Say festivals and one immediately thinks of food. Praying, bonding with family and friends and indulging in special delicacies are all integral parts of every household. It is also the time when restaurants woo foodies with their distinctive thalis. In Hyderabad, the nine days of Dasara combine fasting and feasting. Devouts who are fasting can undertake a spiritual gourmet journey and for those who are not fasting indulge in special feasts.
Khandani Rajdhani’s mantra is to have seasonal menus. From having a mango menu during summers to a Shravan thali in the month of August, it was no surprise when the vegetarian restaurant launched its special Navratra thali.
“The focus is to cater to the devout who are fasting and abstain from a few ingredients,” says Ajit Nair, VP, F&B division, Mirah Hospitality. From sabudana wada, khichdi and tamoto saar to rajgira ke puris and thepla , the Navratri thali … the dishes provide delicious delights.
If Bikanerwala on the busy Banjara Hills makes a splash with its Navratri delicacies, the Firdous restaurant in Taj Krishna has a traditional menu with desserts like sabudana kheer and badam halwa . “Many north Indians go on a fast during Navratri and we want to prepare a menu where even such guests can enjoy a three-course meal,” says Chef Nitin Mathur. Although the dishes are predictable, chef Nitin says within the limitations of a fast, the menu cater to the faithful.
Walk into Mast Kalandar and you have to choose between Utsav Maha Thali and Vrat Maha Thali. “The thalis have been specifically created to give a delicious feast for those following the vrat norms and those who are not fasting but still want their festival delicacies,” states Pallavi Gupta, COO and co-founder of Mast Kalandar. Besides the Kuttu ki puri and Kuttu ki pakori, those with a sweet tooth can indulge in Makhane ki kheer made of lotus stem.. “The dish is a novelty and is not available easily.
The recipes have been prepared in such a way that even those who are specific food restrictions do not feel complete abstinence,” claims Pallavi.
