2nd April, 08

Im not one of those sophisticated foodies who revel in expensive wines and restaurants, though Iv had my share of those and loved them too. Traditional delicacies are far more tantalizing to my palate and I think iv been fortunate to have gorged on some unforgettable stuff….

1. Tandoori Raan at Karim’s (Jhama Masjid)
This may not seem traditional but Karim’s a Dawat-Khana with a history. Having heard a lot about the place and about the Tandoori Bakra and being a total non-veg buff it dint take me too long to try the place out. The Tandoori Raan is a whole leg of mutton and requires at least three starving Somalians to finish. Not the tastiest meat for the gravy guys but then, Im sick of curry…Roast Raan Rocks!

2. Karimeen Pollichathu(Pearl spot)
This Keralite delicacy is the best fish iv ever had. Caught fresh from the backwaters in Allepey, cooked on the boat in coconut oil, served with Scampi and Toddy…Orgasmic….

3. Kashmiri Pullao
This dish really totally caught me by surprise. To the extent that after comparing rice to maggots and any vegetarian stuff to “Khaas Phuss”, I today swear by it. An extremely simple preparation with a dash of cashew and raisin and nothing unique in terms of ingredients…But made as only a Kashmiri can make it…

4. Banarsi Ke Laddoo
Sinful Pleasure…the best desert ever…one would find these “bundi” laddoo’s in a lot of places but the one im talking about are made in a specific shop in Kanpur’s Birana Road. And they are that good that people abroad specifically place orders during weddings. You will get a good idea of what im talking about when you understand that Maru’s who are known to spend only on weddings, give just one of these “Shaadi ka Laddoo” at their weddings as a token of appreciation.

5. Mom’s Birayani
Okay this one takes the icing on the cake. Leave the Ghar ka Khana syndrome aside- I live, breathe and will die by this dish. As all birayani’s, this is cooked as in layers of roasted potatoes, basmati rice and gosht with a dash of cashews and raisins. For those unfortunate many who have not had the privilege of tasting this delicacy, the doors of A-376 def col are always open, subject to prior appointment and wavering moods of yours truly that is :)

Other tantalizing delights include Kashmiri trout (Known for having a single bone and exquisite taste), the extremely sumptuous meal at Chaukidhani in Jaipur, Kashmiri bread and cake was incredibly soft and sweet, fresh and straight out of the oven, Italian at Flavours, Chinese at Noodles and Kiecha’s, well the list is long….