A Mean Curry

When former journalist Satish Warier and academic Kiran Bhushi decided to pursue their dream of opening a restaurant dishing out their favourite dishes, ‘Gunpowder’ was born. Overlooking the mossy green Hauz Khas lake, Gunpowder serves peninsular cuisine (samplings from Goa, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh). The ambience is charming and laidback, and the food leaves you satisfied and satiated. If you get lucky, the handwritten menu will feature Coorgi pork and Toddy Shop fish curry (with tuna).

Satish and Kiran treat the place like home, and you are advised to book in advance, otherwise you may find they’ve run out of everything except lemon rice and avial. And those who walk in seeking masala dosa or boneless chicken are advised to widen their culinary horizons, or else be politely directed to a neighbouring restaurant. Opening hours are 12-4 pm and 7-11 pm (credit cards are not accepted). Seek out Gunpowder for sublime Andhra pachadis, spicy-tangy seafood, the best Kerala porottas in Delhi, and the fluffiest home-style dosas. The experience would be enriched if they’d give us the option of red rice, and serve tapioca with the fish. My only grouse: the portions are a tad measly.