on every table, which reminded me of quaint and old Chinese-run eateries in Calcutta.

Another thing not found in too many restaurants is knowledgeable staff. In most places, they are content with what you order, but here the staff will actually suggest and you wouldn't return home unhappy if you follow them.

There were a host of seafood items to choose from, so though I was very tempted by their Japanese menu (next time), I decided to stick to just that -- seafood. I started with a hot and spicy Tom Yum soup which had a generous sprinkling of prawns, gradually moving to Prawn chilli (with very fresh prawns and totally worth more than a second helping) and some Golden fried prawns (jumbo, true to its name, but somehow not so good).

Sights of fancy
But the octopus took the cake, and its topping, and everything else. I would give the restaurant credit just for being able to source such fresh octopus, but the chef deserves kudos for preparing the dish so well. It didn't have the hot bhoot jalokia, but it was pretty hot even then.

But that adds to the attraction of the dish. If you are repulsed by the thin octopus legs, I'd suggest close your eyes and chew it. That way, you will feel only the taste. Though I'd say the sight enhances the taste. For main course, go for the Seafood fried rice (with everything from prawns to squids and octopus) and pair it up with anything that catches your fancy.

And yes, unless you have ample time, it would be a good idea to take the waiters' help. You would be flooded for choice otherwise.

At Zen, b-25, inner circle, cp
On till december 30
Timings 11.30 am to midnight
Ring 66771334
Meal for two rs 1,000 approx.