14 April,2011 09:10 AM IST | | The Guide Team
Today is a special occasion for most Indians, as we get ready to usher in a New Year in the form of Vishu, Poila Boisakh or Baisakhi. Indian festivals are synonymous with great food. Shree lahiri suggests some places in the city where you can enjoy a special Punjabi Tadka, Bengali sweets or a Malayalam Sadhya
Savour Avial and Payasam at Southern Spice
Keralites in the city can head to Southern Spice to celebrate Vishu. They have organised special Thalis for the occassion. The Vishu Kani, which is a preparation considered to bring luck by Malayalis is also on display at the restaurant.
Varghese Maanadan, the owner says, "Vishu is a special festival for Malayalis. We will also have the lamp -- nila vilaku, litu00a0 for the festival." The special thali will offer Rasam, Rice, Sambar, Avail, Thoran, Kootu Curry, Pulissery, Papad, Pickle, and two types of Payasam (Kheer). "We are expectingu00a0 a good crowd specially in the evening," adds Maanadan.
On April 15
At Southern Spice, Brahma Majestic,u00a0 NIBM Road.
Time 11 am to 3 pm, 7 pm to 11 pm
Call 65229385 / 26805080
Baisakhi da Mela at Puran da Dhaba
For the auspicious occasion of 'Baisakhi' The Pride Hotel has organised a Baisakhi da Mela at Puran Da Dhaba. They have attempted to recreate the dhaba feel for the guests, who can sit at ease and dig into Punjabi delicacies. The Punjabi buffet has a wide spread of dishes, along with live tawa counters.
As you dig into your food, you can sit back and enjoy the Ghazals and Geets of your choice. With many activities organised for the occasion, a Punjabi village like atmosphere has been created to give you a feel of the real Punjab. As you move around you will see balloon shooters, bangle makers and mehendiwalis busy at their counters.
From the variety of appetizers, we recommend the Angara Paneer Tikka, Tandoori Gobi, Mahi De Shole, Chicken Banjara and the Baraad wali lassi. Among soups, try the Subz Shorba and Kukkad Shorba. For the main course, there's Tandoori Murgh Curry, Gosht Roganjosh, Macchi Biryani, Sarson Da Saag, Paneer Hara Masala, Makai Mutter and Dal Lasooni. While your at it, try the Makke ki Roti and Jalebi with Rabdi.
Till April 25
At Puran Da Dhaba, Pride Hotel, University Road.
Time 7.30 pm onwardsu00a0 PRICE Rs 600
Celebrate Poila Boisakh at Radhika
Radhika Restaurant is organising a food festival to attract Bengalis across the city. The restaurant is very popular for its authentic Bengali cuisine. Aditi De, the owner of the restaurant says, "For the last two yearsu00a0 we have been doing something special on Poila Boisakh. This year we have a special Fish Thali andu00a0 Veg Thali." According to De, they received a good response the last two years, and she is expecting it to be even better this year.
"We have organised a two-day food festival starting from April 14. In the special fish thali, there will be three types of fish -- Dap Chingri (fried chingri in coconut oil with spices), Betchi Macher Patori (fried fish served under banana leaves) and Doi Mach. Chicken Kocha and Patoler Doima are some of the other delicacies. Special sweets such as Radha Bolobi and Gurer Shondesh will be served for dessert," says De.
On April 14 and 15 AT Radhika, Senapati Bapat Road, Chaturshrungi.
Time April 14 (6 pm to 11 pm), April 15 (12 noon to 3.30 pm, 6 pm to 11 pm) With inputs from Manoj Chakarborty
