Author: N Chitrangada

CHICKEN CHOP SUEY TO THE RESCUE!

Ever had days when you desperately wanted to have something really tasty but was out of your budget?Or got scolded over the phone by your mother for not having something healthy?We all have had those days,and at such times its often noticed that we somehow come across memorable solutions.The ‘jugaad’ tech,the hunt for healthy or inexpensive food that would not bloat us into absolute wobbly humans as our mother warns us,memories of food arranged under such constraints is unforgettable.One such foodie experience is what I wish to share. Hungry,with not much in our pockets to pay, hearts that were reluctant to eat even a single morsel of street food,my friend and I,longed to have something proper,filling and within the budget of say around Rs.200,we racked our brains to work and come up with some decent place to eat.And each time,either the quantity seemed insufficient ,or the costs seemed too high.

With sheer dejection we de- boarded the metro at Green Park metro station,making a starved exit ,devoid of any ideas whatsoever,and there was the answer to our “no street ka khana” problem,a tiny air conditioned eatery stating to serve Chinese ,Thai and continental food,The Flaming Wok.From where we stood we could make out that it was a decent place,but what worried us was again the cost.Desperate to take the chance we walked in feeling the cool gust of air on our faces,we asked for the menu.At first our eyes lingered ,scanning for something that would fit our requirements,section after section we felt like penny less customers who were too hungry to leave and would eventually have to wash dishes to eat the scrumptious looking food they offered.But at the very end of it all we found our section,that of Chinese platter and combos.Having contemplated what would be better we zeroed down to the all time famous Chicken Chop Suey,keeping in mind that we must not regret what we ordered,after all being that hungry makes you no less cranky than an ancient quack.
Waiting in the neat space,seated on the beige coloured chair and table we had not much to look around ,except for an article of Hindustan Times praising the food served here and a certificate for the same.Convinced that though the place is not as huge as other restaurants are,it was well acclaimed for it’s food and service.As some time passed, about fifteen minutes or so ,having drank numerous glasses of water and a Minute Maid Pulpy Orange,we eagerly waited,controlling our pangs of hunger that wrecked havoc in our stomach ,there came a simmering bowl of chicken chopsuey,the oriental aroma tickled our nostrils,mouth watered at the thought of finally eating .

The manager cum waiter politely served us with our portions of the dish.And here I must mention,the quantity even after being served a plate full of the dish was still enough to be served to two more people.The chop suey,in corn coloured gravy ,loaded with vegetables and soft and long slices of chicken would have made any mother proud for seeing their child consume that good a quantity of broccoli,capsicum,cauliflower, lettuce,celery,baby corn ,beans and bell pepper.Colourful and extremely healthy from the variety of vegetables and the chicken soft and tender made the most spell binding harmony to the palate.The brown shaded noodles,crisp and non sticky, fried perfectly made the combination of the two even better.

With each bite ,a savory mix of crispy noodles,tender chicken pieces and well flavored vegetables that retained a slightly raw tinge to their crispiness in a perfectly simmered gravy,made us thankful for having discovered this place and selected this dish.A complete paisa vasool,the quantity was so good that we actually had to get the remaining chop suey packed.The best part about the taste of the chop suey was its balance between the typical Indian version of Chinese and that of the oriental Chinese.This subtle balance,and the evident play of spices and flavor,putting forth the right kind of bland an the right kind of taste adds to the beauty of the dish.

As students we have days of running low on budget,chidings on call for not having enough vegetables,of eating out,precautionary warnings of eating any street food etc though not many college kids can avoid eating out,they can definitely do something about the above mentioned constraints .Flaming Wok seems to be providing a good way to tackle such problems.Easy on the pocket,great to taste and filling for the tummy.A perfect buster of hunger pangs,this Chicken Chop Suey is without a doubt a healthy and delectable treat available at a very pocket friendly price.With other scumptious dishes available as well,The Flaming Wok provides genuine Chinese,Thai and continental dishes .Their prawn based dishes are also a common favorite .Their crispy lamb is yet another addition to the oriental express ,though the price may not be as easy on the pocket.The actual variety of dishes based on chicken,mutton,fish and prawn is really praiseworthy.

Though sadly enough the Flaming Wok is no longer functioning at the green park branch,another branch has been inaugurated at the C.R Park,Delhi.There are many other outlets around the city,though the fond memories of this particular branch is unforgettable.A happy addition to the available eateries,though the address is different,yet the tantalizing taste remains just the same.BON APPETTITE!

