It had poured enough to block Delhi roads. I was in two minds about my planned visit to Freddy Who, a new spot in Vasant Vihar for a drink. But I needed something to lift my spirits, so stepping out seemed the better option.
I landed at Freddy Who. Spot the cat signage in Vasant Vihar, and that’s where Freddy sits. No, I am not talking about Together but Freddy, which shares the building with the latter, just one floor above. A dimly lit passage led me inside a deep red room that resembled the cigar room of an American bureaucrat from the early 90s. Leather-bound furnishing and a bar caught the eye. It was a beautiful-looking room, one that set the vibe right for the evening.
Freddy Who is the debut solo venture of restaurateur Bhavuk Verma (of Dirty Good and Hikki). While they claim it was created for those who appreciate the “warmth of being welcomed back,” the servers still have enough to work on before we can call them hospitable. My evening at Freddy Who featured good food and great sips, but it was also too loud and dim for my liking. So, did it lift the spirit? Only the drinks did; the rest could have been better.
The Sips
It is a straightforward menu that doesn’t add too many incomprehensible ingredients or convoluted techniques to the drinks. It lets you choose your favourite sip to return to time and again. Their tequila cocktails are particularly delicious. My favourite Freddy’s Fizz was creamy, citrusy, and smoky all at once. It featured grapefruit, orange, feta cheese, and smoky malt. Topped with a slice of orange, the drink paired tequila with the right notes that not only made it the highlight of the evening for me, but a drink I would return to whenever at Freddy next.
Sorry Who was another tequila cocktail that I quite enjoyed. I wouldn’t say it is a drink for all, but for those who like it slightly spicy and intense. Though it features notes of cucumber (which I could not tell) and celery (which was quite evident), it also has jalapeño and chilli celery salt that lends heat to the sip. I quite enjoyed the heat and the spice, but if savoury drinks are not for you, pass.
I am currently also enjoying wine in cocktails. Don’s Reserve was a good one. It featured red wine with notes of cherry, orange, and pineapple. Tart and fruity enough for my liking. Would reorder.
The drinks roster also features the classic Old Fashioned and Margarita, but I would recommend trying those only after you have tried all the craft cocktails on the menu and become a regular at Freddy. Meaning: craft cocktails are a must-try before you go for anything else.
They also offer a range of zero-proof drinks that you can opt for. Don’t feel any FOMO because they are not serving you an iced tea or a mojito under the guise of zero ABV, but well-crafted drinks. Bonnie’s Kiss was one that seemed interesting. It had white chocolate, CO2, jalapeno, and citrus. Well, I don’t know what that tasted like, but it's definitely worth giving a shot if you are a teetotaler.
Plate Pairings
Why I say pairings is because I would only order food at Freddy to go along with my drinks, to complement them rather than govern my evening.
I started off with my staple order: an asparagus tempura roll. It was quite average. I dislike it when sesame seeds start to dominate my palate while I am enjoying the sushi. The one at Freddy featured exactly that. I did not enjoy the sushi all that much. The truffle mushroom gyoza, on the flip side, was quite well done. The correct level of crunch and creaminess. I would recommend that you order it.
I skipped the small plates and landed straight at the large plates, where I went in with the Black Bean Silk Tofu and paired it with their udon noodles. It was the heartiest dish on the menu, which I quite enjoyed.
From the desserts, I could only sample the tiramisu, which was not moisture-controlled like I would have liked. I would have liked to try the gelato too (if the servers allow, do try and tell me how you liked it).
The Information:
Address: 3RD Floor, House NO, D-11, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi, Delhi 110057
Timings: 7 PM to 1.30 PM
Price for two: INR 6,500
1. What is Freddy Who in Vasant Vihar?
Freddy Who is the debut solo venture of restaurateur Bhavuk Verma, known for Dirty Good and Hikki. Located one floor above Together in Vasant Vihar, it is a dimly lit cocktail bar with a deep-red, vintage cigar-room-inspired interiors.
2. What are the must-try cocktails at Freddy Who?
Freddy’s Fizz is the standout, combining tequila with grapefruit, orange, feta cheese and smoky malt. Sorry Who is another good pick for those who enjoy spicy, savoury cocktails, while Don’s Reserve is a fruity red-wine cocktail with cherry, orange and pineapple.
3. What food should you order at Freddy Who?
The truffle mushroom gyoza and Black Bean Silk Tofu with udon noodles are recommended. The asparagus tempura roll was average, while the tiramisu could have had better moisture control.
4. Does Freddy Who serve non-alcoholic cocktails?
Yes, Freddy Who has a selection of well-crafted zero-proof drinks. Bonnie’s Kiss, made with white chocolate, CO2, jalapeño and citrus, is one of the more interesting options.
5. Is Freddy Who worth visiting for drinks and food?
Freddy Who is worth visiting primarily for its cocktails. The drinks were the highlight of the experience, while the food works better as a pairing. The loud ambience, dim lighting and service could use some improvement.
