The NH1 Highway food fest at Spice Junxion, Taj Deccan tries to capture the authenticity of a highway dhaba experience. The rooted ambience of the place is inviting, with sign-boards on the sideways indicating the time and distance.
Step in from the summer heat and it’s a relief to make the most of the Aam Panna that welcomes you; , the mild taste of the dry mango slices lingering on your tongue. Bhuni Shakarakandi (roasted sweet potato), a temptingly crisp offering is on the plate next with the mango chutney. Tastes just right.
The starters include vegetarian options such as Lasooni Panner Tikka, Kararee Bhyein (stir fried lotus stem) , Chatpati Dahi Arbi . The non-vegetarian options feature a choice of chicken ( Tangdi Kebab and Tandoori Chicken ), fish ( Ambarasari Macchi ) and lamb ( Kabargah ).
Moving onto the main course, for the likes of two rice ( Jeera and Pudina rice ) and roti options each, there are so many complements that’ll make you feel spoilt for choice. Not all do justice though. The Panneer Bhurji feels a little soggy and onion-tomato mix not coming off as well as you’d expect. Among the vegetarian dishes, Amchoorwaley Karela is the surprise of the lot, with the near-perfect layering and the stuffed green peas in it adding flavour to the dish.
Others like Aloo Methi ka Saag , Punjabi Rajma Masala , Palak ka Gosht, Dal Fry and Panneer Butter Masala at most feel commonplace additions, if not delicious. Mash ki dal (red lentils with spices) and Ajwaini Bhindi (Okra with carom seed) offer an unconventional touch to the menu though. Of course, Lassi does its bit to ensure wholesomeness to the meal.
The desserts are a shade disappointing. The Rasamalai cheese cake doesn’t shape up ideally, the baking being a tad uneven. The sweet-quotient in Rabdi falls short too. The Gajar ka Halwa is the saviour of the lot.
If only the fest had more options for the summer season.