June 9, 2014
Chor Bizarre: A treasure house of taste

Sitting on one of the much sought after seats,after a tough fight through reservations made for it,you finally enter the secret coven of lost treasures and looted valuables.With each plate different from that of the other person sitting right next to you ,the cutlery unique,mismatched glasses,and a display case filled with all sorts of “stolen” goods,you have finally found a place at the Chor Bizarre restaurant,M.G Road ,Gurgaon.

This amusing,mismatched decor gives you the complete feel of standing in a chor bazaar .Even the lanterns,tables and chairs here are different from any other furniture in the entire room.Each separate dining area has a different theme to it.From regal looking chairs,to simple bamboo stools,be it a couch that looks like it has been smuggled,to a throne like furniture that seems to be secretly kept away from the “dark” forces of the underworld,yes it is THAT dramatic!

Your plates,cutlery and glasses would continue to give you the same effect,a bone china dish,or a silver platter,or crockery with different designs.What will amaze and amuse you even more is the well polished ,bright green vintage car parked in the middle of the big hall,with a buffet arranged inside it.

Having seen the unique decor that plays pretty much according to its name,now its time to see if the food is that impressive.Do not be astonished if the dishes in which the food arrives are also mismatched,and the food fulfills every expectation when it comes to doing justice to the effort put in to the decor.
Cuisines and dishes from around India,with a varied menu,presenting you with flavours and spices that tingle your tastebuds in the way of the Indian states.
From Punjab to Tamil Nadu,with a commendable variety,you can steal moments of pure savory pleasure.Be it variety ,be it maintaining the subtility of each flavour,light hints of coriander to tangy zing of tomato,the way spices play and mix over your tongue,you are bound to be taken aback with pleasant surprises in each bite.

Coming to the MUST TRY,there is just one dish I would,in fact even the waiters at Chor Bizarre would recommend for the people who prefer non vegetarian is the PALAK RISTA.Soft,tender,well marinated meat balls enveloped in a savory curry of spinach.The most consistent gravy with well cooked and simmered spinach that mingles well with the spices and the meat,is a delectable treat to the palate.
Another scrumptious treat is the Sharabi Kababi tikka masala.cooked in brandy,this dish s set to get you addicted,not because of the brandy but because of its sheer brilliant taste.It then becomes an indispensable part of your favorites.An amazing dish brainstormed by Chor Bizarre, Delhi.The Goshtaba is the rare delicacy straight from Kashmir’s kitchen,and you would not want to miss that out!Finely beaten lamb,flavored in cardamom in a yogurt based gravy ,patiently cooked and simmered on a slow flame.

Yes my vegetarian readers,I haven’t forgotten about you!At Chor Bizarre ,even the regular Dal and sabzi becomes a special treat.Their Dal Chor B’zar has an exceptionally good taste and flavor for our regular lentils.The richness of the cream and the subtle yet defining taste of the tomatoes makes each bite fueled with pleasure for the palate.
Hyderabadi Achari aloo brings you a unique version of potatoes like never before.Tangy,well seasoned aloo in yogurt based gravy plated beautifully contribute to a wow experience from the simplest of ingredients.An all time favorite Paneer also gets a makeover the Chor Bizarre style.Cooked with almonds and khoya ,enveloped in rich cashew nut gravy here is the king of all paneer (cottage cheese)based dishes,the Paneer Badam Pasanda,slices of cottage cheese that will transport you to the land of delectable treats.
The sheer simplicity of food being modified into a yummy dish,still holding its roots to the place from which it is said to belong,Chor Bizarre brings forth the versatile colours and flavors of Indian cuisines.
The ambiance is without a doubt a perfect five out of five,the entire effect of mismatched decor and furniture,art pieces and lamps,plus the vintage car is a show stealer.

The food a perfect mix and match from the various states of India live up to its name and fame of being one of the finest diners in NCR,it has four star on Zomato.
With another branch of Chor Bizarre set up in London,it completely levels up with it when it comes to perfection ,variation,consistency and quality.With various other branches in NCR serving with the same finesse as that of the one in Gurgaon,Chor Bizarre has definitely given very urban touch to all things Desi.
The appeal for food,decor and presentation is undoubtedly commendable and sets new standards for other diners and restaurants that cater n a similar fashion.So join the foodie band of Chor bizarre ,take a ride in the buffet serving vintage car,indulge in the savory and scrumptious food,steal moments of pure bliss for your taste buds.BON APPETITE!

