One more burger chain from Uncle Sam’s land decides to drop anchor in Delhi. Carl’s Jr. from California has opened its first outlet in India at Select CityWalk Complex, Saket, New Delhi.
The maiden outlet, with a seating capacity of around 90 people, features a menu comprising 15 vegetarian and non- vegetarian burgers, an extensive selection of real ice-cream shakes, beer on tap (for Rs 99) and soft beverages refills. “Carl’s Jr. satisfies India’s diverse palate with its rich, intense flavours featured in their innovative vegetarian and non-vegetarian menu items,” explained executive director Sana Chopra.
But what endeared me to Carl’s Jr. was its unconventional burger patty – not deep fried but chargrilled. Although the ubiquitous Indian diner will take some time to get used to a char-grilled patty—like my companion—but remember it is a healthier option compared to the fried ones. They will even customise your burger on request. It was curiosity that drove me to order their signature Mile High Burger. It arrived as an oversized (read ‘high’) Moroccan spiced chicken burger topped with tangy Santa Fe Sauce, veggies and crispy onion rings. Next, we tried the Mango Jalapeno Pepper, a moist chargrilled chicken patty topped with jalapeno and mango mayo. I would unquestionably recommend this one as the tanginess from the mango impeccably offset the heat from the jalapenos. Of course, few restaurants have the mettle to defy the ‘Indianisation-means-chicken-tikka’ syndrome, and Carl’s Jr. is no exception. So, the menu also lists a Tikka Masala burger; the succulent chargrilled chicken patty in a spicy marinade topped with tandoori mayo will please those who love this desi style!
Unfortunately, the burger chain has decided to play safe with the choice of meat – they are serving only chicken. To me, this restricts experimenting with the food and very soon diners may run out of choice.
The ‘green’ menu revealed that Carl’s Jr. has tried hard to please the palates of its vegetarian diners. From chargrilled specialties such as Tandoori Paneer Burger, which is a thick-cut chargrilled paneer topped with tandoori mayo to Paneer Tikka Masala Burger, which is thick-cut chargrilled paneer topped with mint mayo. The special Crispy section lists Mango Jalapeno 9 Jewel Burger (breaded patty topped with mango jalapeno mayo and jalapeno coins) and Santa Fe Fenugreek Burger.
If you are not the kind to stop at a burger, take your pick from a choice of sides—Chicken Legs and Wings, Chicken Tenders with Natural Cut Fries, Hand breaded Onion rings and Wasabi Fries. Thirsty? To enhance your feasting experience, Carl’s Jr. is offering beer on tap and free refills at the soft beverages bar.
One of the features at Carl’s Jr. that pleased me was the partial table service; place the order at the counter and it will be served at your table. So you don’t need to stand in those long queues as the counter sales staff cater to those before you.
There are nearly 1,500 Carl’s Jr. restaurants worldwide. The group is also preparing to open another 100 restaurants in India. By the end of 2015, you will be able to spot Carl’s Jr. in Connaught Place as well as at the Pacific Mall in Tagore Garden in New Delhi.
The information
Address: Select City Walk Mall Complex, Southern Park (Back Wing), New Delhi
Time: 11am – 11pm
Meal for two: Rs 700 + taxes
Contact: +91 70426 98800, +91 124 40 11111