The globe on a platter

DLF Cyber Hub is all set to become Gurgaon's new gourmet destination with a range of specialty restaurants, cafes, microbreweries and bakeries

One walks into DLF Cyber Hub with a certain amount of cynicism. How different would it be from the crowded, claustrophobic spaces at the numerous malls dotting the Delhi and its suburbs? However, the wariness soon gives way to surprise. It's Saturday evening and there are definitely thousands of people around - excited families, giggling kids, sedate corporate executives, groups of foodies - and yet at no point does the space feel cramped; there are no traffic jams in the corridors, no one breathing down your neck. Sprawling, uncluttered and open - these are just some of the words that come to mind as one walks about the space, drinking in the tastefully done interiors and, of course, the presence of leading food brands in one place.

Located just ahead of the toll, next to what is known as the "Ship-shaped" DLF building, this foodie's paradise lies in the heart of Gurgaon's corporate hub. There's variety enough to win over even the finickiest of palates with specialty restaurants, cafes, microbreweries and beer bars. There's also a food court featuring fast-food chains like Starbucks, McDonalds and California Pizza Kitchen and Dominos. "Majority of the brands have started restaurants here, and new brands are being added every month," says Anant Verma, business head, DLF Cyber Hub. "All brands are performing over and above expectations. If you compare per-square-foot sales of existing brands in Cyber Hub with their presence in any other place, they are doing more than double."

The buzz around the space, sprawled across 200,000 square feet, has been tremendous. It is no wonder then that on a given day, the space witnesses 10,000-15,000 visitors. The area has around 500 corporate offices and numerous residential complexes, hence the potential is tremendous. "On Christmas, we witnessed the highest footfalls, to the tune of 30,000," says Verma.

While the food court is impressive, it is the specialty restaurants and breweries that stand out for their cuisine and innovative formats. Zorawar Kalra's Made in Punjab, the Parsi eatery SodaBottleOpenerWala, oriental restaurant Canton Spice, Nando's of the peri-peri chicken fame, Beer Cafe, AD Singh's Olive Pizzeria and Hard Rock Cafe are just few of  the names that line the marquee. There is also Panchavati Gaurav from Nashik that offers authentic Rajasthani and Gujarati thalis. One of the most awaited names is Dhaba by Claridges which is likely to open soon. "I have become a regular here. There is something for everyone. If you want to party there is Hard Rock Cafe, then there is Soi 7 for live gigs," says Pawan Soni, founder of the Indian Food Freak, a group for like-minded foodies. "The Wine Company also offers a great format. Unlike other pubs where you need to buy a glass of wine for Rs 500 or Rs 1,000, here you can buy the entire bottle at retail prices, accompanied with great food."

One place that is recommended by one and all is SodaBottleOpenerWala, a tribute to the dying legacy of Irani Cafes by Olive. In the words of restaurateur AD Singh of Olive, "We delved deep within its unique world to bring alive the nuances - both for cuisine and its atmosphere." The eatery offers a range of authentic Parsi dishes like tamotar papeta par eeda, keema pao, sali murg and nankhatai. However, the piece de resistance is the chicken berry pulao that comes as a platterful of rice, currants and tender meat topped with tart berries or Persian barberries (zereshk).

"The Cyber Hub gives one a feel of Dubai," says Zorawar Kalra, owner of Made in Punjab. Though the occupation costs are far from low, the sales more than make up for it. "My restaurant spans 4,000 square feet, so my occupancy cost is quite high. But my cost of occupancy to sales is under 15 per cent as the sales are so good," says Kalra. A 130-seater eatery, Made in Punjab, offers cuisine from undivided Punjab with a lunch buffet that costs Rs 650, all inclusive. "The buffet is hugely popular and we end up feeding 250 people daily for lunch alone," adds Kalra.

Verma maintains that extra care has been taken while choosing the brands and their zoning to ensure every one performs and to avoid any cannibalisation. "One huge factor in its favour is the availability of parking and proximity to the metro," says Soni.

Targeted not just as a food and beverage hub, but also as a cultural destination, DLF Cyber Hub boasts of an airy amphitheatre, exhibition area and media room where events can take place. The recently-concluded Christmas carnival and GliterARTi - Gurgaon's first literature and arts Festival - saw good response. Now the place is gearing up for the New Year with live bands and fireworks on offer.