14 TABLES

The café or bistro culture of Guwahati has witnessed a sea change over the past few years. With people of the city preferring to eat out more often, a number of new eateries have come up which offer a diner with a host of dining options. The average diner in Guwahati now has a range of options to choose from. One such relatively new cafe is 14 Tables. Offering a break from the numerous cafes and bistros which serve usually the same fare, 14 Tables is in a league of its own. Located in a comfortable space in Christian Basti of GS Road, this eatery, likes to call itself as an Indianised version of the famed diners of America.

Based on the American diners model, the place serves a delectable range of contemporary American fast food like burgers, pizzas and sandwiches. This is one of the very few places in Guwahati which serves all-day breakfast, and the only place in Guwahati to serve the Classic American Country breakfast! And the best part of this restaurant is that all the items in the menu are highly affordable!

14 Tables is located in the second floor of Vivekananda Complex, Near Rajib Bhawan, ABC, GS Road, Christian Basti, Guwahati. The eatery is the brainchild of Shillong-based entrepreneur Ameet Kaur, who for long wanted to start a place, based on the theme of American diners, which served American fast food for the mushrooming student community at affordable rates!

Talking about the concept behind 14 Tables, Kaur explains, “The food industry of Guwahati has developed tremendously over the last few years. However, there was always the need for a place which served American fast food at a reasonable price. With Guwahati being home to so many students from different states of the Northeast, there was always a need for a place which served American fast food which is much loved by students. However, the concept of diners was more or less alien in the food map of the city. As such, We wanted to start a restaurant on the lines of the diners found in America”.

The first thing that strikes one as he or she enters the place is the design and decor of the place. With minimalistic designs, the place offers a comfortable and relaxed dining experience. At present, the eatery has a seating capacity for around 45-55 people.

With its chief focus being on hygiene and affordability, this food court has become highly popular amongst the younger generation. The place has managed to pick up a regular clientele of its own within a very short span of time. As Kaur says, “Our main focus is on the student community and we are happy that we have got enthusiastic response from our target audience.”

When we talk about an American diner, you must be wondering about the chefs. While the chefs of the restaurant here are not from USA, they have been trained in preparing American fast food. “Although we set up the place on the lines of American diners, it is not practically possible to get our cooks from America. So our cooks are all locals who have been trained in the art of preparing American fast food”.

Some of the most popular food items are pizzas and burgers and the all-day American breakfast which they serve throughout the day. “We serve American fast food items like burgers, pizzas and sandwiches, modified to suit the Indian taste buds. Another popular item is the American breakfast which we serve round the clock,” says Kaur.

A regular customer Indrajit Dutta said, “The place is really good. It's near to my workplace so I can easily go and have light snacks or meals that won't cost much and are delicious too. Those who love to taste American dishes with good flavours can have a try at this restaurant. The interiors are nicely decorated and provides a good view of the city's skyline and busy life from some of the seats, which is another mood elevator for many like me. Everyday, they have a special dish or menu at a good rate along with weekend specials. The other dishes are yummy as well. I love their pasta, hot chocolate and chicken dishes. The mood feels good with screens playing classic rock and pops. Lastly, I loved their staff service as they're friendly from the beginning till the end and humble too. I would recommend this place for an evening hangout or a late lunch.

Another customer Prayashi Phukan opined, “The place serves nice food for a good price.

The highlighting factor is that you pay what you see, there is no extra GST charged.

I ordered grilled pork that was served with veggies, chicken alkeiv, which was amazing in taste. It is a stuffed chicken breast that is crispy fried, served with dips and salad. I also tried buffalo wings and coffee. Both tasted good. Overall a really good ambience.”

Since the restaurant is targeted mostly at the student community, the prices too are very reasonable. “We do not have any hidden taxes. We charge exactly the same amount that we quote on the menu. Since our target customer is mainly the student community, we have tried to keep the prices as reasonable as possible,” says Kaur.

A meal will cost you roughly around Rupees 300.