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.

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.

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.