Here’s a menu that wants to put you to sleep. And if you nod off midway, we promise the chef will not be offended. As a part of the ITC Hotels’ research programme on the ‘Science of Sleep’ that began more than a decade ago — a brand new ‘Sleeep’ menu was launched for in-house guests recently in properties at the ITC Grand Chola, ITC Windsor, ITC Kakatiya and ITC Gardenia.
Curiously, everything from a pan-roasted Chicken Supreme to Angoori Rasamalai have worked their way on to this list. For diversity in taste, Manjit Gill, Corporate Chef — ITC Hotels explains, “The menu has been designed to suit a kaleidoscope of palates.”
But look a little closer at the description beneath each dish and you will discover what the slumber quotient on that platter is and why. In the case of the Chicken Supreme, it turns out that the mashed potatoes and the light rabri in the rasamalai both comprise tryptophan, a component that induces sleep. Other calming components we recognise on the menu include potassium (found in bananas), magnesium (asparagus) and Vitamin B6 (potatoes).
As we settle in for a taste of the menu at the ITC Grand Chola in Chennai, we discover that this initiative, unlike most in a kitchen, went far beyond a team of chefs. “The research was done by ITC’s Life Sciences and Techno-logy Centre, Bengaluru, in collaboration with multiple executive chefs across India. It mainly comprised scrutinising available insights in traditional Indian knowledge and the Global Scientific Research Database,” says Chef Manjit.
Interestingly enough, he recalls, this included a non-invasive Sleep Lab comprising of cutting-edge wireless equipment that was set-up at ITC Hotels by the scientists involved. “Each dish was evaluated on the sensorial and effectiveness levels by our in-house panels to ensure you get the indulgence you desire along with the sleep benefits that you need,” the chef adds.
And here we thought all it took was counting sheep!
Bright-eyed and bushy tailed at this point, we dive right in to our first dish — a simple egg white omelette stuffed with magnesium-rich asparagus, which helps ease the body into relaxation. Relaxed? Check. For our main course, there’s the Pan-Fried Atlantic Salmon that is, we read, our ride to a “succulent sea of sleep”, as it is rich in tryptophan and vitamin B6. At this point, we’re definitely feeling lighter than expected at the end of a generous portion of salmon.
With a consistent effort to keep every plate seasoned for flavour, but spice-free — it feels like home
to end with the familiar taste of phirni. The calcium from the milk and the berries, rich with vitamin B6 “promise to ward off your insomnia and put you in a peaceful siesta,” as per the menu. And by the last spoonful, we’re ready to do just that. So long, farewell, we need to say good night, from The Sound of Music rings in my ear.
Ironically, it’s 3 pm and the sun is shining bright.
Prices: Rs 350 to Rs 1,995. Available for in-house guests in select ITC Hotels. Details: 22200000