Mouthwatering biryani, decadent kormas, rich desserts, and melt-in-the-mouth kebabs are what make up the ‘Awadh Comes to Kolkata’ food festival that is on at Shamiana, the all-day dine den at Taj City Centre Newtown, till September 17. The menu is available on the buffet, as well as a set thali to further tap into that royal feel.
t2 tried this grand feast over dinner, and here’s what we recommend.
(l-r) Tawa Machali Nawabi, Shahi Galavat Kebab, Khumb Ki Shammi
Tawa Machali Nawabi: This tawa-grilled fish appetiser has fish marinated in a mix of mustard and ajwain among other whole spices. The fish is tender and the spice mix adds a zest to it.
Shahi Galavat Kebab: No Awadhi meal is complete without this special preparation of lamb with garam masala that is so soft and flavourful that people of all ages can easily savour the dish. It comes on a bed of baby sheermal bread.
Khumb Ki Shammi: Mushrooms form the base of this vegetarian kebab with a meaty taste. Lentils are mixed with the marination to add body to the kebabs, and these are also grilled on the tawa.
Murgh Awadhi Korma: Here is one mellow yet extremely delectable main course dish that has chicken as the base cooked in a smooth gravy of onions, whole spices and cashews. Relish this with a sheermal or warqi paratha.
“The kitchens of the nawabs of Awadh were characterised by rich, full of flavour and aromatic preparations. It’s not just about biryani or non-vegetarian food, but also a great deal of vegetarian recipes that were widely loved. This menu pays homage to the cooking styles of Galavat, a slow marination and pan-searing technique that was prevalent in those times,” said chef Gulam of Taj Mahal Lucknow, who’s in town to create the menu for city diners.
What: Awadh Comes to Kolkata
Where: Shamiana, Taj City Centre Newtown
On till: September 17
Timings: Lunch 12.30pm-3.30pm, dinner 7.30pm-11.30pm
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,800-plus per person for buffet/thali
