What's for lunch?

Appetizer

2 Chat Puri and 2 Pana puri

Chat puri has a lot of texture – crunchy shreds of potatoes, with smooth yoghurt covering the tomatoes and onions which are spiced to perfection, on top of crunchy bread.

Pana puri is refreshing. That leaf like bowl is filled with water with lemon juice and some other spices. Inside the cracker-like shell is roughly mashed potato with herbs (I tasted thyme) and spices. You dip the whole stuff in the lemon water, before you munch on it in one go!

Yum yum!


Main Course

Clockwise from left: Mukkal masala – Murgh Dum biryani – Sheikh kabab

The masala has a hint of sweetness, which is complemented well by the chili powder. Slightly nutty, slightly turmeric-ky, extremely tasty!

The biryani is light to the palate. The yellow color and that distinct flavor make me think there’s saffron in it. Chicken was a bit too dry though (in their defense, I had the breast part, which is almost always dry when overcooked).

Sheikh Kabab – mongo sprout, hint of curry, ground lamb meat – a bit too salty for my taste, too much extender (must be flour), and the lamb meat was too grounded.


Dessert

Raso Gulla and Badam Burti

Raso Gulla is milk + flour, resembling an uber-dry bread texture, which is countered by the light syrup in which it is dipped. It’s a Calcutta specialty. Not for me – too sweet and I didn’t like the texture.

Badam Buri, on the other hand, has a smooth and creamy texture. Though not too sweet, it has pastillas-like taste (even the hint of lemon zest). It’s covered with silver leaf, and topped with almond for that nutty complement to the milky base. Now this I like!