Tag: Food Lover

Experiencing Naga Cuisine at Nagaland’s Kitchen!

The native cuisine of the Naga people, Nagaland food comprises primarily of Meat and Fish which is usually either smoked, dried or fermented. The use of chillies is exceptionally high in the cuisine especially the world famous Bhut Jolokia. Replicating such traditional food and retaining authentic taste always comes as a challenge when exploring the cuisine outside the region, but Nagaland’s Kitchen has completely emerged as a winner in this case. They have not just replicated the dishes, but also taken utmost care to retain the authenticity of tastes by sourcing some of their ingredients right from the base region.

I recently went to explore the cuisine, which I had only heard about and I would say that in spite of having a lot of apprehensions, I found myself really enjoying the Nagaland food. Like mentioned above, smoked food is a traditional way of cooking in Nagaland, and they enjoy their meats and veggies with a smoked flavour. This particular style of cooking was brought alive at the Smokey Delight Festival at Nagaland’s Kitchen.

The ambience of the place was warm and comfortable and the festive vibes to it as Christmas is just around the corner. I was welcomed with a Jolokia Vodka Shot, with a word of caution. Yes you read it right, a word of caution here is imperative at Jolokia is one of the spiciest chillies found in the world, and this vodka shot was infused with the same. But I was really up for the challenge and wanted to try it out for sure.

So as it was a shot, and meant to be had in one shot, I gulped it down, I would say it wasn’t as spicy or bad as I was warned about. It surely hits the back of your throat and stomach for a few seconds, but thats about it. The best part was that it did not have any after taste, so i didn’t feel the spicy sensation on my tongue at all.

Coming to food, I started the culinary experience with a very nice Soup, it was available in both Smoked Pork and Smoked Chicken option and I settled for Chicken. It was called the Amrosu Soup and I found it perfect for that chilly winter evening. The taste of the soup was mild and the smoked chicken enhanced its flavour multifolds, I really enjoyed having it. Up next was Smoke Chicken and Dry Bamboo Salad and it too was very well prepared. I loved how the other flavours were kept mild in this too and the smoked chicken did its wonders yet again. Smoke Pork with Dry Bamboo Shoot was another amazing preparation.

In starters I tried Smoke Chicken Chilli and Pork Chilli, though I am not too fond of pork, but trust me, one bite into this and I could not stop myself. It was so so delicious.

The main course offered Smoke Chicken, Smoke Dry River Fish, Smoke Pork Anishi and Smoke Eel. I restricted myself to pork and chicken, but those who fancy having a dried fish and eel, should definitely try it here. Served with sticky boiled rice, both the dishes in gravy were tasteful.

For desserts, I had the traditional plum cake, which was prepared keeping the festivities in mind.

I would say, I had an extremely pleasant and wonderful culinary experience at Nagaland’s Kitchen and its one place that surely is worth your time and money.

Nagaland's Kitchen Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

A Wholesome Foodie Experience @ Circus

Lip smacking food thrown in from regular menu as well as a special food festival menu, array of drinks, an exquisite ambience and company of like minded foodies, the perfect formula for an evening well spent, this is how I will describe my experience at Circus, South Ex.

The place exuberates, energy and liveliness all throughout, with ample bright space for seating, an outdoor balcony space and a beautiful terrace, you can choose your den as per your mood and the weather.

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There is an ongoing Punjabi Food Festival at Circus and hence we got to try the best of both worlds, to begin with we ordered Dahi Ke Kebab, Makhani Lahori Tikka and Paneer Pepper Fry. Dahi Ke Kebab were nice, crispy on the outside and soft inside, one of the best dishes we had that evening, the Lahori Tikka was really nice, perfectly spiced and mouth melting, one must try these. The Paneer Pepper Fry turned out to be a bit disappointing, it was too spicy and except spices there was just no taste.

Next we ordered Mutton Tikka Tak A Tak, Chicken 65, Butter Chicken Pizza and Loaded Potato Skin. The Mutton was really nice, tender pieces cooked in a tawa type thick masala, I really loved it. Chicken 65 was another winner, perfectly spiced with loads of curry leaves. The Butter Chicken Pizza was good, though didn’t really feel the butter chicken taste in specific. The Loaded Potato Skins were really good, the hollow potato skins were filled with creamy cheddar cheese and then baked. Its a delight for vegetarians.

