You can enjoy cocktails with your pet in this new restaurant in Delhi.

“You can’t really go out and have cocktails with your dog. Coffee, yes! But now cocktails are also possible,” says chef-restaurateur Radhika Khandelwal, smiling, when I walk into Trouble Trouble and look around. The walls are filled with quirky photos of animals – a cat wearing a leather jacket and goggles holding a slice of pepperoni pizza, a flamingo wearing a glittery dress and pearls with a glass of rose champagne and the adorable, friendly neighborhood dog.

Wood, rust and amber tones with mirrors interspersed throughout give the 1,300-square-foot space a warmth that feels slightly familiar but different. That’s because this place was Radhika’s first child, Fig & Maple, which served Delhi the best brunch for almost a decade, until she decided to give it a facelift. “I wanted to have fun with food and do something different,” she tells me. Trouble Trouble, which seats 82, is now a pet-friendly spot that serves global cuisine, but everything here is inventive and comes with a bit of a twist.

bar code

It starts with the cocktail menu, which promises to cover “every naughty impulse” across eight sections with off-beat names like In the Mood to Impress, I’m a Cocktail Nerd and I’m Not Drinking Alcohol This Whole Month.

Kunal Chandra, chief experience officer at Trouble Trouble, tells me they’ve created a drink for every mood. “If you want something simple and basic, a complex cocktail, or even if you’re over a cold and don’t want anything too cold – we’ve got you covered.”

In the mood for something spicy, I start with one of their bestsellers, the Lao Gan Margarita, which is served with tequila in a chili crisp oil bottle (which is soaked overnight in chili crisp oil), lime and triple sec. On the reverse lid of the bottle is placed a chikki made of chilli wafers and chilli crisps. One sip and I was hooked – the spice hits immediately while the smoke gives it depth – just like I enjoy my cocktails.

In between meals, I want another spicy drink, so they suggest Something Spicy with tequila, jalapeno, cilantro and lime. It sounds like picante but is different because of the addition of coriander. With the option to go mild or wild, I choose the latter – but it’s lighter than I expected. I could stand more heat.

in the plate

With over 50 dishes, the food menu is extensive and neatly divided into small plates (named Double Trouble), sharing plates, churrasia (hot Brazilian grilled) salads, pizzas and mains. I start with Shrimp Toast, a dish I’ve had often in the past. But sitting on a bed of red Thai curry, it looks nothing like its classic version.

Instead of toasted triangles topped with shrimp, it’s a deep-fried pillow-like parcel with panko crumbs on the outside and shrimp and mustard filling inside. It reminds me of cutlets or the typical Calcutta chop but it is quite different – ​​the topping of goat cheese and homemade caviar sets it apart. The prawns melt in the mouth while the red Thai curry dipping sauce adds flavor and zest.

One dish in which I did not expect the presence of mustard is tuna carpaccio. Thin tuna shreds with the crunch of onion and garlic are tender, yet spicy and tangy thanks to the mustard oil and grapes. I could order it again.

Usually, I would choose chicken dumplings, but I was urged to try egg dumplings instead. Almost similar to ravioli, the egg comes wrapped in a beetroot dumpling with Parmesan and cream cheese inside. Topped with walnuts and truffles, a crispy chilli oil adds both crunch and spiciness. The egg is not thin but well cooked. It’s worth a try when your taste buds are craving something experimental.

One dish that surprises me because it combines two very strong flavors is the Chorizo ​​and Blue Cheese Beignet – they are two dough balls resting on jalapeno mousse. Both are individually strong tasting, the combination can go wrong if not handled smartly, but it turns out to be irresistibly bold and strong.

Unless I choose chicken ravioli, I’m not expecting the classic version. Of course, six pieces of petal-shaped ravioli form a pretty pink rose (thanks to the beets) and are served with mustard Parmesan sauce. But looking deeper into it, beetroot, cheese and ravioli make an attractive combination. Shell-shaped pasta with lamb ragu is also quite tasty and nutritious. A fan of grills? Take your pick from smoky meats, tofu, mushrooms and hot Brazilian grill. I’m eyeing tenderloin and pork chops on a cold winter’s night.

sweet spot

For those nostalgic for older flavors, the popular weekend brunch at the former Fig & Maple continues at Trouble & Trouble with eggs, toast, waffles, pancakes, French toast and, of course, mimosas.

When the entire menu has a new twist, why leave desserts behind? Our vote goes for the Creme Brulee Eclair. You also get to have your dessert here as they have sweet cocktails. I had the affogato – the power of the rum and the sweetness of the caramelized popcorn make it delicious.

Although there is no separate menu for pets, the kitchen prepares complimentary meals according to pets’ dietary restrictions, from chicken and rice to fish or eggs. Next time you want your pet to join you for cocktails or a meal, don’t think twice about going here.

Trouble Trouble, located at M-Block Market, M27, 2nd Floor, in Greater Kailash II, New Delhi, is open from Tuesday to Sunday between noon to 1 pm; A meal for two (with alcohol) costs ₹2,500. For reservations, call +91 7678665130

published – December 24, 2025 03:54 am IST