The Great Marathi Fusion Food Festival - Ibis, Hinjawadi, Pune! — Reviewed!

1st May, most popularly we know it as International Labour Day along with Maharashtra Day and Gujarat Day. This day is special this year as Ibis, Hinjawadi, Pune had come up with the one of its kind Great Marathi Fusion Food Festival for the food epicureans in the city. Have you ever fancied Nutella Modak or Peda Puranpoli or Chilli Bhakri Crostini? That all you can relish at The Spice It, Ibis during this festival. No day could have been more suitable than 1st May to savour the Maharashtrian food with a bit of twist.

Ibis is located in the Hinjawadi Phase-2. Luckily, being a holiday today each one of us could make it for the one-day food festival. The vibes were lit. The staff was excited too as ladies wore classic, traditional colourful Navarre saree and the men wore kurta-pajama with Marathi pheta. The whole ambiance was giving the rural vibes. However, it was colorful with the paper cut out toran, life-sized human cut outs, artificial wheels, pots etc. Aimed at showcasing the classic dishes from the various regions of the glorious state, Chef Nisarg has put some really extra efforts in dishing out that menu.

We were welcomed by the cool and refreshing Kokam Sharbat, a much needed on the hot summery day. Menu for the day was written on the board from which the starters and grills were served on the table and salad, soups, mains, and desserts were placed on the buffet. Priced at Rs.999++, limited variety of buffet saw an equal mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian fare. We had the following....

• Aloo Wadi
• Bhareli Mirch
• Methkut Kanda
• Sambhar wadi
• Masala Idli
• Chinese Bhel
• Suralachi Wadi 
• Kolhapuri Rajma
• Stuffed Zucchini
• Curd-rice
• Chocolate Karanji
• Nutella Ukdiche Modak
• Gulkand Modak
• Classic Puran Poli
• Aamras

From the tempura counter, the vegetarian starters were delicious especially the twist was given to the sambharwadi as its filling of coriander and peanuts were given a new face in the shape of karanjee. Loved the filling and it was really a nice fusion which I liked. Apart from that, Bhareli Mirch was equally nice. Alu Wadi is quite common in each Maharashtrian's household but here it was coated with tempura batter and given an interesting take on the original recipe.

From the grills, we had really delicious Chinese bhel. The crispy, crunchy fried noodles were tossed in some oriental sauces along with the veggies of your choice and you are good to eat. The flavours were bang on!

From the main course, Kolhapuri Rajma was the star dish which was paired well with the Butter Naan. Perfectly cooked in kolhapuri spices, the dish was loved by one and all. Stuffed Zucchini was super delicious too. Not too spicy yet flavourful. A must have. Curd rice flushed down the acidity of curries and was a soothing summer dish.

Chocolate crumble Karanji was another heavenly take on the dessert. The sweet chocolate filling into the crunchy fried puff filling was a distinctive dish. Liked it. Concept wise, thinking and cooking of steamed Nutella Modaks and Gulkand Modaks is commendable but the filling and syrup both were way too sweet for our palate. I wish the outer layer was bit thin. Otherwise, it was a nice effort.

Maharashtrian food is incomplete without Puran Poli. The classic Puran poli was nice wish it had more flavours in the stuffing. We also had the summer special Aamras which was delicious. Chocolate Spring rolls were heavenly! :)

Our day was well celebrated. Overall, it was a wonderful experience with good food, colorful festive vibes with prompt service. Would love to the property once again soon.

Happy Maharashtra Day to all of you!