Fasting can be as good as feasting

You think of Navratras the festive fervour immediately overpowers the imagination. Dancing on dandia nights, getting dressed in your traditional attire for the week, ten days and continue fasting, makes one indulge in the love for Goddess Durga and her magnificence.

However, among them all, fasting does become a concern for many, especially because only a limited food items can be eaten.For some, kuttu ki roti, kaddu, aloo and dahi, the typical Navratri Thali will always be on their bucket list. But who wants to fast for the entire day and cook at the end of it?

So to honour these auspicious days of Navratras, restaurants across Delhi have come up with exclusive Navratra thalis and special menus, to offer a range of options to savour on.

To begin with, Dhaba by Claridges on APJ Abdul Kalam Road, have come up with a grand Navratra special menu, with specialties like singhade aate ki puri, sabudana papad, paneer teh, samak ghee bhat, aloo makhane ki bhaji, sookhi chatpati arbi, shakarkandi ki chaat and meethi lassi. Breaking the fast with these traditional dishes in the ambience of a dhaba will take you back to the fond memories of yesteryears.

Also, the newly open Mafia Lounge and Bar in Punjabi Bagh are offering the authentic Indian Navratra menu, without onion and garlic. Paneer Tikka, Sabudaana and Aaloo ki Tikki, and Malai Seek Kabab are amongst the starters. For the main course, Arbi ki Sabzi, Petha ki Sabzi, Samak Rice, Jeera Aaloo, Singhare ke aate ka Parantha, Kutte ke aate ki Poori are amongst the highlights. Shahi Paneer is also served as an optional dish. One can also enjoy Sabudaane ki Kheer and Namkeen Chaach.

On the other hand, En-The Japanese Restaurant in Mehrauli, have also given a new twist to the Navratra food. Their ‘Navratra Sushi Special’ menu includes The Asparagus Tempura Maki and Kappa (Cucumber) Maki Combo, the Oshinko (Pickled Radish) Maki, Kanpyo Maki and Veg California (Avocado and Asparagus) Roll Combo and the Veg Green Roll (Avocado, Asparagus, Cucumber, Ao-nori), Asparagus Tempura Uramaki and
Rainbow Veg Roll (Sushis topped with various vegetables) combo. Available till
October 22, this Japanese inclusion in your Navratras can be full of surprises.

You can also head to Nom Nom, the Pan Asian restaurant in The Ashok, who are also offering their set of Asian recipes included in their Navratra special menu.

Fio Country Kitchen and Fio Cookhouse have also made a unique attempt in adding colours and flavours to the Navratra special thali. The Chef has especially curated the ‘temple platter’ with nine scrumptious food items to be relished including aaloo ki launji, petha ki sabji, kesar malai paneer, sabutdana peanut tikki, vart ke chawal ka pulao and crispy makhane. Amidst the serene ambience, this feast after your day long fast will surely be worth it!

Last but not the least, The Hungry Monkey in Safdarjung Enclave has a Navratras special menu which is keeping in mind the dietary restrictions and traditional preparations.
“The Navratri menu has been designed to give it a new flavour, texture and taste,” says chef Noah Barnes.