CT Review: At Delhi’s Barbet & Pals, Every Bird Finds Its Flock, And Its Favourite Cocktail

There are bars where you walk in, everything feels polished, the cocktails are expertly crafted, the food is delicious, and the experience is undeniably good. You leave thinking it was worth stepping out of the house. But then there is Barbet & Pals, Delhi’s newest and most exciting bar, and let me tell you, it’s not just about drinks and food. It’s about the people, the atmosphere, and the feeling you get as soon as you walk through its iconic blue doors.

Delhi’s Hottest New Bar Is A Nest Of Fun, Food, And Fantastic Drinks

The moment I stepped in, it felt like walking into a playground after a long day at school. You know that feeling when a child runs into the playground, surrounded by friends, knowing the next few hours will be filled with fun, laughter, maybe a few scratches, but a day well spent? At Barbet & Pals, that is precisely the vibe.

Indeed, the food and cocktails are excellent, but the place’s vibe is what truly makes it magical. Every little element of the space has been carefully thought out to make you feel at home, yet excited for what’s to come.

The bar’s name itself tells a story. Barbet is a colourful bird from Uttarakhand, the co-founder Jeet Rana’s hometown. For Jeet, the bird, known for spending time with its flock, came to symbolise home and humility. The second half of the name, Pals, comes from co-founder Chirag Pal. Together, the name is a promise: everyone who steps through the door is part of their flock, ready to be a “Pal.” 

Look around and you’ll see it everywhere: from carved wooden birds on the bar and bird-inspired installations on the walls to bird claws etched into the bar top and floors to the team’s outfits (too cool to be called a uniform). Even the cutlery, garnishes, and little décor elements carry this subtle but intriguing bird-inspired theme. Nothing is overwhelming; it’s playful, interesting, and makes you want to explore more.

The Team Behind The Ultimate Bar Experience

The team at Barbet & Pals is incredible. They aren’t just bartenders or servers but partners in the experience. They interact and engage with every guest. Whether it’s challenging you to down a drink, showing you their favourite cocktails, or sharing fun stories behind the dishes, they make sure you are part of the night. And when music plays, you’ll see the bartenders dancing, servers grooving, and the energy in the room building with every beat. It’s infectious.

Speaking with Jeet and Chirag, you can see how the camaraderie among the team starts with them. Opening a bar comes with endless challenges, leaks, design issues, and endless decisions, but their friendship and shared vision shine through. While they tease each other constantly, it’s clear they complement each other perfectly. Chirag loves Jeet’s ‘Tickle My Pickle,’ and Jeet is a fan of Chirag’s ‘Pals’ Lugdi.’ Their playful banter and teamwork trickle down to the whole bar.

Also Read: CT Review: I Ate My Heart Out At Delhi’s New Riches’, And I’d Go Again For The Pepper Prawns

Food At Barbet & Pals

Curated by Chef Amninder Sandhu, the food is as imaginative as the space itself. I started with Gol-Gol Bread served with Chilli Fennel Butter and Nolen Gur Butter. Fresh, hot, and irresistible, it’s the perfect way to start the night. Next came Mrs. Barbet, a chicken skewer topped with desi chimichurri and caramelised onion foam. It’s juicy, succulent, and comforting, yet elevated in every way. Then I tried Bar-Brät, a nest made with Naga pork sausage served with Naga fermented bamboo shoot ice cream. At first, it sounded unusual, but the flavours worked together perfectly.

Seafood lovers will enjoy the Charred Buttery Prawns, served on a small skillet with grilled prawns, nori, almond butter, and chunks of bread – absolutely rich, buttery, and indulgent. I Louve Bombay Fish!, a bombil fry with chutney and Malwani crumble, was crispy, hot, and perfectly cooked.

The Flock Fried Chicken is another highlight: crispy yet tender fried chicken served with hot truffle garlic emulsion, avocado, prosciutto, katsuobushi, roquette, poached egg, and parmesan. One bite, and it feels heavenly. Finally, the Lobster & Guava Toast, served with thecha on Japanese shokupan bread, combined sweet, spicy, and savoury in a way that was absolutely memorable.

The Great Cocktails

The drinks at Barbet & Pals are equally impressive. The experience starts with a glass of house-made pineapple tepache and a glass of infused water to keep you hydrated, a detail I thoroughly loved!

Some highlights from their cocktail menu:

• Gundryani: Jose Cuervo Reposado, Gundryani Cordial, Acid Mix, Pisiyu Loon

Bubbly, light, and perfectly balanced, Gundryani is a sparkling invitation to start your evening. It’s a refreshing, easygoing drink, ideal if you’re starting your day with a cocktail, like I did.

• Bodo Saviour: Jose Cuervo Silver, Charred Carrot, Coriander Leaves, Lime, Almond, Lime

Every sip of this cocktail feels layered, thoughtful, and fulfilling; it’s all about depth.

• OTP: Bacardi Ocho, Campari, Curry Leaves, Chrysanthemum, Lemon, Pineapple Pickle

At Barbet & Pals, pickling is an art, and OTP masterfully displays it. It has an unexpected, tangy punch from the pineapple pickle that keeps your palate engaged.

• Himalayan Madhpey: Tanqueray Gin, Patchouli, Turmeric Oleo, Ginger, Campari, Lime, Vegan Foam

A masterpiece in both flavour and aroma, Himalayan Madhpey combines earthy notes with gentle spice, balancing it with bitterness. Every sip is completely captivating thanks to the smooth, creamy texture that the vegan foam adds.

• Bel-Sela: Smoked Peach & Dhonsela Puree, Villa Sandi Il Prosecco

Bright, light, and refreshing, Bel-Sela seemed like the perfect brunch cocktail. Elegant yet approachable, it goes well with hearty bites.

• Tickle My Pickle: Bombay Sapphire, Dry Vermouth, Pickle Brine

Fun, tart, and bold, Tickle My Pickle is a must-try. The punchy, savoury twist of the pickle brine makes this drink unlike any other. If you love pickles, this cocktail will steal your heart.

• Aha Tamatar: Teeling Small Batch, Herbs, Malic, Umami Mix (Cherry Tomato, Mushroom, Cheese), Saline

A true umami adventure, Aha Tamatar surprises at every sip. Even if you don’t usually drink whisky cocktails, this one is an exception you cannot miss.

• Root Cause: Creyente Mezcal, Ratanjot, Sweet Vermouth, Coconut, Cacao Nibs

Barbet & Pals’ brilliant take on a Negroni, Root Cause replaces gin with smoky mezcal and softens the bitterness with sweet vermouth and coconut. If a classic Negroni feels too harsh, this one will wow you.

And before you leave, don’t miss the shots, because here, shots are anything but ordinary. Each spirit is paired with house-made pickles, making it a fun, flavourful, and memorable way to end the night. I tried the tequila shot with their classic pickle, and it was the perfect way to finish the experience.

The Nest I Will Flock To Every Chance I Get

I can already imagine myself sitting at the bar next weekend, with a Tickle My Pickle or a Root Cause Negroni, vibing to the music, laughing with friends, and spotting more playful Barbet details around the space. It’s a nest, a flock, a home away from home, and without a doubt, Delhi’s newest obsession.

Where: Ground Floor, M block market, M-51, Block M, Greater Kailash II, Greater Kailash, New Delhi
When: 5 pm – 1 am

Cover Image Courtesy: Mallika Khurana