Now you can break your fast with date-infused chocolate and graduate to light and easy-to-digest protein, like Mediterranean grilled fish. We bring you some gourmet choices to bookmark, which promise to satiate your cravings, with a mix of new-age and classic.
Kiss from a rose
We love Fabelle’s idea of a limited edition chocolate range that brings alive the flavours of Ramadan. Expect five flavours on the menu including almond- stuffed enrobed dates paired delicately with dark chocolate, sticky fig hand-rolled truffles and rose-infused ganache cups. At ITC Grand Chola. Price: INR 750 all inclusive for a box of 10. INR 75 for a single piece. Also, not to miss is the succulent Nihari preparation at Cafe Mercara as a part of the hotel’s iftar platter. Price: INR1,600++.
Baida way...
We picked this Baida Roti for our list because it’s fairly uncommon in Chennai. A Mumbai street food that is similar to a Malaysian murtabak or a lapa — it is stuffed with potato and corn for vegetarians, chicken with thecha with beaten eggs or mutton kheema for non vegetarians. The spices are moderate as its not recommended to have spicy food during an iftar meal. At Patina. Price: INR 150 for a portion of four pieces.
Oh, my gosht!
If you’re a glutton for mutton, then these Rogan Josh and Gosht Nihari preparations are a must try. Gosht Nihari is a traditional Mughlai Lamb preparation prepared with onion, ginger garlic paste and gram flour. While Rogan Josh is a traditional Lamb preparation made where the chef uses Kashmiri chilli, fennel powder, dry ginder powder along with asafoetida. At Spice Haat, Hyatt Regency Chennai. Price: INR 890++ per dish.
Fin-tastic choice!
Enjoy this lovely Sumac, kaffir lime grilled fish — a simple preparation, keeping in mind light summer flavours, served with some fresh vegetables and lemon. The sumac spice is very mild and represents the Eastern Mediterranean cuisine, and this platter makes a good choice for iftar because it makes for an easy protein to digest after a long day of fasting. At Anise, Taj Coromandel. Price: INR 2,100 ++
Hot and cold
Sample this wholesome Dajaj Mashwi, a Lebanese-style roast chicken with fine Arabic spices accompanied with Middle Eastern cold mezze assortment. Price: INR 1,200 ++. Also spotted on the same menu was an exotic Samak Harra, an Egyptian-style curry spice marinated grilled fish or paneer paired with a saffron rice and spicy tomato sauce. The latter is part of a set menu priced at INR 1,800++. At The Verandah, Taj Connemara.
Slow and steady
Of course, we couldn’t have an iftar list without haleem. This Ramadan delicacy is a slow-cooked one pot meal or a porridge made with barley, wheat, meat (usually lamb) and spices, and to achieve the correct consistency, it is cooked in copper vessels painstakingly for long hours. We recommend The Park Chennai’s version served with birista, lemon, coriander and a dash of shudh desi ghee. At Six 'O' One. Price : INR 545 ++.
sonali@newindianexpress.com | @brightasunshine