Celebrate cool winter months with chefs’ offering of some great menus. Seasonal ingredients and new techniques define the USP of the dishes. From Wazwan to modern British classics, Old Delhi favourites to Caribbean hot sellers, there is a lot to wow the palate of discerning gourmets.
Here are five places where new menu is trending this month.
Kolahoi - Wazwan from Kashmir at The Manor
As Indian Accent moves to its new abode at The Lodhi, Old World Hospitality offers a series of culinary Pop – Ups at The Manor. First of the series is KOLAHOI - Kashmiri Wazwan, from the kitchens of Chor Bizarre. ‘Kolahoi’ rings a nostalgic bell as it was a popular bar and restaurant in Srinagar.
Enjoy the ceremonial Wazwan being served in traditional 'taramis'. Relish the distinct flavour of over a dozen authentic Kashmiri dishes crafted by local chefs and Kashmiri Wazas. The grand finale of the meal is the fragrant Kahwah served from the 'Samovar'.
Relax at the sunlit ambience and feast on classics from the British and Old Delhi cuisine.
‘Chicken Steak Sizzler’, ‘Pear & Brie Salad’, the succulent ‘Grilled Sea Bass’ with potato and olive mash, served with citrus butter; done to perfection ‘Grilled Lamb Chops’ with roast potatoes, asparagus and red wine jus; and the classic Shepherd’s Pie with mashed potatoes served with fresh house salad and artisanal bread – come from the Modern British section. There is more - The English Battenberg Cake, Bakewell Tarts and delightful Flummery pudding.
‘Old Delhi Cuisine’ section includes traditional delicacies like ‘Gosht Nihari’ - mildly spiced slow cooked lamb stew; ‘Mutton Dahi Qorma’ - a white preparation of mutton finished with ginger julienne and fresh coriander; ‘Mutton Do Pyaza’- Mutton cooked with fresh tomato and cashew gravy, finished with diced tomato and onion; ‘Chicken Ishtoo’- Yoghurt based chicken with green chilies and fresh coriander.
The menu reflects a fusion of a wide range of cultures and heritages and many ethnicities that landed on Caribbean shores for the past centuries. Here you get seamlessly varied cuisine. Start off with a cheerful bite of the Reggae Nachos (Corn tortilla chips topped with crunchy veggies, herbs & cheese) or the Jamaican Grilled Chicken Skewers (Grilled chicken skewers in Jamaican spices served with garlic aioli) and move onto a hearty helping of the Jambalaya. Whether you are looking for a Cuban-style Fire Engine (A staple food of Cuba, Lamb chili served over rice) or a hearty helping of the Cuban Black Beans with Bread (Cuban black beans, Chilli refritto braised in spices, served with bread), the new menu at Raasta has something to suit everyone’s taste. In case you are a large group, the Platters are the best bet. If you are looking for a quick bite, try the new Baos or if you are all about the greens, opt for something from a range of new salads. Take a quick trip to the Caribbean with the Caribbean Chicken Curry, Caribbean style Chicken Strips or the Kingston Chicken Juicy Burger. Feeling Italiano? Gorge on the delectable new Pizzas cooked fresh in a wood-fired oven placed at the open kitchen on the terrace or try an Italian classic, Aglio Olio pasta.
As the name suggests, The Darzi Kitchen & Bar stands for a bespoke experience of “made to measure” and “made to order” dining space. The new menu offers a unique set of concoctions and dishes like ‘Sous Vide Nalli Nihari’; ‘Sous Vide Pork Belly’ ( Pork Belly cooked in South Indian spices, served with Malabari Paratha. ‘Chimichuri Fresh Trout Fish’ is much sought after, it is fresh Himalayan trout smeared liberally in fresh homemade chimi churi sauce, served with couscous and House Salad. Pineapple Halwa and Corn Baklawa (Filo pastry cones filled with walnuts and soaked in honey, topped with Vanilla Ice cream), is not to be missed.
A perfect mélange of stunning interiors, delicious food and classical dance performance awaits you at Haveli Dharampura in the bylanes of Old Delhi. ‘Dilli-6 Ki Dawat’ is offered with a set menu which has specialities like ‘Kanji’ as a welcome drink followed by Chaat and appetizers. Kulle ki Chaat, Dahi Poori and Dal Kachori With Aloo Sabji and Karare Murg Ki Kathi stands out. In the mains, Dharampura Special Dal, Nihari Gosht, Chicken Changezi and Lazeez Handi Paneer are the show stoppers. Keep some space for ‘Kathal ki Biryani’ with truly special ‘Boorani Raita’. Chef Pradeep Kumar will not let you go without the last course of the meal - ‘Lakhori Special Dessert Platter’ as it will further enhance your memorable dining experience.
Prices -
Vegetarian Menu – 1800 + taxes per person
Non-Vegetarian – 2200 + taxes per person
Lunch – 1230 till 1530
Dinner – 1900 till 2230
So rev up your taste buds this winter and explore varied flavours.
Sharmila Chand is a Food, Travel, Hospitality & Lifestyle journalist who loves to explore local food of every destination she visits. Her main beat is Food & Beverage and Hospitality industry. She has regular by-line in Sunday Standard, Femina, Sunday Herald, The Tribune, India Business Journal, Business Traveller India, Food & Beverage Business Review, Bakery Business Review, Hotel Business Review Magazine and several online platforms.
She also makes videos, ‘Chef And Me’ with chefs, chatting about their cooking and more. She has authored a book, ‘Cheers-365 Cocktails & Mocktails’. When not writing, she can be caught meeting chefs and tasting good food.
