Nine Square Vegetarian Bistro

The new pure vegetarian bistro by Chef Ajay Chopra in Pune has an interesting story behind its name. The owner wanted to create a meetup kind of place for all generations. This place reflects the likes of Times Square or any such place where people meet, greet and have fun times. Nice, cozy and warm vibes make you feel comfortable to enjoy the time with people.

It is a nice change in the growing Pub Town where people with ascetic, yet hedonistic lifestyle can enjoy their time too. All day dining place is all set to treat Puneits with different cuisines for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The ambience is simple yet classy. The dishes are sure to blow your mind with its taste, innovative concept and idea behind it. I attended a preview tasting with Chef Ajay Chopra himself and few other fellow bloggers.

What we tried –

Soups

Slow Roast Tomato Basil Soup – Thick, creamy and rustic essence of slow roasted tomato made this soup immensely flavorful. The flavor of basil added punch to the overall taste. Loved it.

Hot and Sour Soup – Actual Chinese Hot & Sour soup with punch of Chinese vinegar hits your palate with the first sip itself. The tangy and pungent flavor kicks up your taste buds. You must have a palate to love this soup.

Thyme Scented Mushroom Soup – The richness, creaminess and deliciousness of this soup is sure to make you feel in love with mushrooms and soup, if you already aren’t in love with them. The earthy flavor of mushrooms and creaminess of soup very well complimented each other. The crostini served alongside was a big hit and is beyond explanation. A pure bliss.

Salads

Not Your Regular Greek Salad – Regular Greek salad twisted with addition of black salt and orange juice to give it a new avtar, and hence the name. Indeed, the newly added ingredients tickles the taste buds.

Sambal Basil Honey Fruit Salad – Well if fruit salad gets such a tasty face who wouldn’t love it? The mix of pineapple, green apple, raw mango, cucumber and few salad leaves along with tobasco sauce made this salad a super yum. The spicy, tangy and burst of flavors will make you want it more and more. A must try for spice lovers. #MyFavoriteSalad

Small Eats –

Chaat Cornetto – For me the best part of India is its street food. Why should you be hungry while shopping on the streets or when in hurry. The on-the-go food excites me most while you are travelling, shopping or site seeing. Another best part is Chaat that we get. So, the idea of having a chaat in cone is perfect for having the best street food while on foot.
The small chunks of fried potato mixed with spices and chutneys to give it a delicious tangy taste.

Dabeli Croquettes – The crisp crust with sweet and tangy filling of dabeli mixture makes this dish a perfect snack. The chutney served along added to the overall flavor. Loved it.

Pav Bhaji Spring Roll – Only a mastermind can think of such a makeover. And this is what makes this place different from others. When you are too lazy to eat, such dishes come to rescue. Just hold it in the hand and eat without any fuss. Bhaji stuffed spring rolls is indeed a great invention.

Black Jack Sev Puri – Black is the new beauty. While everything taking a new black look, why not our sev puri? Charcoal activated sev puri topped with curd, chutney and sev.

Dilli Wali Aloo Tikki – Now its easy for people to know in Pune how exactly a Dilli Wali Aloo Tikki tastes like. Aloo tikki fried in desi ghee till crisp, topped with curd and chutneys. The piping hot tikki with cold creamy curd and tanginess of chutneys is pure bliss. Its not a taste it’s a feeling that can only be experienced.

Mains -
Tandoor ka Bhuna Kadai Paneer – Tandoor cooking takes any dish to a par. This Kadai Paneer made me forget every other kadai paneer I have ever had. Super delicious, creamy, rich and full of flavors.

Bharwan Baingan ka Bharta – The most understated vegetable makes the most delicious dishes. Be it any cuisine baingan makes dish for every taste. The rustic baingan bharta stuffed in open baingan, dipped in rich and creamy scrumptious gravy. Amazingly dishes that tickled my taste buds. Loved it.

Makhani Dal – This slow simmered dal is no less than perfection. Rich, creamy and spicy to go along with rice or roti.

Desserts – After having stuffed ourselves with such delicious meal, hopes were too high with desserts. And it surely not disappointed. Keeping health freaks and diabetics in mind they have sugar free desserts as well.

Sugar-Free Anjeer Samosa – I could never think of as healthy dessert as this one. Baked samosa, stuffed with anjeer and served along with fruit compote and mascarpone cheese. Loved it.

Old Delhi Kulfi Falooda – Another famous dish from Delhi. The first bite reminded me of my first trip to Delhi as a kid and how much I cherished this kulfi with rabdi. This dessert beats all fancy desserts I have ever tried.

Cost – Average Cost is 1200/- for two with alcohol
Timings – Monday – Friday - 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Saturday – Sunday - 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Location - Unit 5, Pubtown, Creaticity, Yerawada, Pune
Overall Experience – An amazing place for everyone one to hangout. Some delicious dishes that surely won my heart and taste that can never be forgotten.