With a chance to live the vivid Rajasthani culture in the heart of the city, there stands a universal murmur of approval as Rajasthani food comes to Mumbai. Starting April 18, 2014 onwards, guests will have the opportunity to savour the flavoursome spread at Tuskers, inclusive of Kesar Thandai, Kesari Bhaat, Gatte Ki Subzi, Bharwan Bhindi, Mewad Mixed Vegetable, the mouth-watering Dal Gadholiya, the cool matka kulfi and more at Sofitel Mumbai BKC! Marking its tribute to the advent of spring with the same zest as the lake city, we recommend that you give yourself a chance to enjoy the delicious cuisine now!
Along traditional artefacts placed on every table and every ambassador dressed in atraditional pagdi, the hotel will ensure an experience of Mewar through the décor and ambiance, along with the authentic cuisine of course. Matching the gusto of locals of Udaipur, the hotel has organised a Rajasthani Bangle Maker, Rajasthani Puppet Show, Rajasthani Kachi Ghodi dance and a Souvenir counter which includes authentic soft toys from Rajasthan and handmade souvenirs from the NGO-SNEHA
We started the meal with Kairre Panna, which though prepared fresh, seemed over sweet for my liking. Other options for the welcome drink were Kesar Thandai and Amrud Juice. The Payaza Kachori, a delicious deep fried stuffed pastry, was delicious and opened the palate up with its flavours of onion, moong dal, cloves and pepper. The thali I was served consisted of kathal ke pattice which was a brilliant Jackfruit patti mixed with Indian spices and potatoes, deep fried and served with mint chutney! It was an explosion of uniqueness as I had never tasted the like of it before.
I also had the Kurkure Bhutte ke Pakode which were delectable batons of baby corn dipped in gram flour batter mixed with red chili. The third appetiser was Suva Dal Wada which was a flattened dumpling made of Chana Dal and dill leaves mixed with garam masala and green chili which made the wada a little too spicy for my taste.
Praying that my stomach had made place for the main course, I moved to the four bowls that adorned the corner of my thali. The Chana Masala was perfectly cooked and spiced to suit the Mumbai taste and coming from a Punjabi, I had one word to describe it – yummy! The Mewad Mix Vegetable (seasonal vegetables gawar, tendli, tinda, cucumber, mogri cooked to perfection on a slow flame with Indian spices) and the Chitodh Rajwadi Saag (khus khus, almond, pineapple, water chestnut, red cherries and pear cooked in onion and cashew nut gravy) had gravies that, while heavy, were so appetising that you couldn’t help but lick your fingers. The Dal Gadholiya, most famously known as travellers dal, was light and spiced to perfection and complemented the rest of the food well.
Not too much of a bread eater, I took a bite of the fully loaded double roti and the Methi paratha (bite sized portions). The Bharvan Bati and Paniya Churiyo looked extremely appetising too, so if you have a taste that demands a hint of traditional – you know what to eat! To end the night on a sweet note, we had the Matka Kulfi which came in three flavours – malai, mango and pista! Creamy and perfectly flavoured, it melted in the mouth just as it should. Other options to choose from are Aam Ras and Mava Kachori!
With Indian cuisine spreading its wings and different states popularizing their foods all over the world, I can hear nothing but a satiated murmur from food aficionados who are adapting these national dishes to suit their tastes and preferences. Till then, I can still taste the food and sigh at the uniqueness of the Mewar Food festival dishes. Join me if you can?
Coordinates: C-57, Bandra Kurla Complex,Trident Road, Bandra East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400051
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