June 5, 2014
Chokhi Dhani: An Experience Like Never Before

The sultry breeze,the golden sand,the earthly smell,the air resonating with warm cordial greetings of “RAAM RAAM SA!”,smiles on each face,the enthusiasm with which each person reflects the undiluted festivity of Jaipur.Each moment spent in CHOKHI DHANI becomes an experience that you shall never forget.A mere peephole to have a glimpse of the rich culture and ways of celebrations Rajasthan harbour s,it is as legendary as it gets!
Entering Chokhi Dhani would at the very first glance mesmerize you followed with an unputdownable sense of perplexity in the form of a question, “From where shall I start?”

Having eventually found a flow to your exploration,the thrill elevates at each step.
The beginning of my magical experience at Chokhi Dhani,in fact began with a magic show.With not even a penny charged,the flamboyant localite magician called out to people,gathering an audience with phrases and slogans matched up on the beats of the dholak.Having gathered a good number of people to witness his miracle he started the show.With each trick that he performed,with each dove that he chanted his Abracadabras upon,I could feel a similar thrill like that of a five year old looking at things in the most awestruck of all manners.The tricks are not of an “international level”,maybe even they can be explained easily by almost anyone,yet what actually is the causer of such childlike thrill is the energy and drama with which the magician,a “master” of “divine powers”,attempts to entertain you,leaving no chance to put an amused smile on that face.

Proceeding on-wards,you may spot a not so big ,hand driven Ferris wheel.Do not by any means underestimate the strength of these young men,they can actually push the Ferris wheel pretty effectively.At a height that enables you a view of the colourful surroundings that envelope you,having a pleasant ride that is fueled with laughter is insured.
For those of you who have never sat on a camel,here is a tip,do not let a panic heart sit behind you!They shall claw the hell out of your waist!And if you yourself tend to be a panic stricken person,then always sit in the front saddle of the camel,you do not want to hurt anyone.The way the desert’s ship topples fist front and then backwards give you the feeling of either toppling on its neck or falling backwards,but holding on to this bumpy ride is what makes it fun.

Cultural dances that compel you to rejoice in the foot tapping sounds of instruments,performers who invite you to join them in their celebration,their colourful ghaghras swinging in an uninterrupted momentum.Welcome to the Chokhi dhani way of living up to the paradigm “Dance as if nobody is looking”.The rhythm is so festive and lively that you just cannot help but dance along merrily.

A grand ride on the elephant gives you the feel of royal lineage,your Highness,the ruler of the kingdom of happiness and smiles galore,your ride through Chokhi Dhani will be unforgettable.
Puppet shows narrating stories of kings and queens,or of star crossed lovers is way of getting you face to face with folktales and theatre.

Your journey is incomplete without a meal at Chokhi Dhani.The sitting arrangement requires one to sit on mats with chowkis placed in front of them,With your shoes placed outside on a rack,you now sit bare feet and legs folded upon the mat.A cheerful waiter with an impressive mustache enters with a woman dressed up in the traditional attire.With plates set to be served upon,two other mustached waiters come with the serving vessels and huge spoons and spatulas.Be prepared because now you will be served with around twenty or more dishes with around three different kinds of chapatis.
Beginning energetically ,you may begin devouring the food,famished from an entire trip around the Chokhi Dhani village.Each ‘sabzi’ has an amazing amalgamation of flavor and spices.Just in case its too spicey for you,a waiter shall always be there to refill your “Kullhad” with water,another one with butter milk.The chapatis crisp and hot,though just the size of your palms are extremely filling.

The Marwadi Khichdi is my all time favorite.With two servings of khichdi,topped with two spoon fulls of desi ghee and four spoon fulls of sugar,this heavily loaded khichdi is the ultimate hunger buster .No amount of requesting and pleading can save you from the heart felt ‘atithi satkaar’ of these people.They shall see to it that you are well fed,so much that they might have to lift you up to help you stand once you are done!In the very middle of the entire meal,you shall find yourself absolutely full.These waiters,with a turban and mustache would further offer you hot and freshly prepared gulab jamuns.Their menu is subject to periodic rotation,yet each meal leaves you with a happy tummy.Simple,filling,rich and finger licking,the food is undoubtedly delectable.The undiluted essence of Rajasthan.
The colours,the live wire like energy coursing through the atmosphere,the undaunted display of cultural richness ,the warm hospitality,all of these are mere tokens of love ,a peephole into the heart of Rajasthan.With the last glimpse of all the shops selling craftwork and souvenirs,a fragile looking old man in a heavy turban,turning a cycle wheel,pretending to fix the spokes near a dim coal fire,smiling through his handful of teeth,mustering all his strength to shout out a final “raam raam sa” as you leave,etching a permanent memory of warmth ,cultural treasure and hospitality like none other in the entire world.This is Chokhi Dhani,a cultural village that lives in its own world ,inviting you with a “Padharo marey Des”,greeting you with a “raam raam sa”.BON VOYAGE,BON APPETTITE.

