Retro music that reminded me of my school and college days, glasses clinking, laughing, chatting and enjoying a great Saturday evening over some well-made cocktails and nibbles – I never thought I’d love it so much. This was a usual weekend evening for me in the pre-Corona days, but the sheer fact that I dressed up after months seemed like a celebration.
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The bar at RYU
As I stepped into one of the newest resto-bars in Gurgaon's 32nd Avenue – RYU – the huge dragon at the bar stood out. The decor is ostentatious but that what makes this restaurant and night club so appealing. RYU means dragon in Japanese and you can see that theme run through the restaurant in the decor that has touches of Japan, Malaysia and China. Spread over two floors it has a lovely rooftop and the weather was such that we could sit there, of course the massive fans helped. The rooftop had shades that looked like Japanese umbrellas and Sakura trees – perfect for those Instagram pictures. They even have a private dining area that can easily accommodate about 10 people.
I had a gin cocktail called Flower Power
Their variety of signature cocktails is huge – 50! Eric, who is an award-winning mixologist from Malaysia has curated the list. I had a few gin cocktails and they were brilliant. The first one I had was called Flower Power which was gin with elderflower yuzu, thyme and lemon juice topped with salted coconut foam. I was a bit skeptical to order it because it seemed too sweet – but thankfully it wasn’t. In fact, most of their cocktails are not really sweet – which is just the way I like it.
Sacred Skull - Negroni in a skull shaped glass
My friend ordered a drink called the Sacred Skull – which is smoked Negroni – and it was presented in a skull shaped glass. Full marks for the presentation of the cocktails. They even have a bit on Japanese on the bar menu with sake and shochu on offer. Their food menu is also huge. We had prawn tempura sushi, pork dimsums, stir fried chicken and more. They even have a few north Indian dishes.
The food menu is huge
Shyam Thakur who’s the man behind the show – the co-owner – also owns Momo King and has two bars in Kuala Lumpur – China Bar Exclusive and Anakron Club. So how could Momo King not be in the menu. I’d recommend the choila version momos from there since it comes with a spicy Nepali sauce. I was happy to see that the cutlery was sanitized and arrived in paper bags. The servers were wearing masks and gloves and there was a sanitizer bottle on every table.
The plates and cultery are sanitised and then wrapped in these
They are going to introduce Sunday brunch very soon and may even get permission to open till 3am. With winter season just around the corner I see myself going there on weekend afternoons. RYU has started on the right note and may just become one of the hottest clubs in Gurgaon in the days to come. We’ve just got to wait and watch.
I cannot wait to go back!
Address: 32nd Avenue, Sector 15, Gurgaon
Opening Hours: Noon - 12.30am
Price: INR 2,500 for two
