A New Rooftop Cocktail And Bar That Will MELT You In The Moment

The first thing that struck me, apart from the luxurious vault door entrance, as soon as I entered the posh premises of MELT was the prominent presence of the architecture within the elements of space. Upon some enquiry as to the designer of the impressive space, my host for the evening informed me that the whole area is the vision of architect and interior designer Tanya Chutani of Pantone Collective.

The striking thing about it is the touch of roundness and circularity given to virtually everything. From chocolates—the defining element of the place—to decor, shelves, chairs, and the bar counter, round all around.

About Melt

Melt, the rotund terrace cocktail bar is set to dominate and define the nightlife in Noida. Located in the city's heart, it is a chocolate land that offers a fusion of global flavours, interactive chocolate indulgence, and vibrant nightlife. A conceptual plan based on chocolates is spread over about 10,000 square feet and transcends mere dining; it transcends mere dining, offering an indulgent culinary experience. A private dining room gives you a cosy experience. At the same time, a special round gazebo right outside overlooking the fast-lane expressway provides just the space of a breath of air or an outdoor gathering. The terrazzo flooring, with natural colours, adds to the overall charm.

As the first chocolate-infused cocktail bar in Delhi NCR, Melt has blazed a trail for many more concept-based culinary spaces to follow. It serves both drinks and edibles that are indiscriminately infused with chocolate and are a fusion of Indian and international cuisines. The learned and experienced chefs, like Chef Gaurav Singh, ensure that the plating and presentation are top-notch.

During our time at the rooftop bar, the friendly Chef enlightened us about the diverse spectrum of chocolates they use in their dishes, which includes names that are the most expensive chocolates worldwide, like Valrhona and Callebaut.

On The Menu

As an attendee of a Chef's Table, I had the option to choose from veg and non-veg dishes, among which I went for the former. Beginning with the evening, the Chef first served the twist of guacamole and papdi bruschetta with chilled guava shots as an amuse bouche. The rub here lay in the fact that the guava shot was served in an edible glass made from Callebaut chocolate, which perfectly whetted the appetite for the evening.

Following this was roasted tomato and basil bunny chow, a tomato-based soup in a shapely circular and hollow bun bowl. The crunchy outer, in contradiction to the soft innards of the bun, chunked softly into the thick, delectable soup and played just the appetiser for the remaining course.

We were then treated to a gin-based cocktail, named "Palate Twister" by the Chef. The drink was strong enough to match up with the strong personality of the place and get you right on board with its pace. The main course included delicious tofu and mushroom krapow, complemented with a cocktail side called "Holiday Vibe." The name, "Holiday Vibe," the Chef related, was given to the drink as it was given out by a course of experimental mixology right out on the terrace bar of the place on the eve of a holiday.

The lip-smacking main course, too, was an experimental fusion of chunky tofu, edamame beans, and chopped mushroom tempered in Asian herbs and spices served with truffle jasmine rice.

Towards the end, a dessert entailing fondue cookies, milk chocolate ganache, and roasted nuts, coined "Melt Decadence" by the Chef was served. An added indulgence of making my own softy topping which should have followed the dessert was an idea I saved for my next visit as I was already struggling with a brimming bellyful, and a second visit was very much on the cards for me.

The Information

Address: 2 and 3, 5th floor, Tower-E, Skymark One, Sector 98, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201304

Price: INR 2500 for two (including alcohol).

Operational hours: 12 pm to 3 am