June 3, 2014
BISQUE:THE WIZARD OF DINING AND BAKING

The simmering sound of the sizzler arriving,oozing with a lingering trail of smoky scent and barbecue sauce ,a platter full of continental goodness reaches you loaded with oven fresh bread with butter melting on it,plenty of crispy sauteed vegetables decorated on its sides,pepper and mushroom dip,delectable potato wings and sitting in the center of it all,the maharaja,a thick,well done boneless chicken steak brimming with the choicest of sauces,crisp on the crust,soft and juicy at the core.This continental beauty can be ordered at the Bisque,DLF phase 2,Gurgaon.ATTENTION !ALL THE SIZZLER LOVERS,inhabitants of NCR ! Board the metro,or take a cab,but this sizzler here is worth going the distance!

I am not exaggerating at the sheer enormity of the serving size of this much loved continental cuisine.Your stomach may indicate that you are full,though the taste is so marvelous that you may just not be able to set your fork and knife down!
Not to forget ,there is a special vegetarian sizzler as well.You might be wondering that what possibly could they serve except cottage cheese to do justice to one’s appetite that is strictly anti meat.Well yes,they do serve a Paneer sizzler,but let me tell you,it is as tempting as the chicken version!A pure cuboid of paneer ,doused with sauces and butter,that threatens to melt right in front of your eyes as you cut off the first slice.And the wonders it does to your palate!I know the amount of butter and sauces mentioned here and served there are not a very healthy picture according to many,though here is its solution,the vegetables served alongside each of the sizzlers form a humongous portion and help cut out on the harmful effects of eating such a loaded meal.They effectively counterbalance the calories by adding up on the roughage.Mind you,they do not “ruin”the taste in any manner whatsoever!Unlike the childhood presumptions of regarding beans,brocoli and cauliflower as spoilers of good taste,they are prepared in such a manner that they accentuate the taste to a great deal.
Bisque also has a considerably good menu comprising of amazing varieties of Pastas and salads,giving you the full liberty to pamper yourself the low carb and calorie way.Their salad bar has every possible topping you may require to make your own salad if you wanted to.Refreshing and filling,these salads are served in really good amount to appease your palate without overdoing the taste of the sauces or the veggies.A must try if you look forward to healthy dining that also satisfies your pangs of hunger.

Coming to the pastas,well,the finnese with which each plate of pasta is prepared,bearing its own unique flavour ,completely justifying its name and origin,is absolutely remarkable.

What is really worth the mention,is its doughnuts.Fresh baked,straight out of the oven,beatific and mouthwatering in appearance and titillating to the taste buds.
The Bisque can accommodate at the most fifteen to twenty people at a time in its diner,not so grand,this humble diner has its own warmth and comfort that is much liked by its customers,the food itself a favorite of all those who have ever eaten at bisque.In its ever increasing band of patrons,a major chunk belongs to those people who take a special interest in the bakery items they prepare.Breads of all kinds,be it low fat low calorie,be it garlic and cheese,the Bisque has a vast variety.You name it and they have it.The mouth watering muffins,the ‘melt in your mouth’ bread rolls,soup sticks,cal zones,cookies and what not !They even have expertise in baking cakes on order!

Heavenly doughnuts that cater to all levels of sweet tooth and flavour preferences,this not so big diner never ceases to amaze with its quick service and variant types of edibles and cuisines it has to offer.Adding to its credibility is their ice cream.Rich ,creamy and loaded with flavour,maintaining a pitch perfect balance between the taste and the sweetness.Their sundaes and brownies are a must order after any meal.Tempting as they are,they possess the undiluted goodness of wholesome taste.Irrespective of its capacity for accommodation,it functions with a capability that is set to take you by surprise.With each visit,it has never escaped my eye,that the taste and the balance of flavours,the way each dish and preparation seems to be juggling so efficiently ,has never changed.Persistent and with an amazing consistency,the Bisque takes you on a savory ride. Adding to the society in their own small way,the Bisque gives away all it’s day’s produce to a stranger’s home.no matter how many loaves of bread go untouched and unsold on its shelves,they happily give it all away,charging absolutely nothing.Two men enter with empty bags and sacks,and move out with whatever is left unsold,thanking the manager,leaving with a smile.
Living up to its promise of quality food and great taste,the Bisque duly fulfills the greater humanitarian goal as well.Without a doubt,the prosperity and business is well deserved,the name upheld by the persistent quality of its food ,products and service.
A Must try if you ever happen to visit Gurgaon!BON APPETITE!

