Tonight we were looking for a party spot in Cloverdale and we found it at Gupshup, an Indian fusion restaurant specializing in cocktails and fun vibes. The tone is set with neon lights, a striking bar, and 90’s R&B beats under Indian raps. The latter came with enough familiarity, for anyone who doesn’t understand the language to enjoy.
This wasn’t on the menu at the time of our visit. However when I saw this novelty golf cart with their logo on it behind the bar, I had to ask what it was for. This cocktail is aptly named Par-Tee Time. A share style cocktail served in a jug with tap for self dispensing. The cocktail itself closely resembles a Jungle Bird, a tropical tiki mix of rum, Campari, pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. This was a punch that packed one. Truthfully, the novelty was fun on the first round, but became cumbersome as the cart moved when trying to dispense, and it took us a while to learn that the tap doesn’t flow if the top cork is on.
I had to order the Disco Fever for hijinks. It comes in two sizes, each a disco ball with strobing colourful ice cubes. Sadly we couldn’t get the large size as it needed four to share and we were two. This was just as well as it wasn’t my favourite cocktail, given how sugary it was to hide all the spirit. A mix of rum, peach liqueur, and cognac, blended with various juices. This is the epitome of a party drink.
I didn’t come in wanting an Espresso Martini, but our bartender tonight, Apu swore that he made the best espresso martinis in the land, and that is not just Surrey. With a boast like that I had to taste it for myself, and he was not wrong. My guest didn’t appreciate the foam and found it a touch too heady. I on the other hand liked it and found it like foam or cream on a latte. As for the drink itself, it had the perfect balance of cocoa, coffee, and cream. This drank so nuanced that the other cocktails we had thus far felt clumsy by comparison. I honestly couldn’t put it down and drank it faster than intended, and this is the kind of drink you want at such a bar.
I was sold and wanted to try more of Apu’s creations. He didn’t invent the menu, but has put his touches into a few of the current cocktail and shot offering and it shows. We ended up striking a conversation with a quartet of ladies at the bar, who too concurred that Apu was an excellent mixologist and loved what they had because they were so easy and enjoyable to drink.
The Wavy was tequila, vermouth, blue lime syrup, and a splash of orange juice. This was not too sweet despite the candy blue hue. It drank like juice, with the impact of the spirit to end.
Balti was similar with its fruit and easy drinking nature. This closely resembled the above two party starter novelty drinks, but all better balanced. Fresh orange and mango juice with rose syrup, ginger ale, and Bumbu rum. The unexpected was the rose syrup, which didn’t make the cocktail floral, but instead neutralized some of the sugars.
We ended the night with a couple of shots, after hearing Apu’s testimonials on his abilities it that realm as well. The Rainbow was three tiers and three colours, each a different taste and texture. By the way they were poured, this was alcohol and chaser in one gulp.
This had me thinking of this bar trick I saw online, where they pour out a series of shots from one shaker and a different colour comes out in each shot glass, with 7 in total. I have only seen this online and never in person, but was treated to this show tonight. I was impressed by the art and precision. This isn’t on their regular menu, but when Apu is on shift during the weekends, he is able to make it and any other cocktail. This is $55 for the single and $70 for a double. Shots like these aren’t meant to be savoured so we slammed them back consecutively, racing to the tie breaker 7th.
With drinks this fun you know their food is too. Creative and campy like the drinks, they are meant to solicit a good time. Like a can of nachos that get poured out tableside and a stone fire oven for creative pizzas the likes of a samosa pizza or one topped with spinach and paneer.
We ended up ordering things we would want to eat when drinking and were amused by the Indian twists they had, like the loaded indian tater tots served in a metal pail. Crispy Tater Tots with melted cheese, green onions, crushed paneer, and their house special sauces. This was a great new way to enjoy this childhood classic, now with a faint spice.
I love a good cheese pull, so had to order the fiery cheese pulls for name and promise alone. Crispy and loaded with cheese, served up Nashville Style. You have your choice of crispy coating, with masala being on option. However I could not pass up the mention of flaming hot Cheetos, so went in that direction. Crispy, zesty, and cheesy for all the things I love.
I have seen these at street festivals and being offered out of food trucks, but never at a sit down restaurant, so that was a fun reason to order the Dorito bag. This was literally a single serving bag of Doritos original cheese flavoured chips, cut open to be used as a bowl to house melted cheese, shredded lettuce, and finely chopped tomatoes and onions. This was as expected, with plenty of cheese to drown the chips, I just wish we added on some ground beef to make them more like deconstructed tacos.
When we saw it, we need we had to try this North American classic remixed Indian with masala spice. The Cockney Singh’s fish and chips was a playful twist on the all famous recipe from England. Two pieces battered with Indian Masalas, served with salad and tartar sauce. There is no missing the spice as is, but it does get obscured when in the company of the Tartar sauce, which was also unique on to them, and I loved it. We also loved the double fried fries as a top tier drunk snack.
Worth mentioning is despite their large selection of fusion eats, they do still offer classic Indian dishes. Like these lamb chops marinated in Indian spices. Thoroughly coated, I found the seasoning heavy handed and in need of citrus to open up, and/or a refreshing cream based sauce to dip these lamb lollipops into.
Butter chicken is a must for me at any Indian restaurant, and as an excuse to have garlic naan with it. Chicken in a rich tomato and cashew gravy. It was tasty, but too heavy for this night of drinking, nor did it match any of the drinks.
In short, we had an unexpectedly playful time. The fun and creative meal transitioned well into the decor and the over all atmosphere. I can and will recommend them for your next drinking night in Surrey.
Gupshup Social Lounge
5570 152 St, Surrey, BC V3S 5J9
(604) 749-2124
gupshupsocial.ca
