Coconuts Hot Spot: Fiercer – tempting tapas with an Indian twist

COCONUTS HOT SPOT — After setting up Fierce Curry House in Bangsar in 2011, Herukh Jethwani looked for a new challenge.

With Fierce Curry House doing well serving their signature Southern Indian cuisine, it wasn’t long before Herukh opened up Fiercer in Publika in December last year.

READ: Coconuts Hot Spot: Indian cuisine that isn’t just ‘Fierce’, but ‘Fiercer’

Operating on a different concept, Fiercer specialises in Northern Indian food and its famous biryani.  For want of a higher challenge and with a passion to serve something different in Fiercer, Herukh recently introduced their Tapas menu.

Both he and his lovely wife Aahana were inspired by the variety of delicious tapas they had in Spain during their honeymoon there not too long ago.

The idea to formulate something similar back home in Fiercer was born and they experimented with the possibility upon their return.  After numerous trials and testing in the kitchen, a series of avant-garde tapas done Indian-style have now been included in the menu at Fiercer.

Slices of baguette are toasted crostini-style before being smeared with a refreshing mint chutney.  Then, a variety of delicious toppings are put in place and a dollop of spicy chilli chutney crowns the ensemble for a fiery (slightly) balance.

We tried several versions of these tasty morsels, starting with Chicken Makhanwala (butter chicken), followed by Jeera Aloo (potatoes and cumin), Gosht Keema Masala (spicy minced lamb), Prawns Tikka Malai and Fish Methi Masala.  The toppings are generous and their flavours can’t be faulted.

It’s hard to pick a favourite from the selection we tried.  The prawns were well marinated with blended cashew nuts and cream cheese while the tandoor-grilled tenggiri fish were scented with a light masala and fenugreek.  We loved the rich nuances of the Chicken Makhanwala and the Lamb Keema Masala had such a fiery punch.

Samosa Chaat

Prices of the tapas items range from RM12 to RM38 for 4 pieces per serving.  They go very well with drinks or if you just prefer some light bites for your meal.  Fiercer’s bar has a good selection of alcohol to go with the tapas.

For other interesting bites, check out Fiercer’s Pani Puri, a popular streetfood in India. These crispy puffed wafers are served with spicy mint juice, chutney and potatoes which are to be popped into the mouth in one go to appreciate its full spectrum of flavours.

Paani Puri

Samosa Chaat are crispy vegetables samosa with potatoes and chopped onions topped with sweetened yoghurt mint and tamarind chutney.  Served chilled, this was another interesting and delicious starter.

So there you go, for a chill-out evening at Fiercer, if a heavy meal is not your choice, have some tapas, pani puri and samosa chaat instead – they go perfectly with your beers and cocktails.

Fiercer
D1-G3-5 Publika
Jalan Solaris Dutamas 1
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-6211-2066

Chris Wan also blogs at Pure Glutton