A wide array of drinks were there to choose from, Circus Bloody Marry, Masala Gang and Joker No 7 were really nice. For mocktails there was Kiwi Cantaloupe Cooler, Mixed Apple Mojito and Salted Caramel Shake.

From the Punjabi Festival menu, we ordered Machi Amritsari, Machhi De Tikke, Beere Da Kukkad and Papadwala Paneer Tikka. The Amristsari Fish was basically fried fillets of fish with a really crispy covering, this was awesome, and must try while the festival lasts. Macchi De Tikke, were big chunks of fish marinated in tandoori spices and were really tasty. Beere Da Kukkad was typically the tandoori chicken prepared really well. The chicken was really tender and juicy and I loved it. The Papadwala Paneer was amazing, the crushed papad coat added a lot of crunchy to otherwise soft paneer.

For the main course we ordered mainly from the Punjabi Food Festival menu, Dal Makhani, Kukkad Patialashahi, Mutton Ghee Roast, Palak Paneer and Andhra Chicken Curry.

Loved the way the main course was brought in home style dabbas, perfectly accompanied by kachumbar salad and assorted breads. Fell in love with the food just by looking at it.

The Dal Makhani was totally as per expectations, creamy and very Punjabi, the Mutton Ghee Roast had a perfect masala, but somehow was a bit salty, but otherwise this could have been the winner. Kukkad Patialashahi was the best, a very well prepared chicken gravy, this was delectable. The kachumbar salad a dose of tanginess and spice to the whole meal, it was a perfect accompaniment.

Coming to desserts, we tried the Moong Dal Halwa, Aatte Ka Halwa and Circus Special Sunday. The Moong Dal Halwa was not as per my expectations, it was little dry and less sweet for my liking, but the Aatte Ka Halwa made up for everything, it was delicious. The Circus Special Sunday looked the most tempting and was nice too, though it wasn’t very sweet, it was berrylicious with some strong flavours of strawberries and cherries.

But my overall experience at Circus was fabulous and I really look forward to visiting it soon.


Circus Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Savoured Authentic Indian Food at Chawla’s 2

Enjoying authentic Indian/Mughlai food is always a delight, and recently we had one such enjoyable evening at Chawla’s 2 savouring some Indian delicacies from their menu.

Chawla’s 2 is an extremely popular chain of restaurants having about 8 outlets in Delhi NCR and is expanding its presence with more outlets in the pipeline.

The ambience is like a mix of  fine dining and casual dining restaurant, perfect for cosy family outings or even a chilled out evening with friends.

To begin with we ordered Murg Lehsuni Tikka, and Murg Malai Tikka, though they looked identical, but thankfully tasted evidently different. The Lehsuni Tikka had a very prominent garlic flavour which I loved, the Malai Tikka on the other hand was very soft and tender with a creamy texture.

For the main course we relished Bhuna Meat and Dal Makhani. The Bhuna Meat was exceptionally tasty, very well prepared and perfectly spiced. This should definitely be a must try. Dal Makhani is a favourite for my son, and he has become an expert in recommending best Dal Makhani across Delhi NCR. He rated this Dal Makhani a generous 8/10. It was creamy and flavoursome.

We really enjoyed our awesome dinner at Chawla’s 2 and I am sure if you have not tried yet, you should. You won’t be disappointed.


 

Chawla's 2 Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Hudson Chopsticks- Food Delivery Review

Often in winters you don’t want to step out late at night for a dinner and on such occasions home deliveries are the best option. Hudson chopsticks – As we call the name, it’s a well known in university area and recently we ordered a hearty meal from them on a cold winter night.

The cuisine is Chinese with a few Thai dishes as well and is definitely going to leave an impression. Currently it’s a takeaway /doorstep delivery restaurant. 

We ordered a Soup, Chicken Momos, Hakka Noodles, Veg Spring Rolls and Red Thai Curry. The quantity was good and sufficient enough for 3 people.

One of the must try here is Chicken WHEAT Dimsums, one if its kinds. By giving our desi momos in wheat it leaves you with less guilt.

