Baraza – Bringing Goa to Pune

The city is bubbling with excitement and nothing makes social gatherings better than being at a place that has great food, ambience, music and space. Look no further because Baraza Bars & Bites is here to delight the taste buds of Puneites. The wide space and interiors make it a great place for you to catch up with friends. Baraza has a unique concept of being an island-themed bar, by Chef Irfan Pabaney and Rachel Goenka, which makes it the perfect getaway spot for many.

With its extensive menu, Baraza does not disappoint with its variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Start off with the American corn tempura with chilli and spinach dipped in sriracha mayonnaise. The warm and soft Pull-apart bread with cheddar, mozzarella and pesto is the sure shot winner from the appetisers. The Rechado prawns are a spicy pick that goes really well with a chilled beer or fizzy cocktail.

Rechado Spiced Prawns

Among the drinks, Baraza has a wide choice of flavoured beers, margaritas, martinis, classic cocktails and mocktails. The whiskey-based Smokey Sour is a light and refreshing drink with citrus and bitters added to it. The passion fruit-flavoured beer and espresso beer seem to be the few favourites chosen by regulars.

Flavoured beers

The ambience at Baraza is very relaxing, creating the vibe of being next to a breezy beach. The Portuguese and Goan influences can be seen in the décor with shacks, taverns and botecos lined up. There is both indoor and outdoor seating. The vintage furniture outside overlooks a canoe that functions as a table and a tropical garden that make it a top spot to enjoy Pune’s nightlife.

Paneer Kurkure Kebab

Slowly pacing towards the mains, the Chicken stuffed naan with curry leaf chutney is a must try along with the Paneer kurkure kebab served with a cool mint chutney. The Mutton biryani is a wholesome dish garnished with spices, making it a flavorful and filling main course to have. The Ghee Roast chicken served with naan is a sumptuous option that will your belly just enough to leave a little space for dessert.

The dessert menu is every chocolate lover’s delight as must of the options are cocoa based. The Nutella crème Brulee is a creamier rendition of this regular baked custard dessert. The warm yet crispy churros with chocolate sauce and snicker chunk ice cream, satiate the palette’s sweet cravings and can be gorged in seconds. The flourless chocolate cake with basil pine nut ice cream and salted caramel literally take the cake, as this dessert is purely sinful and rich in texture.

Baraza is now open at Ishanya Mall, Yerwada for all the foodies in the city.

Vijayta Lalwani