If you are looking for gastronomical adventures or fusion food on your dinner table, then this isn’t the right place. JW Marriott Hotel’s Spice Terrace has always been known for its menu that offers regional cuisine. While it was earlier dedicated to North West Frontier cuisine, the new menu includes most of the North Indian cuisines. What’s in it? There are dishes from Rajasthan, Awadh and Punjab with options such as Awadhi Murgh Shorba, Subz Narangi Shami, Nimbu Tulsi Jhinga, Bharwan Gucchi Korma, Nalli Nihari and Khamiri Roti.
We visited on a weekday evening to sample the new menu. Chef Ishant Khanna welcomed us with the Palak Makai Ki Raab, a yogurt-based broth from Rajasthan. "Raabs are yogurt-based broths from Rajasthan. Due to the scarcity of water in that region, Rajasthanis depend on water from dairy products," explained the chef. The tanginess because of the yogurt worked well with the sweetness of makai (corn) and palak (spinach). From the starters that were served, we enjoyed the flavours of the Sabz Mava Sheekh. These tandoor skewers of mashed vegetables mixed with mava (reduced milk) were velvety and the rich flavour, with a hint of spice, was perfect.
Up in smoke
For non-vegetarians, we recommend the Afghani Murgh. Featuring succulent pieces of chicken marinated in yogurt, cheese and black pepper, barbecued over charcoal, this dish was a fine balance of smokiness and spice.
But, it was the simple Dal Makhani, buttery and cooked to perfection that was a winner. The Nashila Dhunger Laal Maas was served next. Smoked in rum and cooked with Mathania chillis from Johdpur, this dish didn't impress us as we could taste neither the rum nor the chilli. Nevertheless, the lamb was well cooked and the meat was falling off the bones.
Sugar fix
For desserts, we tried the Shahd-e-Jaam and Kulfi Falooda. Both Indian signature desserts were on point. The Shahde-Jaam was Gulab Jamoon stuffed with pistachios. It was soft and gooey, and melted in the mouth. The Kulfi Falooda was creamy and the contrasting flavours of rose vermicilli and almond kulfi were a good combination. What works in favour of Spice Terrace is its extensive menu of authentic dishes that are true to their regions.
Rs 3,000++. At JW Marriott Hotel, Vittal Mallya Road
ayeshatabassum@newindianexpress.com
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