May 31, 2014
Sagar Ratna:Redefining South Indian Food

Light as air,crispy and paper thin,the marks of the spiral style of spreading the batter on the hot tava,stuffed with well spiced and flavoured potatoes topped off with coconut seasoning,now that is a Dosa that the Sagar Ratna restaurant in Defence Colony,Delhi, serves you with.We all have seen long queues in front of restaurants and eateries that offer Mughlai,Continental,Italian,Chinese,Thai or simply amazing North Indian food,yet Sagar Ratna restaurant will be the first of its kind to have a really long queue out side its gates for something as simple as sambhar rice,idlis vadas and dosas in a place like Delhi,that has no shortage of absolutely fantastic and flamboyant other cuisines of n number of different origins.The majority being eaters of typical Rajma Chawal and Chhole Bhature seem to be hell bent for getting a seat in this restaurant ,so as to savor the ultra light and simple food straight from the south.Mind you ,when i say that the food is simple i do not imply that it lacks in any manner in taste and flavour.The richness of the food here is the most undeniable facet.
The neatness maintained here is absolutely remarkable.A spic and span place with glistening plates and glasses,polite waiters efficiently taking orders,the air a mix of coconut and incense ,the ambiance has its own tranquil yet lively quality.
With a vast menu that covers an amazing variety of vegetarian south Indian dishes,it becomes a task to select particular dishes that you would order.The types of Uttapam and dosas itself are numerous to such an extent that you may no longer be able to stick to the tag of “monotony” when it comes to South Indian cuisines.Types of rices available,be it lemon rice,coconut rice etc to name a few,also add to the peacock feathers of this restaurant.The vadas though not as varied as the other dishes definitely have a taste and crispiness that is unmatched for.
Coming to the “must order” dishes,the South Indian platter tops the list.Though you can also get your fair share of dosa treat,this platter includes Uttapam that is topped with crispy tomatoes ,onions and capsicums(the toppings can also be changed) in a slightly sour tasting batter as an alternative to dosa,a portion of lemon rice that are set to tingle your tastebuds with their tangy flavour,, topped with mustard seeds and cashew nuts peanuts,the crispy reddish brown vadas,soft spongy idlis,a serving of tangerine and yellow coloured aromatic sambhar,servings of the different varieties of chutneys to accentuate the taste and yes for the people with a major sweet tooth, here comes Payasam ,Suji and badam ka halwa.Not to forget,the absolutely satiating butter milk.

Proceeding with the list of “must order”,opting for any dosa mentioned in the menu does quite the trick.Each type of dosa has its own unique flavour and appeal ,hence it is really a tough call to rank them.One could nevertheless rank them in accordance with the fact that how filling each is.The rava masala dosa is a common favorite .A commendable job of taste enhancement is done by the chutneys here.
The Four feet never ending family dosa is yet another addition to the spectacular menu .Just in case we have a gargantuan pang of hunger,this dosa will do just the trick for you and your family/friends.

The filter coffee is yet another must try.The coffee is perfectly brewed and the aroma is addictive.Guess Cafe Coffee Day and Starbucks have an Indian competitor!
The Halwas and payasam available are amazing treats at the end of any meal.Serving deserts that are the right kind of sweet,maintain a praiseworthy balance of flavours.With each bite you can taste the tinge of saffron and sugar mixing softly over your tongue.
With numerous other branches over the entire city ,Sagar Ratna restaurant in Defence colony is a four star on zomato.The best amongst all its chains of restaurants,it has the most amicable staff ,a quick and neat service,and a lively atmosphere.The simplicity of the food that envelopes within itself the complexity of flavours amalgamated by chefs in the most professional and sophisticated a fashion,makes the food absolutely unmatched for,when it comes to overall dining standards.Redefining South Indian cuisines and the general approach towards them,Sagar Ratna offers a variety of dishes that are clearly a fusion of the west and aspects of our nation as well.Not only this,but they also offer North Indian dishes as an inclusion to the South Indian Thali with their scrumptious puris and rasam,which they efficiently recreate on each plate,the flavours distinct yet likable.

A versatile restaurant,with a flexible approach to its customers,the name and fame of Sagar ratna is well deserved.Ideal for a simple yet classy dine in,or a casual ,relaxed breakfast and lunch,this place definitely steals the show.
A vast ,all encompassing south Indian menu,extremely likable service and atmosphere,versatile,fusion based dishes,perfection in flavour and remarkable balance of spices,now that is the true mark of a good restaurant.So jump in for dosas and idlis galore!Its really worth a try!BON APPETITE!