The other mouth-watering dish was the Thai Red Curry served with Sticky Rice. I simply loved it. Good portion for more than 2 people.

Hakka Noodles too were delectable and the best part of ordering noodles is they provide chopsticks with it, which gives you the feel of enjoying an authentic Chinese food that too at the comfort of your home

Overall, loved the food and suggest you must give this place a try, its totally worth it!


 

Hudson Chopsticks Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Reasons Why I Look Forward to Next Season of Asian Hawkers Already..!!

There are many food festivals, then there is Asian Hawkers, probably the best thing ever happened to the category called food festivals. I have been hooked to it ever since I went the last time and this season was bigger and better. With many more restaurants and food chains finding their way into Asian Hawkers, it had all the elements to become nothing but the best food festival ever.

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With acclaimed names like Fatty Bao, Dimcha, The Grand, Le Meridian, Pa Pa Ya, Burma Burma, Bercos, Carls Juniors, and many more, this is a perfect place to find them all under one roof and make it a foodies paradise.

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Here are my top picks from the season


Pa Pa Ya- From the house of Massive Restaurants that includes big names like Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra and Farzi Cafe, this Asian Kitchen is something to watch out for. Pa Pa Ya hosted a preview of their menu at Asian Hawkers as they are yet to open their restaurant in Delhi and now I am sure it will be one of the most awaited ones. Pa Pa Ya redefines your imagination of Asian Cuisine, it takes you on a gastronomic experience that is superlative in all regards. The Butayakitori Apple and Betel Leaf Tartare, which was pork belly skewers chargrilled with sichimi, mirin and soyal was delectable. The flavours that were infused in the tender pork belly were mind-blowing. The Hoisin Chilli Duck Pa Pa Ya Dog was one of the most talked about dishes at Asian Hawkers. Words alone can’t describe this delicacy.. you have to try this out once the restaurant opens and just do mmm..mmm..mmm.. its that orgasmic. Yak Udon was great to taste, it had a bowl of steamed Sudan noodles topped with tossed chicken. Worth trying. Even the vegetarians had a delightful time at Pa Pa Ya, Red Curry Infused Wild Mushroom Rangoons were a popular pick, these were deep fried Burmese dumplings that were stuffed with mushrooms and cream cheese. The presentation was just awesome, the best and the most unique things about these dumplings was that they were open from the top, unlike the all sides closed dumplings that we are used to seeing. Edamame and Chick Pea Sliders were another hit. Lotus flour buns with chick pea and edamame patties were drool worthy.

Tuna Pizza
Tuna Pizza
Pa Pa Ya Dog
Pa Pa Ya Dog
Pork Belly
Pork Belly
Chik Pea Sliders
Chik Pea Sliders
Mushroom Rangoons
Mushroom Rangoons

Wok Tok by the Grand– Wok Tok by The Grand, was my next halt and I can say that I was extremely happy to have chosen it. I ordered Sarawak Pepper Chicken, tender chicken pieces tossed in pepper sauce, this was an amazing dish and made for a perfect starter. I next ordered Sichuan Dumplings, and going by the popular belief, I was expecting dumplings as in like dim sums, but this was different, It was a dry chicken tossed in Sichuan sauce, but nevertheless it was very tasty and hence I wasn’t complaining. For the main course I ordered Sliced Chicken in Black Pepper Sauce with Noodles and this too was very very tasty. Wok Tok carries the legacy of the grand and hence you can expect nothing but the best from here. I was really satisfied with my culinary experience at Wok Tok.

Chicken in Black Bean Sauce + Noodles
Chicken in Black Bean Sauce + Noodles
Sichuan Dimsums
Sarawak Pepper Chicken
Sichuan Dumplings
Sichuan Dumplings

Bombaykery– Ok now being a baker myself, this comes difficult to me, but also most naturally, I don’t have enough words to praise this amazing bakery. They are just too good, extremely addictive I must say. I normally don’t but bakery stuff from outside, but just a look at their stall and I could not resist and I ended up buying not just one but quite a few things. Their travel cakes are to die for and you have to order to believe. You should check out their Zomato page and place an order as soon as you can, you will love it. And while you are placing order for travel cakes, don’t forget to add some chocolate fudge. I tried the milk chocolate fudge and I polished away all 6 pieces by myself within a day, they are so damn addictive. Their cupcakes, macaroons and dessert jars should also not be missed. All I can say is order anything and everything and you will enjoy for sure.

