CT Review: My Evening At Call Me Ten, Delhi, Was An Escape From The Ordinary, Filled With Bold Flavours & Truly Exceptional Cocktails

Walking into Call Me Ten felt like stepping into a place where time slows down and the everyday chaos of Delhi melts away. The moment I entered, I knew I was in for an experience unlike any other. The space is a blend of modern Japanese dining with a thoughtful balance of traditional charm and contemporary flair. This modern eatery, a sanctuary for informal gatherings and authentic moments, redefines dining with its dualist concept—a dance between the vibrancy of Level 0 and the refined exclusivity of Level 1.

A Journey Through Levels At Call Me Ten

As I explored the first level—Level 0—I was struck by the vibrancy that filled the room. The space is perfect for a lively, casual gathering. The energy here mirrors the element of ‘Fire’, as they call it—a warm, dynamic atmosphere buzzing with animated conversations and the comforting smell of freshly brewed coffee and sake. But it was when I ventured upstairs to Level 1 that the place truly revealed its essence.

Here, the experience was exclusive, serene—a stark contrast to the liveliness below. With an Omakase bar as the centrepiece, Level 1 embodies the element of ‘Ice’. It is a calming and refined space where the focus is on craft. Every drink was a work of art, meticulously prepared, designed to be savoured slowly.

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The Ultimate Izakaya Experience

At the heart of Call Me Ten is an intricate balance of tradition and innovation. Chef Vaibhav Bhargava, with his rich culinary background, orchestrates a menu that not only preserves authentic Japanese flavours but elevates them with creative spins. Each dish was meticulously crafted and bursting with surprises that exceeded even my high expectations.

The evening commenced with the Shiraae Salad—a creamy blend of tofu, spinach, edamame, la-yu, and sesame dressing. This dish was a delightful introduction to the menu, offering a comforting, flavourful start to the meal.

Next up was the Avocado Salad, featuring umeboshi chilli dressing, microgreens, and roasted sesame. As a devoted avocado enthusiast, I was eager to savour this dish. The fresh, zesty flavours were engaging, though it was the unexpected complexity of the seasoning that truly impressed.

The Asparagus Tempura, featuring crisp asparagus enveloped in a house-made soy wrapper, redefined my expectations of tempura. The innovative use of the soy wrapper, replacing the traditional nori sheet, was a bold yet successful departure from the norm. 

The Truffle Cream Cheese Gyoza was a hearty delight, with cream cheese, mushroom, and truffle melding into a rich, flavourful bite. Meanwhile, the Prawns & Orange Zest Gyoza stood out as a highlight of the evening. It featured chilli ponzu sauce, yuzu kosho, and a zesty orange zest that added a perfect zing to the warm, fresh prawns.

The Grilled King Oyster Mushroom, with its butter confit and bulgogi glaze, was a revelation in flavour. The Yuzu Kosho Miso Chicken offered a delightful medley of bold flavours. The Pork Belly Skewers, with their rich barbecue taste, showcased the depth of culinary excellence at Call Me Ten. The Hokkaido Cheesecake Tart, with lemon and passionfruit cream, provided a refreshing and perfect end to the meal.

The Cocktail Craftsmanship

What truly sets Call Me Ten apart is its impressive cocktail game. The cocktail names and flavours are crafted to enchant, with each drink embodying a story of its own:

• Fascination: A gin cocktail featuring coconut milk clarified gin, fassinola, and ginger. This drink transcends typical gin cocktails, delivering a dazzling flavour profile that is both unique and captivating.
• Breakfast: Combining lemon peel-infused Scotch whisky, banana, coconut, coffee, and orange blossom, this cocktail is a creative take on breakfast items, perfectly blending booze with familiar flavours.
• Mango Sticky Rice: A dessert cocktail with lemon peel-infused Scotch whisky, banana, coconut, coffee, and orange blossom. The balance of sweetness and complexity makes it a memorable and enjoyable drink.
• Tirreti Bazaar: Featuring pandan hapusa, wasabi, orange, mausambi, and mishti doi, this cocktail transports you from Japan to the vibrant streets of Kolkata, offering a nostalgic taste of mishti doi.

My recent visit to Call Me Ten was nothing short of extraordinary. From the vibrant atmosphere of Level 0 to the serene elegance of Level 1, and from the meticulously crafted dishes to the innovative cocktails, every aspect of the experience exceeded my expectations. Chef Vaibhav Bhargava’s culinary expertise and the warm hospitality of the staff made the evening truly memorable. I’m already looking forward to my next visit, eager to explore more of the delicious offerings that Call Me Ten so brilliantly provides.

Cover Image Courtesy: Mallika Khurana