Here it comes ringing the bell again. The world’s largest Mexican-style fast food chain, Taco Bell, opened at Epicuria Nehru Place a few days ago. They say things are pretty different with this one. Ankush Tuli, Managing Director, Taco Bell India, and Gaurav Burman, Director, Burman Hospitality Private Limited, tell us how. “The restaurant redefines the fast-food experience and transcends quick-service restaurants with edgy new interiors, a unique twist to alcoholic drinks and a customisable menu that’s made to order. We’ve hit the sweet spot of offering an informal social dining experience with service at QSR prices,” says Tuli.
Here you assume the role of a chef as you get tacos and burritos made to your liking. All food items are served in open plates, making the feature really appreciated by those who’ve already visited the place.
Here, all kinds of tacos, burritos, quesadillas and chalupas are on the menu. Choose your filling from vegetables or meat, a sauce of your liking (from mild to fiery), select a side and you’re good to go. There also some value meals, and out of them, the seven-layered burrito meal, comprising a seven-layer burrito, taco, cheesy nachos, and Pepsi could be the king of all meals. You also have sides like Crispy Chicken, Cheesy Nachos, Mexican Fries, Corn Salad and Guacamole dips. “Alongside the food with Classic Taco Bell flavours, the restaurant also serves alcohol, including beer, Twisted Freezes that is a unique offering with choice of rum, vodka and tequila in a frozen, margarita format and Hard Shakes,” he says. Another first here is the Vanilla Ice-Cream Shake with Jack Daniels, Jägermeister and Vodka Kahlua to name a few,” he says. There is also something called Tikka Masala Burrito. Evident by its name, the dish has been developed especially for India. This is Taco Bell’s bridge dish that makes Mexican food more familiar for those looking for a taste closer to the local palate.
The new restaurant has also got some quirky furniture with a statement graffiti wall designed by city artist Hanif Kureshi. “Retro dining chairs with benches made from reclaimed mango wood, a sea freight container with seating within and a DJ console for hosting local musicians make the place nothing like any other restaurant in our league,” says Tuli.
With more than 6,000 restaurants across the US, Taco Bell continues to grow with over 300 restaurants internationally. Gauging the success with which the it has made an entry into Epicuria, the brand will continue to expand in India through the franchise model even in the future.