Chef Ameet Malhotra serves up Indian heat at Elephant Wings dinner event

Pork jalfrezi with basmati rice at Elephant Wings Chef’s Dinner // Photo by Raymart Dinglas

Elephant Wings is a homestyle Indian restaurant housed in North Kansas City’s Iron District, great for a flavor-packed, casual lunch or dinner. However, on a special night in late October, the staff set up for a five-course Indian fusion meal by owner and chef Ameet Malhotra.

Malhotra, who was born and raised in Mumbai, India, learned to cook from his father, who ran a catering business. He moved to the U.S. in 1998 to pursue a career in graphic design and worked for Hallmark for 19 years. After being laid off in 2020, he decided to follow his passion for cooking and started Elephant Wings as a side gig. He soon realized that there was a high demand for his homestyle Indian cuisine and turned it into a full-time business.

Elephant Wings Chef’s Dinner // Photo by Raymart Dinglas

The Elephant Wings menu–for dining, catering, or a chef’s dinner–features fresh ingredients, spices, and Malhotra’s creative flair. For the chef’s dinner event, dishes are served on a communal table in a cozy, sheltered deck on the upper level of the Iron District. The atmosphere was intimate, designed for diners to interact with the chef and each other.

The meal that Chef Malhotra served on the chilly October night started with a kheema flatbread with citrus coriander chutney–a crispy naan topped with ground chicken seasoned with a bright medley of spices. The chutney was herbaceous and added a refreshing layer of flavor. This dish was a highlight of the meal that I went back for seconds.

Kheema flatbread at Elephant Wings Chef’s Dinner // Photo by Raymart Dinglas

The second course was a green pea soup with cumin yogurt and Kashmiri chili. Malhotra suggested trying the soup first without the lime and then with it. The lime added a burst of acidity that enhanced the creamy soup made with a blend of green peas and spices. The cumin yogurt added warmth and creaminess and the Kashmiri chili gave a slight heat and color.

Next, a cilantro shrimp cucumber purée with corn jalapeño was served. The hot cilantro shrimp was nested on top of the cold cucumber purée, which provided a refreshing contrast in texture and temperature. The corn jalapeño added a touch of sweetness and spice. This unique and high-contrast dish showcased Malhotra’s creativity. 

Malhotra’s main course was a pork jalfrezi with basmati rice. Jalfrezi means to hot-fry, and the ingredients are stir-fried in a thick sauce to make a curry. This was the spiciest dish on the menu and also the heartiest, with pork cooked with tomatoes, onions, and peppers. The pork pieces were tender and the aromatic basmati rice soaked up the sauce wonderfully.

Masala chai kulfi at Elephant Wings Chef’s Dinner // Photo by Raymart Dinglas

Capping off a vibrant and filling meal, masala chai kulfi was served for dessert. This is a type of ice cream with a dense and creamy texture. Its tea flavor comes from cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. I tend to reach for desserts that have a savory component, and Malhotra did a great job incorporating spice to balance the sweetness. The crushed pistachios provided a crunch and fattiness that brought the kulfi to another level.

Whether it be for a grab-and-go lunch or a future chef’s dinner experience, Elephant Wings is a must-try for anyone who loves Indian food or wants to expand their palate. Malhotra is a talented chef who brings his passion and personality to every dish. 

Elephant Wings is located at 1599 Iron St, North Kansas City, MO 64116.