Masala Mix

The all-new Siona restaurant is a traditionalist as far as both heart and hearth are concerned,never mind its rather contemporary name.

Sionas generous Mughlai spread is influenced by Awadhi cuisine

The all-new Siona restaurant is a traditionalist as far as both heart and hearth are concerned,never mind its rather contemporary name. Situated right in the middle of the bustling Sector 35 market,the fine-dining restaurant offers a plump spread of Mughlai and Lucknowi fare but one only realises that the restaurant is theme-based while flipping through the menu.

Spread on two levels,the interiors do not have any overtly ethnic décor. There are no wooden jharokhas or Mughal paintings to create a typically Indian ambience. The look is intentional. We wanted to offer a contemporary fine dining experience, says Rajni Kakkar,the consultant designer. The colour tones for the ground floor (that has a well-stocked bar with the dining area in the basement),are earthy with Mediterranean blue upholstery and linen. Candle holders and lamps dot the restaurant,which,coupled with the ample use of wooden flooring and ornate mirrors,complete the warm,inviting feel of Siona.

The menu has been put together by well-known Awadhi cuisine expert Anjum Hasan. Siona literally means excellence and though Mughlai restaurants are common,our menu is a tribute to the legacy of Mughal India,specifically Awadh cuisine popularised by the Nawabs of Lucknow, says Hasan. In fact,the inspiration for Siona comes from the last Nawab of Lucknow Wajid Ali Shah,an acclaimed connoisseur of Mughal cuisine. Sionas biryanis and kebabs are its specialities and the vegetarian fare is just as delicious, adds Hasan.

Buoyed by that,we order Gulafee Surkh Paneer Tikka (Rs 210) and Mutton Galawati Kebab (320). Both prove to be a melt-in-the-mouth experience. While the paneer marinated in Indian spices,rose petals,cream and curd was succulent,the mutton was tender and delicious. For those who love to dine on starters,Siona offers quite a variety of kakori kebabs and tikkas using mutton,chicken,fish and even fruits.

For the main course,we were eager to try out the biryani. The Mutton Dum Biryani (Rs 220) was flavoursome and teamed with a Pyaaz Raita (Rs 50),was a complete meal. For those observing the Navratra fast,opt for the Vegetable Dum Biryani (Rs 190) and pair it with the highly recommended,though a tad spicy,Mughlai Dum Aloo (Rs 170). Also do order in the supple roomali rotis and Ulta Tawa Ka Parantha. Though the menu packs in as many as 55 dishes,the desserts are not as inviting with choices limited to Gulab Jamun and Angoori Rasmalai. But given the generous starters and main course spread,there is little reason to complain.

Meal for Two:Rs 500-600 (excluding taxes) Contact: 0172-4011222/ 40111223
Location:SCO 477-478,Sector 35 C,Chandigarh.

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