Restaurant Review: Independence Brewing Co., Pune, India

Hey Everyone! Today EL the Cook, reviews, Independence Brewing Co.,Pune, India. A pub brewery which offers a wide list of craft & gourmet beers. Their finger food is also outstanding!

Entering  Independence Brewing Co., you experience their minimalist decor, and the proud symbol of a bull with its tail extended as a wheat husk, indicating their prowess for brewing even before you enter the main seating area.

A relaxed ambiance greets you, with simple wooden tables and adequate lighting, brewing a lovely airy atmosphere for a refreshing pint of beer.

Biere Blanche- Belgian Wit Beer

The 1st look at a glass of Belgian Wit beer is inspiring. The golden brew has light citrus, fruity notes, with a distinct hint of coriander. A quick gulp later and you learn of the brilliant combination of honey and vanilla, not a moment later a citrusy hit, and you want the next sip!

Smoked Ham & Mozzarella Croquettes 

 That glass of the Belgian brew has probably got you hungry. For the continental palette, The smoked ham and mozzarella croquettes is the dish of choice! 

The delicate panko-fried crumb is unique in itself. The bread itself is baked by passing an electric current through the dough. This yields a crust free bread, whose crumbs are crispier & airier than regular crumbs.

The filling is amazing, with the creamy mozzarella and rich texture of the smoky ham, giving a punch of taste, surprised by the bite-sized morsel, you willingly reach for more!  

However, the side of salad, has a predominantly Indian touch. Sauteed potatoes with a barbecue sauce is unappetizing and provides contrasting flavors on the plate. 

Brown Porter

As your quench for beer intensifies, you can try the manly Brown Porter. With each gulp, comes a healthy dose of chocolaty flavor! Rich and toasty, this malt is a great marriage of the dark barley and flavorsome hops.

Murg Kalimiri

A stand-out on the menu, succulent dices of chicken take on the flavor of the tandoor. Generously garnished with cracked black pepper, this dish, truly is spectacular.

The chicken is cooked to perfection, and the complimentary mint chutney, balances the dish wonderfully!

 Lasooni Murg Tikka

Garlicky notes are pronounced in this dish, chicken skewered beautifully in the tandoor.. This dish is also highly recommended to get the taste of North India on your palette.

The pieces of of burnt garlic, add another dimension to this kebab, a great innovation of crunchiness and adds a pretty presentation value to the plate!

Sliced Beef - Ropa Vieja Style

"Ropa Vieja" or Old Clothes in Spanish, is a traditional Cuban dish, in which the meat resembles old or torn clothes. Typically made from pulled pork or flank/skirt steak and served with kidney bean rice on the side.

South American in origin, this dish has strong flavors like paprika, garlic, black pepper & roasted bell peppers. Balanced well with a tomato jus, this dish reflects the national sentiments of not only Cuba, but Venezuela as well. Sometimes also served with sour cream for freshness, which wasn't featured on the plate.

However, there was a strong flavor of coconut, which does not feature in a traditional Ropa Vieja preparation, and dampened the flavor of this outstanding dish.   

Paprika & Herb Crusted Chicken Breast

Another brilliant concept for a dish, but not very well executed. The chicken is over-cooked and deep fried. The crust is all that holds this chicken together as a restaurant quality dish. The potato salad is dismal and rather not be on the plate.

The dish lacks a balance and is lack-luster in presentation. The crust holds its own, with its hints of paprika and aromatic herbs.

Independence Brewing Co. a great place for brilliantly brewed beer and mouth watering bar snacks. Simple ambiance and an airy atmosphere, gives this place a unique charm.

However, the main course dampens the palette after a truly exceptional 1st course of starters.

EL the Cook, recommends Independence Brewing Co. for a great night out with friends or office colleagues. Fresh beer & sumptuous finger food defines this iconic place. However some improvement in its main course, will make this place truly worthwhile.