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Milk Chocolate Fudge
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Milk Chocolate Fudge
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Nutty Chocolate Travel Cake
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Nutty Chocolate Travel Cake

So if you have missed the excitement this time, watch out for the next Asian Hawkers to be held in February and enjoy feasting..Till then try these yummy outlets individually and have a merry time..!!

Asli Drama Toh Ab Shuru Hoga with DRAMA, the upside down bar and restaurant

Life mein tragedy, comedy, romance aur DRAMA, sab kuch zaruri hai, tabhi toh life mast rehti hai..so bring some more DRAMA to your life with the newbie in town, DRAMA, the upside down bar. This place defines quirkiness like no other. From the ambience to food, everything is dramatic as the name suggests and also upside down décor is the highlight of the place. So don’t rub your eyes or adjust your glasses when you see books kept upside down, or those lamps that hang downside from the ceiling. Once you have entered DRAMA, DRAMA is what you will get in everything. I was recently invited to a private screening organized by Vickrham from FoodManiacs..Born to Eat(if you are a food lover, do join the group on facebook) and its always a pleasant experience meeting like minded foodie friends.

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Spread over 3 floors, Drama is a perfect hangout place with family and friends. It’s vibrant, quirky and full of life.

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For the starters we were served Insalata Crumble, which was chicken mince salad prepared with basil pepper dressing and feta. It was nice, crumbly and a very different kind of salad. I really liked it.

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Next up was the Chin Chin Chicken, Drama’s own version of the very popular chilly chicken, but this one is served on a bed of 1oo chillies, totally mouth drooling.

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Agneepath Murgi, basically chicken satays that come on a coal engine shaped serving platter, is definitely a must try. They taste as good as they look.

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Faadu Fish Fire, a chilly fish with hint of sweetness with sweet chilli soy was the next item served in an upside down umbrella. Masachos were Naachos presented with the signature DRAMA touch, masala kachumbar salsa and rajma, it was also served an upside down umbrella.

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Twitter Tangadi, is something that will catch the attention of your eyes more than the taste. Taste wise it’s a regular chicken leg piece roasted with Indian spices, but what makes it different is its colour of marinade, which is the Twitter Blue colour and you will surely love holding that blue tangadi in your hands. Order for the sake of fun if nothing else.

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Then there was Baba Dhanoush, Lebanese Pita Bread Platter, and Paneer Tikka that came in a cage, both of them tasted well. The presentation of the food is really commendable, the looks of the food items and the way they are presented is so attractive that one can’t resist eating. Followed this was the Bun Faad Paneer, a unique kind of a burger which can be teared open and indulged in with some chilli garlic cottage cheese eggs.

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Drinks too showcased a lot of quirk in their names and presentation, we tried Chatpati Chameli, a vodka based cocktail with tamrind flavours. Then there was Cilantaro and Orange Margarita and Shiela ki Jawani, which was vodka with orange liqueur and cranberry juice. Mocktails had some amazing variety as well, Pan Mojito was one of the highlight drinks, orange passion was comforting and refreshing.

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After so much of dramebaazi in starters and drinks, I had set my expectations really high for the main course, but it turned out to be a little disappointing. We ordered Chowka Paneer Patiala, Nai Dilli Meat Curry and Taehri Chicken Boti. The Paneer Patiala was good, creamy thick gravy that was tasteful. The Chicken Boti and Meat Curry, both lacked taste, they were just about ok, but nothing exceptional. I am sure our feedback will be taken constructively and things will be better the next time around.

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In Desserts, we tried Berry Ananas Roshogulla, I loved the presentation of the dish and it tasted yumm too.

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Nonetheless this place is definitely a must visit and I congratulate Swaraj Singhi and his team for putting in so much creativity in this place, its truly remarkable. I wish them all the luck and urge all my readers to go and visit Drama for sure and you will love it.


Drama Upside Down Bar Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

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