Navratras: City food joints keep up with festive flavour

Looking to make it no less than a gourmet spread are hotels like The Lalit Chandigarh. Working their way around the quintessential Navrata thali, the menu here features dishes such as Masala Chach to the popular Aloo Kutte ke pakore, Swang aate ki poori and the likes. When it comes to dining out trends, most restaurateurs will agree that in Chandigarh it’s always a big group or family affair. “With diverse age groups and many keeping a fast, it is important to give everyone the option of choice,” says Surinder Singh, general manager, Taj Chandigarh. Keeping this in mind, the hotel’s executive chef has also rolled out a special menu themed around the Navratas.

Keeping religious sentiments in mind, the dishes are authentic albeit presented in a new way. For instance the usual sabudaana ki kheer has been given a twist as sabudaana chaat. Since paneer is an intrinsic part of vegetarian fare, for the Navratra special, it too has been used innovatively in grills.

Elsewhere, the kitchens at JW Marriott Chandigarh, known for dishing out robust non-vegetarian festivals, have also decided to keep up with the festive spirit. The hotel’s Café@JW, have put together a cyclic menu to create an experience through a balance of authentic and innovative delights from different regions of the country.

Diners can look forward to regional delights including some  satvik meals. The menu features flavours from different states and brings in a mix of vegetarian specials as well as interactive live cooking stations. According to Chef Naveen Handa, Executive Sous Chef, JW Marriott Chandigarh, “We have crafted a special menu for people fasting for Navratras.Thali will be served from the traditional Cho-mukhs with unlimited servings. During this period the whole buffet will be vegetarian. All Non-vegetarian requests will be served on table from a preset menu of the day.” Popular fast food eateries like Gopal’s and Sindhi Sweets are also offering Navrata specific meals as are most restaurants in Sector 35. The diner is sure spoilt for choice. An average meal for two will vary from Rs 350 to Rs 1300 depending on where one chooses to eat.