What’s on the menu at Ji, a Southeast Asian pub from the owners of Pukka

What’s on the menu at Ji, a Southeast Asian pub from the owners of Pukka

Name: Ji
Neighbourhood: Humewood
Contact: 760 St. Clair Ave. W., 416-792-5550, helloji.ca
Previously: Concession Road
Owners: Harsh Chawla and Derek Valleau (Pukka, Concession Road)
Chef: Kirti Singh (Pukka)

The food

Comfort food favourites get Indian makeovers at Pukka’s casual spin-off. The poutine, for example, swaps out gravy and curds for pulled beef curry and paneer. While some of the menu is straight-up Indian-spiced pub grub, such as butter chicken mac and cheese, there are a few more traditional dishes on offer, including lamb shank rogan josh. There are also a few vegetarian-friendly options like a vegan caesar salad dressed with smoky coconut “bacon” bits and a cashew dressing.

Paneer and roasted beet salad with goji berries and grapefruit supremes in a honey-lemon vinaigrette. $14.

 
Naanchos, as the punny name suggests, are nachos that trade tortillas for crispy mini naan. They’re topped with minced lamb keema, cheddar cheese, salsa-like kachumber and raita (instead of sour cream). $13.

 
The Macaroni Makhani is cavatappi pasta baked in a cheesy butter chicken sauce. $12.

 
Veggie sliders made with carrot-celery-spinach patties bound with lotus root are topped with onions and apricot chutney. $15.

 
The lamb seekh kebab is a play on a chili dog, with the frank swapped out for a lamb kebab. It’s topped with pickled onions, cheddar and lamb keema. $16.

The drinks

Ji’s meagre draught offerings (two) are augmented by a slew of Ontario craft tall cans, and the bottle selection includes some lesser-known international beers, including Italy’s Bruton Bianca. Themed cocktails include a chai flip and a tamarind margarita.

Chai Flip: vodka, chai tea, egg white. $11.

 
Cucumber Cooler: gin, cilantro, cucumber, ginger ale. $9.

The space

The two-room space is divided into a bar with flat screens and four-tops on one side, while the other half is done up in bright gem hues with blue banquettes and vintage travel posters. The TVs will screen muted classic Bollywood flicks.

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Note the tiffin light fixtures above the bar.

 
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