Down the lanes of Delhi

Often considered as the food capital of India, Delhi’s narrow lanes speak of the best street-treats. But tasting ‘chatpata chaat’ and biting into liquid ‘jalebis’ is possible here at the ‘Puraani Dilli Food Festival’ which will be held at My Fortune hotel.   

Curated by Executive Chef, Sachin Talwar, the festival promises a trip to Delhi’s labyrinth lanes. As the word goes around that the city’s flavour lies in its ‘chaat’, the filling starters are the perfect grand entry.

The flavourful ‘Chikki Gali Ki Tikka’ and ‘Chawari Bazaar ki Bhalla Papadi Chaat’ provide a sensorial experience. The warm ‘Bhalla papdi’, topped with yoghurt and a swig of coriander is a must-try.

The main course comprises ghee-laden ‘Sadar Ka Paneer Makhani’, crispy ‘Chur Chur Naan’, tasty ‘Matar Makhana’ and a tangy ‘Paneer Subzee’. The proportions are in right quantities and the combinations are proof to the chef’s cutting-edge culinary techniques.
Desserts include ‘Kesari Rasmalai’, ‘Giani’s Kulfi Falooda’ and ‘Phirni’. The non vegetarians had a wide choice – from ‘Purani Dilli Butter Chicken’and ‘Noora Nihaari Gosht’ to ‘Riyaz Bhai’s Fried Chicken’.

Delhi’s cuisines are not completely authentic and have been influenced by a variety of contexts such as the ‘Mughlai masalas’, Persian settlements and ‘Punjaabi parathas’.

“There is no concept of authentic food in India,” explains Chef Talwar. “There is only traditional food. These are recipes that have been handed down to us by our families like heirlooms. There are a number of variations in textures and combinations of the same cuisine within Delhi itself. The chefs have planned and sourced out some of the best cuisines from Delhi’s best restaurants and ‘dhabas’ for the past four months to present to Bengaluru.

There was also an in-house food testing before we decided on the menu.” He adds that though he likes to work through experiments and innovative techniques in the kitchen, he has kept the cuisines in the festival traditional.  As a City’s identity and history can be explained through its cuisines, if one is lucky, the chef can stir up some stories, history and tradition from Delhi’s ‘gullies’ which the cuisines boast of. The ‘Puraani Dilli Food Festival’ will be held from June 15 onwards at My Indian Oven, My Fortune, 46, Richmond Road. Call 25001700. The timing for lunch is  from 12.30 pm to 3.30 pm and the dinner timing is from 7 pm to 11 pm.