I have been going to Cafe Lota before it became cool for the gram. I used to visit the Crafts museum from college and Cafe Lota became my favourite lunch spot. Local delicacies from all over the country – the likes of Kathal ki biryani and bhaang ki chutney. Their cold kapi (coffee) was sort of a legend. When I spotted their sister brand at Aerocity, I was pleasantly surprised. Monsoon by Cafe Lota is a stroke of culinary brilliance. Hit here to read all about Cafe Lota at Crafts Museum. Read on for Monsoon by Cafe Lota.
Drinks
We indulged in some zero-proof cocktails. Starting with an Elderflower Spritzer – Seedlip Spice 94, Swami tonic and elderflower syrup. The Asafetida Sour was a crazy mix of ingredients and tasted heavenly. Asafetida, orange, pineapple, yuzu and popcorn, completely bonkers. Hints of popcorn towards the end of the drink and the balance among all the ingredients only tells you the genius of the bartender behind this.
Appetizers
We started our culinary expedition with Buckwheat pancakes. Thin crepe-like pancakes, with mushrooms, spring onion, and local Zarai cheese. An Indian local cheese, with a spicy after-taste. Prawn Momos, minced fresh prawns, served with a cold, Sichuan pepper chutney. These greatly reminded me of the ones I had in Calcutta. Lemon and Ginger Chicken Tikka, a refreshing take on the classic dish. The zesty and succulent chicken tikka is a perfect choice to munch with drinks. Keema Gujiya, baked gujiyas with spinach kneaded into the dough and a chunky keema filling. Goat rib Broth – a delicacy from Kashmir, pulled flavourful lamb, topped with a bone broth and crunchy lotus stem shards.
Buckwheat pancakes 
Prawn momos 
Lemon chicken tikka 
Keema gujiya 
Bone broth
Main Plates
Main plates began with an updated take on traditional Bengali dish Dhokar. Dumplings made of green peas and chickpeas, in a mustard yoghurt thick curry, caramelized onions to cut through with stir-fried karela and soft, crispy luchis. A day’s speciality, spaghetti with stir-fried prawns, with spaghetti, tossed with fermented greens. Did not quite suit my palate. Amritsari kulcha stuffed with mutton keema, served with white butter and yoghurt with fried garlic. Karhai fish was a beauty – pan-fried fish, hints of fresh coriander, crunchy chickpea on a bed of broken-wheat/ dalia pulao. Choriz Pulao – with meaty chunks of Goan chorizo, topped with a fried egg, with quinoa, bell pepper, zereshk and homemade spicy ketchup.
Dhokar 
Spaghetti with prawns and fermented greens 
Stuffed Amritsari kulcha 
Karhai fish 
Choriz Pulao
All the preparations that we very quickly devoured were very well balanced. With layers of textures, flavours and zingy.
Desserts
We ended our meal with three excellent desserts – Millet kheer set with a layer of salted caramel and dry fruits. Yoghurt set cheesecake on a crumbly millet base. Chocolate Tarte, 60% dark chocolate with mango accents and decadence.
Kheer 
Cheesecake 
Chocolate Torte
Monsoon by Cafe Lota is a masterstroke that marries local Indian flavours perfectly with healthy eating and local ingredients. You are sure to find yourself returning to this place over and over again. Be sure to ask the owner for his recommendations and you will not go wrong.
Where? Monsoon by Cafe Lota, Aerocity
Cuisine – Modern Indian
Price for two – INR 1500 approx