DEBU’S NOUVELLE INDIAN CUISINE (552 Mount Pleasant, at Belsize, 416-927-9340, debusaha.com)
When Debu Saha of Debu’s Nouvelle Indian Cuisine gave up his Wellesley Street digs for a posher space on Mount Pleasant almost four years ago, downtown lost its best Indian restaurant. Foodies who get nosebleeds north of Bloor have been grieving ever since.
To get back his old customer base, Saha now delivers a three-course $20 prix fixe lunch into the core on weekdays. There’s a 10-person minimum order, and it’s completely customizable, just the thing for an office meeting or surprise birthday party. What’s the most popular dish?
“People have a lot of dietary concerns,” says Saha. “Even meat-eaters want vegetarian these days.”
So they get the vegan and gluten-free likes of crunchy five-bean salad followed by al dente okra with pickled sushi ginger, curried broccoli ‘n’ snap peas and veggie basmati pulao. Chickpea roti and perfectly poached pears in rose syrup complete the meal deal.
Dedicated carnivores can switch out the beans and okra for panko-crusted beet croquettes and fiery Lamb Do Pyaza loaded with chili pods. First-rate naans brushed with olive oil replace rotis, while ambrosial pistachio pudding strewn with strawberries and crushed nuts brings lunch to a sweet conclusion. It’s like he never left Roy’s Square.
“Everyone wants to know when we’re moving back downtown,” says Saha. “Until then, my food can now come to you.”
Delivery Tuesday to Friday 10:30 am to 3 pm, 10 person minimum.
