Hey Jersey Family! Are you guys excited to have Benares, the longstanding and preeminent Indian establishment in Tribeca, has brought its winning formula across the Hudson to their first New Jersey location? I was excited to learn from the team that Seasoned restaurateur Inder Singh (Devi, NYC) and GM Ranbir Bhatia quietly opened the restaurant earlier this month in Wyckoff’s Boulder Run shopping center, formerly home to Saffron. Who knew? Word is that they chose this location because of its easy proximity to NYC and large Indian population nearby. Sounds like the perfect location!
Are you wondering what’s in store for Bergen County lovers of Indian fare? A large, well-curated menu of authentic dishes representing the country’s incredibly diverse regional cuisines, prepared with a fresh sensibility and contemporary touches … clean tastes, brilliant colors, intense flavors and modern presentations. Sounds amazing right?
We learned that the Executive Chef Mangal Singh (pictured above) is going to be in charge of bringing the Benares vision to the table. Originally from Garhwal, India, Chef Singh developed his nuanced, globally influenced style during his years cooking extensively in India, Europe and Japan before coming to the U.S. in 2016.
Signature dishes will include Bhel Puri (puffed rice crisps w/onion, potatoes, avocado and corn, served w/chutneys), from Mumbai; Tawa Scallops (w/cilantro, green chili, ginger, mango and tomato relish), from Kerala; Barrah Masaladar (grilled lamb chops infused w/onion and garam masala) from Punjab; Aamia Tulsi Jingha (jumbo prawns marinated in mango, basil, chili, rice vinegar and cooked in the tandoor) from Kerala; and Tandoor Hen (whole Cornish hen marinated in lime, ginger, garlic, cumin + garam masala) from Kabul.
Traditionalists will find familiar “greatest hits” such as Chicken Tikka Masala; fragrant, rustic Biryani; Saag Paneer; Yellow Dal and much more, all beautifully executed.
Desserts are sweet, cooling finishers to the meal, including Orange Kulfi, Indian ice cream served in its edible orange rind and the Atom Bomb, a chocolate lava cake with rose-petal ice cream. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options abound.
Open seven days, Benares serves buffet lunch (an incredible value at $12.95 per person). On weekends, lunch/brunch also features Dosas, the delectable South Indian crêpes stuffed with potato and vegetables, and other special dishes.
Photos by Neil Grabowsky, Through The Lens Studios
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