May 31, 2014
Tunday Kababi:Serving Perfection

The effortless tossing and spinning atop fingertips that have mastered the art of making soft,well spanned rumali rotis,skewers being fanned ,the spicy aroma of kebabs being made on open charcoal flames ,the soft smoky smell that lingers in your nostrils,the slicing and dicing of fresh salad,onions chopped into rings and the chutney being made on stone ‘silbatta’ ,coriander,chillies and lemon grounded into a perfect mix. This is the heavenly sight of the Tunday Kababi’s open kitchen in Aminabad ,Lucknow.
Established in the year of 1905,this place has still not lost its charm and flavour.It has never ceased to amaze people.The city of Nawabs has yet another ace in its deck of foody cards.With numerous franchises across the nation,in fact some even around the globe,The original Tunday Kababi is the Kohinoor of its kabab kingdom.

A typical eatery with all the cooking,simmering,frying and brewing happening right in front of your eyes,attaining a seat here is a tough bargain.
A colossal menu that comprises of every Mughlai dish you could think of,presents before you a dilemma that is tough to tackle,let alone dismiss.
To choose between biryanis ,kormas,shorbas and kebabs is without a doubt a really tough call.But to ease that tensed nerve ,here is a suggestion,begin with the all time favorite and famous KABAB.
Galuati,seekh,shaami,kakori,pasinda and boti kabab.Yes THOSE are the types of kababs that you have to choose from.Though it totally depends upon what your personal choice of kabab is,yet for those who are treading on the Nawabi grounds of mughlai food for the first time,a personal favorite is the Galauati kabab.
This particular type of kabab is a favorite of a vast majority,hence in all possibility ,even the rarest of cases who are not fond of anything mughlai will develop a liking to the galauati ,the moment their tastebuds come in contact with the kabab.

What is so special about it?
Well now,getting into the details of WHAT MAKES IT SO SPECIAL,we begin with the preparation.Galauati kababs are made from mutton that is well beaten ,tender and juicy.They are then kneaded and rolled into soft lumpy round masses and then pressed down in a perfect circular shape on the ‘tava’ heated on charcoal flame.Flipped more than three times,the benefit of such rigorous cooking methodology will be uncovered as soon as your order arrives.The subtle smoky and spicey smell of crispy kababs is the most prominent of all sights in your plate.Taking the first bite would require you to break a portion of the soft rumali roti and as you pressure your finger on top of the kebab,the crispy crust of it breaks away ,paving way towards a soft ,juicy center. Precisely,this is the beauty of tunday ke kabab.Its not just a treat to the palate but a visual and olfactory treat as well.
Having made your first bite,the very moment you place it on your tongue,you would experience a subtle yet savory blast of flavours.The spices ,the way the mutton is marinated ,the smoky charcoal aroma,the freshness of the chutney and salad,all work together to conjure up the most fantastic of mughal food experiences.After the first,there is no stopping,you shall devour all the contents in your plate.
If your stomach still allows ,the butter chicken,Nahari mutton,Mughlai parantha,mutton curry and mutton biryani are also a must try.Neither too spicy nor too bland,maintaining the perfect balance of flavours the butter chicken and mutton gravy are also among the list of popular favorites.

The Mughlai parantha comes by as a surprise element. Clad in the spongy soft armor of flour made exterior with beautiful brown-1red spots bearing the sign of being well made,resides the core made up of mutton stuffed in every interstice of it.
This preparation is one beast of a dish that absolutely escalates the sensitivity of your tastebuds,catapulting you to the most sensuous of all palatial pleasures.The biryanis have a similar effect.Yet as stated earlier,the kababs are the show stealers .On the whole ,Tunday kababi offers you dishes that envelope your senses and make every bite an experience so indulgent that it leaves an everlasting mark on your memory.Each cell in your brain,stomach and tongue shall remember its delicious and delectable taste.Your olfactory nerves shall tingle at the mere thought of it,and the salivary glands shall water at the name of its dish.

Amazingly enough,an order for two people costs around Rs.250 or so and what is even more praiseworthy is just how filling this food is!As far as the hygiene,quality and validity of the praises showered are concerned,well it has been functional for over a hundred years,has numerous franchises and has a four and a half stars on Zomato,now that speaks volumes!A complete paisa vasool,each penny shelled out is justified by each bite you eat.Value for money,great taste,unforgettable experience and a delectable treat to the senses all under the same roof. The royal foody stroll in the fields of Nawabi Kababi would not have been possible without them!BON APETITE!

