Delicious Detour - India Chapter

NJP Times. The bold text on the menu was the first thing I noticed when I walked through the doors, and in an instant, it brought back a flood of memories. My first encounter with Not Just Paranthas, or NJP as it’s affectionately known, was back in 2017. It wasn’t just another North Indian restaurant—it was a cornerstone of my food-loving years in Gurugram, the city I called home for most of my life until I moved to Singapore in 2024. During my high school days and early undergraduate years, NJP was more than a restaurant. It was a gathering spot, a comfort zone, and a place that represented the warmth of home-cooked meals served with a twist of creativity. Its buttery paranthas stuffed with every imaginable filling, paired with flavorful curries and refreshing lassis, made it a go-to destination for family dinners, catch-ups with friends, and celebrations. For years, it was the place I would take anyone visiting me in Gurugram—a must-visit, a sure bet. And then, it was gone. The closure felt sudden, almost inexplicable. Was it the aftermath of Covid? A management shift? No one seemed to have a clear answer. All I knew was that one of my favorite dining spots had disappeared, leaving a void I hadn’t quite filled. But in late 2024, NJP made its return after a long hiatus. Rebranded as Not Just Paranthas, the restaurant promised a new avatar, and I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. Would it still carry the charm and flavors I’d cherished? Or would it be a shadow of its former self, trying to adapt to a changed world? Revisiting NJP felt almost like reconnecting with an old friend—familiar yet slightly different. As I stepped inside and took my first look at the revamped menu, I wondered: was it worth the wait, or had time stripped away the magic? Join me as I dive into this new chapter of Not Just Paranthas, and find out if it lives up to the memories. The past menu Forget Paranthe Wali Gali—there was a time when Not Just Paranthas at Cyber Hub was the ultimate destination for parantha lovers. Back in its glory days, NJP wasn’t just a parantha joint; it was a haven for all things North Indian. Their menu was a treasure trove of indulgence, from smoky kebabs and rich curries to decadent desserts. And of course, the paranthas were the stars of the show, offering something for every craving—classic stuffed varieties, Italian pizza paranthas, pocket paranthas, and the unforgettable Chur Chur Naan. Ah, the Chur Chur Naan. These buttery, flaky, and delightfully crushed creations were pure magic, layered with just the right balance of spices and served piping hot. They were the dish everyone talked about—the one you had to order. NJP didn’t just serve food; they created an experience. It was a place where family meals turned into feasts and every bite felt like a celebration. But with their reopening, much has changed. The new NJP Times brings a fresh identity, and while some old favorites remain, the menu has taken a different direction. The focus has shifted, and the iconic Chur Chur Paranthas that once defined NJP seem to have taken a backseat. Nostalgia fills the air, but it’s met with curiosity about what the new chapter holds. The question now is: has NJP evolved for the better, or has it lost the charm that made it so special? Let’s explore what the new NJP Times has to offer and see if it lives up to the legacy of its past. The Experience The items I ordered were a careful selection—a mix of old favorites and intriguing additions from the revamped menu. I started with the classic Aloo Pyaz Lehsuni Chur Chur Parantha, a warm, buttery creation that instantly brought back memories of late-night dinners and family outings. The filling was just as I remembered—perfectly spiced, with the soft potato and crunchy onion melding beautifully. Next came the Chicken Khurchan Tacos, a more modern twist on a classic, with tender, smoky chicken strips enveloped in the signature ulte tawe ka paratha. It was undeniably delicious and felt like a homage to the NJP of the past. To complete the meal, I opted for a portion of Gulab Jamun and Rabri, a staple of their earlier menu. Rich and creamy, it had the same comforting flavor that once made NJP a household name for North Indian food in Gurugram. Despite my apprehension, the taste had that same spark, a reminder that some things don’t change. That said, as I finished my meal, I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of longing for the original concept. The menu now leans heavily toward quick bites and fusion dishes, seemingly catering to a crowd that frequents the new location—a bustling area filled with trendy cafes and casual eateries. It’s clear that NJP has adapted to its surroundings, but in doing so, it feels like it’s moved away from the family-style dining that once made it so special. While the flavors are still there, and the quality remains high, the essence of the old NJP feels diluted. For someone like me, who treasures the memories of its earlier days, the new NJP is both a welcome return and a bittersweet reminder of what’s been left behind. Perhaps this is the price of evolution—meeting the tastes of a different audience while holding on to pieces of the past. Would I return? Maybe. But I’d do so knowing that NJP is now a mix of nostalgia and novelty, a reflection of how much the world—and perhaps I—have changed since 2017.