Native to the
city of Nawabs, Lucknow, Awadhi cuisine is rich in both culture and taste. Awadhi cooks are
considered as pioneers of slow cooking and they were the ones who made meats
melt in the mouth experience. To bring the authentic taste of Lucknow in Goa,
Marriott Resorts & Spa, Miramar is running a two-week Awadhi Food Festival
called ‘Miya Ji Ki Rasoi’.
Guest chef Asif Quereshi, who has flown down all the way from
Lucknow, has specially curated the festival.
The richness of Awadh cuisine lies not only in the variety of
cuisine but also in the ingredients used. The chef has been so particular to
retain the authentic flavours that he has brought some of the key ingredients
from Lucknow itself.
The spread includes all popular dishes that resonates with
Awadhi cuisine. From galauti kebabs, to tikkas, nahari, haleem and biryani,
everything is there on the menu. The chef has also taken extreme care to make
the cuisine enjoyable for vegetarians as well. Paneer Tikkas, Annanas Ke Tikke,
Kathal Ki Biryani and many other dishes have been prepared keeping the
vegetarians in mind.
Our most recommended dishes would include:
Galauti Kebabs– the succulent and tender kebabs simply melt in the mouth and
those who have visited Lucknow or heard about the famous Tunday Kebabs, these
are just the same and you won’t have to travel all the way to Lucknow to gorge
on them.
Haleem– given that its
Ramadan time, haleem becomes a staple and its one of the Awadhi delicacies that
must be tried for sure. Mutton and dal cooked for hours on slow fire, so much
so that the chunks of meat almost dissolve to form thick gravy. It’s usually
eaten like porridge to keep hunger away for the entire day as it’s extremely
filling. It’s usually topped with lots of fried onions, coriander leaves, green
chilies and some lemon juice and relished as it is or with a sheermal.
Annanas Ke Tikke– Juicy chunks of pineapple marinated in tandoori masala make
for an extremely unusual combination. With the sweetness of pineapple balanced
by the spiciness of masalas, this is definitely a great option for vegetarians.
Biryani– whether you try the
mutton/chicken biryani or the kathal ki biryani, you will experience a riot of
flavours that would make you time travel to Lucknow. These biryanis taste
nothing like the regular biryanis that we are used to having. These taste very
subtle and the taste of meats and vegetables along with the spices just stands
out.
Korma– one of the most
popular dishes in the Awadhi cuisine, this one surely is worth indulging.
To satiate your
cravings for some traditional sweets, there is Shahi Tukda, Zarda and Imarti
along with other desserts.
The
festival is on till May 26, 7pm to 11pm, so make the most of it while you can,
savouring these Awadhi delicacies sitting right in Goa.