May 29, 2014
PANGS OF HUNGER :THE PARANTHA PARADISE

Beyond pizzas ,beyond sizzlers and yes way beyond every five star hotel’s food ,lies the PARANTHE WALI GALI in Chandni Chowk, Delhi.This city has a vast menu and a colossal buffet to satiate a foody’s taste buds,but one’s road to a finger licking dish is not complete in Delhi until and unless you venture into the scrumptious alley of Paranthas .

Every person that walks on the path of Chandni Chowk can easily point out the way to the Paranthe wali Gali.All you have to do is ask if your preferred way of exploring a new area is GPS free.be rest assured that the Paranthe wali Gali offers a lot more than just paranthas. Your first step in there ,and you will see sweet shops and eateries lined up offering you the Desi way of treating your palate and tummy.you name it and they have it.Gulab jamun ,Imarti,Jalebis ,Ras Gullas ,Mishti Doi ,Lassi, an unbelievable range of types of parathas ,whatever possible typical Delhi dish that you can name or think of is what will definitely make you hungrier than ever.
There is not just one eatery that will serve you a plate full of happiness but around dozens of such eateries ,situated in every nook and corner of that very place.

Beginning with the highlight of our foodie journey,that is ,parantha ,one would be absolutely amazed to see the types of paranthas available (even to an Indian ,let alone foreigners.!) .Well thought combinations of Paneer( Cottage cheese), Ghobi (cauliflower),Dal (pulses) ,mushroom ,Kashmiri,mirchi(chilly) and mix parantha are just a handful of the actual menu.These names are only the beginning of all things tasty.Enter any one eatery and you would see a framed photograph of some famous celebrity shaking hands with the cook.Guess we have no reason to doubt the taste and quality of any eatery.

Each of the available eatery is established since decades and is run by at least the third generation of the actual founder.At around 9’o clock in the morning you can visit this place throbbing with customers,the air a mix of orders being shouted out and the aroma of mouth watering food ,fresh pickle and chutney,topped off by the incense burning in a corner.
Having ordered your preferred choice of parantha,you will be served with a huge cabin plate filled with different types of pickles, syrups and chutneys .Aam(mango) pickle{sour and sweet} and chutney, nimbu (lemon) pickle{sour and sweet},hing ka achaar, Sonth ,mirchi(chilly) pickle etc are to name a few.
Within five to ten minutes ,the waiter arrives with the ordered parantha .Do not , at any cost be deceived or disappointed by the size of the parantha.not any bigger than a standard size quarter plate,it is well stuffed and cooked perfectly.regardless of its size,each bite melts into your mouth ,and even before you are able to finish half of that parantha,you will realize that it actually is quite filling.Not to forget the different varieties of appetizing raitas that they offer as well,along with plain,salted or sweet dahi.
Adding to the titillating aspect of your taste-buds,here comes lassi. A glass full of pure ,creamy lassi,be it sweet salted or mix would do justice to every gulp that you take .Who thought that such a non complicated dairy beverage could do wonders to the tongue and tummy.
After gorging on all that yummy food,it is never too late to enjoy something sweet,speaking of which,one would immediately find oneself in an identical state of a child in Charlie’s chocolate factory.Yes ,the treats are that amazing.
The mere sight of hot ,soft,spongy gulab jamuns being made in chashni(sugar syrup),the flawless design of crisp,juicy jalebis and imartis,the cool fragrance of ras gullas,would make space in your stomach in a mere matter of seconds.it takes a mere jiffy for each of these treats to envelope your taste-buds and catapult you to a savory sensation,that asks for more.For those who do not have Such a prominent sweet tooth can top there food with Bhalla Papdi and chaat,a place that serves you with the soft and crispy variety of all things that can be classified under the category of chaats and Gol Gappes.
You are going to return back home,stuffed like new year’s eve turkey ,happy, hail and hearty ,with a lingering taste of all that you ate.Never before would any memory of your’s had been as tasty as the one that you made in the Paranthe wali Gali.
It is obvious that not many of us enjoy the idea of street food and delicacies served by around the corner eateries,some of us might be sticklers for hygiene ,or simply that one might lack taste in desi food..Though it is worth the assurance and conviction,that one must visit the Paranthe wali gali ,at least once,and you are bound to be freed of any hesitation and hygiene issues that grasp your perspective otherwise.These eateries maintain good levels of hygiene,provide mineral water to drink and have freshly prepared stuffing .everything simmers,brews and cooks in plain sight.It is worth every penny that you spend and every step that you take.
So walk in to the paradise of Paranthas and numerous other street food items.

