Bengaluru’s bustling culinary scene is experiencing a renaissance, and Hitchki has been generating a buzz for its innovative CineCuisine approach to dining. The bohemian-style restaurant exudes an eclectic and free-spirited vibe, inviting patrons into a world of vibrant settings and whimsical décor.

Hitchki had been on my wish list ever since it opened its elegant doors on Sarjapur Road, Bengaluru, to gushing reviews from ardent Bollywood fans. TheGlitz had received a warm request from the Hitchki team for a long-overdue meal review. Finally making it there last week, I was pleased to discover that our experience surpassed our high expectations.

FIRST LOOK

Bright, ambient lighting casts a pleasant glow all throughout the space, radiating from a variety of eccentric fittings—think glass lanterns and string bulbs. Oversized movie posters depicting movie stars adorn the walls, creating a sense of nostalgia and glamour. Hanging plants cascade from the ceiling, adding a touch of nature to the magical atmosphere that feels both cosy and inviting. A small dance floor is set up in the centre to add to the restaurant’s relaxed vibe, with Bollywood music filling the air and setting the mood for a pleasant dining experience.

The menu is as eclectic as the décor, drawing inspiration from the diverse culinary landscape of India and offering a tempting array of dishes that pay homage to classic Bollywood films and iconic dialogues. Each meal at Hitchki, overseen by a team of inventive chefs, is precisely crafted to entice the taste buds and arouse visitors’ interest.

STARRING

The entrance has a grand display of an ornate bike, shining under the spotlight with chrome accents reflecting Bollywood’s glitz and glamour. The magnitude of the headlights, like a star-studded Bollywood show, adds an enchanting allure, as if it were ready to take diners on a journey through the cinematic streets and flavours of Tinseltown. Of course, the setting also makes for a dedicated selfie corner, allowing guests to strike a pose and post.

OPENING ACTS

We kicked off the indulgence with “Toit Tint-In-Wit” Witbier and “Jab V Met” – a tart spin on the Gin cocktail infused with kairi panna and aamchur concoction, delivering a sweet, sour, and somewhat acidic flavour all at once.

We began our culinary voyage with the “Bhot Jolokia Wings & Rings,” featuring super spicy chicken wings laced with bhot jolokia sauce and topped with sweet, colourful gems that were at the same time sweet, sour, and spicy, setting the tone for the meal ahead.

Next, we indulged in “Hitchki Dosa Poppers,” a Hitchki patent that arrived on an autorickshaw. A delicacy known for its crisp exterior and creamy stuffing, garnished with Molgapodi dust and Peanut Dhaniya Pesto, each bite was a symphony that transported us to the parallel streets of Bengaluru and Delhi.

Our taste senses tingled with delight when we heard and saw “Tiger Jhinga Hai,” a platter of golden-brown tempura batter-tossed tiger prawns impeccably coated with popcorn and batter-fried to perfection. Accompanying the prawns was a zesty Hitchki dynamite sauce topped with seasame seeds and sliced green onions.

The menu offers dishes inspired by famous Bollywood movies and dialogues like “Andas Apna Apna,” “Seekh Ka Baap,” “Mere Paas Maa Hai,” “Akhri Pasta,” “Apne Mutton Ko Lagaan Do” and “Jaisi Bharni Waisi Phirni.”

CINEMATIC COCKTAILS

The next item on the drinks menu was “Gangs of Wasseypur,” a gang-of-six shot glasses of a basic cocktail made with gin and melon juice presented with vapour for added effect. A perfectly refreshing cocktail for a not-quite-perfect summer evening.

The cocktails too have unique flavours and names like “Imli Ka Boota,” “Amar Akbar Amandeep Anthony,” “Talli Main Talli Ho Gayi” and more.

“India’s love for Bollywood is legendary and we created Hitchki to turn that love into an unforgettable experience. Our place isn’t just any restobar – it’s a Bollywood lover’s paradise, where fans and nostalgia buffs gather to soak in the magic of the silver screen. From dishes like ‘Flower Nahi Fire Hai‘ to ‘Baap Ka Dada Ka Bhai Ka Sab Ka‘ and cocktails like ‘De’ewar‘ and ‘Pehchan Kaun,’ every bite and sip is a taste of Bollywood magic. At Hitchki, we want every visit to feel like a fun trip down memory lane. It’s a place where you can enjoy good food, good company, and lots of Bollywood nostalgia.”

Aji Nair, Chief Advisor and Consultant at Mirah Hospitality

BLOCKBUSTER DELIGHTS

The next platter served was “Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki,” a selection of steamed bao tacos filled with chilli basil paneer, wok tossed, and Lasuni Mayo. Each bao was bursting with vibrant flavours and was a culinary masterpiece.

Next up, we sampled the “Chines Bhel,” which, as the name suggests, had a Chinese twist with extra crispy noodles blended with schezwan sauce and liberally sprinkled with crushed peanuts and garnished with chopped green onions. What truly set the Bhel apart was the depth of the simple ingredients, which allowed them to blend together and create a delicious complexity.

Not to be outdone, the “Coca Cola Tu” delivered a whacky kick that stimulated our taste senses, a Dahi puri chaat variant that was wonderfully balanced with tamarind chutney, anardana, and a delicate sprinkling of cola magic pops.

For mains, we opted for “Champaran chicken” which took us back to Bihar. Cooked to perfection, the luscious, succulent bites virtually melted in your mouth. The richness of the spices offered a deeper layer of flavour, as did the subtle tartness of the yoghurt and tomatoes.

SWEET ENDINGS

As a self-confessed sweetoholic, the “Moong Bharo Sajna” dessert was a gratifying treat to have as the last course of the day (or evening).  A beautifully delicious combination of moong dal halwa cigar, shahi tukda roll, rabdi, and crisp rose brittles. As it turned out, Kiran and Ishita found it far too rich. Needless to say, I mopped up every last bit of it.

The staff at Hitchki was attentive and informed about the menu, offering insightful suggestions based on our interests. The only gripe I hold is that we did not get to taste more of the mains since the variety of starters itself was too much to handle. I can’t wait to return and explore more of their main meal offerings.

Good food. Nice vibe. Great company. Overall, quite a happy ending.

VERDICT

By combining elements of a perfect blockbuster setting, glamorous cuisine, upbeat Bollywood tunes, and a filmi menu, Hitchki delivers a memorable dining experience that celebrates the magic of Indian cinema, providing the impression of dining in a movie theatre.

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Hitchki, Sarjapur Road, Bengaluru