May 29, 2014
14 STEPS TO A PERFECT CARAMEL PUDDING

Imagine a scenario where you have to make something for the office pool in party,or a case where you really want to make a scrumptious dish to please your better half ,and if none of the above are your case,then a simple craving to eat something at home,to satiate that chronic sweet tooth of yours,here is a simple 14 step guide to making the perfect caramel pudding .Those tempted looks,the mouthwatering sight,the craving to devour the sublime looking pudding seated in some bakery’s show case refrigerator now wont be much of a big deal for you when you have the key to making a savory caramel pudding at home.

What You Need:
1)A pudding mold,or any vessel depending on the size ,shape and quantity of pudding that you wish to make.
2)A shallow vessel bigger than the pudding bowl for heating
3)Milk
4)Eggs
5)Cinnamon powder
6)Vanilla essence
7)Sugar
8)White butter (Optional)
9)A few slices of bread
10)Aluminum foil

Depending on the number of people you want to make the pudding for,the pudding can be of one egg as well.The key to do quantity based pudding preparation is 1:1:1 ratio of egg ,sugar and milk.i.e One egg to be mixed with one table spoon of sugar and one cup of milk.
Taking a pudding that is to be made for two,follow the given steps

1)Beginning with the caramel, take white butter (optional,as used for greasing only ) and heat it,sprinkle about a teaspoon of sugar on the base of the pudding mold/vessel.Heat the contents until you get a brown texture.
Note:If your choice of vessel is a Borosil bowl,then perform the above step in a steel/aluminum vessel and pour the contents while hot.

2)While the caramel cools down a bit,break two eggs and pour them in with two cups of milk and two table spoons of sugar in a mixy

3)Add to the above mixture about a pinch of cinnamon and 5-6 drops of Vanilla essence and churn the contents in the mixy,until fluffy

4)Once the contents of the mixy are fluffy and well churned ,pour them in the vessel containing caramel.Note:Do not fill it up to the rim of the bowl

5)Cover the upper surface of the pudding bowl with pieces of a slice of bread,and cover well with and aluminum foil.wrap it as tightly as you can.You wouldn’t want water seeping into your pudding!

6)Fill the shallow vessel with water and place the pudding bowl in it. Water level should be such that it is about an inch below the rim of the pudding bowl.Shallower the vessel better the heating will be.

7)Place a plate on top of the aluminum foil covered pudding bowl and place a heavy object on top of the plate.Place another plate to cover the entire ensemble.

8)Heat the entire ensemble on gas flame.once the water in the shallow vessel begins to boil,slow down the gas flame and wait for at least 15-20 minutes for the pudding to be well done.

9)Turn off the gas once the estimated time is crossed.Carefully lift the lid of the pudding bowl,take a toothpick and insert it in the middle of the pudding.If the pudding sticks to the toothpick surface then reheat for about 10 minutes else you re now ready to refrigerate the pudding.You can also use the back of a spoon to check whether the pudding is done or not.

10)Let the pudding bowl reach a normal temperature and after 10 minutes or so you can refrigerate the pudding for about an hour or more.

Now comes the part where you are going to plate the pudding.For which you must follow the given steps:
11)Now here comes the tricky step.Take a knife(preferably sharp),and neatly run it along the inside (periphery)of the pudding bowl.Be careful that you must not ruin the shape of the pudding or slash its sides.

12)Place the plate on which you wish to serve the pudding on top of the pudding bowl such that the serving side of the plate must face downward towards the pudding.

13)Gently turn the bowl and plate upside down,(i.e the plate is now placed as it would be while serving and the bowl’s opening is facing downwards).

14)Tap the base of the pudding bowl gently and carefully lift up the bowl from the plate,and viola! A soft ,mouthwatering pudding is sitting on top of the plate.

For further processes of presentation,in case you are making it for some occasion,you can make extra caramel after the plating and pour it on the side of the serving dish to decorate.A clover or two of basil or mint leaves can also enhance the look(remember that’s just for the appearance and not for consumption!).

The best part about this particular pudding is the simple 1:1:1 ratio of milk,sugar and eggs that will enable you to make pudding for larger quantities very easily.Vanilla essence and cinnamon can be added till about a tea spoon or two for bigger puddings.Moreover you can choose any vessel for the choice of shape.Borosil bowls can also be used due to their high endurance to heat ,though caramel must be made in an aluminum or steel vessel and then poured into the Borosil bowl.Hence pudding molds and steel/aluminum utensils save the task of converting the caramel and enable in making the pudding of various shapes and sizes as well.
Having done a tremendous job ,you deserve a good serving of your own pudding.Treat yourself after such hard work! BON APPETITE !!

May 29, 2014