Awadh Food Festival : The Royal affair at Marriott Suites, Pune

Awadhi food, cuisine native to Lucknow, is a synonym to not only princely states, but also royal, aromatic, food. Think of Lucknow and think of kebabs and biryanis. Well, there is more to it. Marriott Suits located at Koregaon Park, Pune is hosting a special Awadhi Food Festival between 15th July 2016 and 23rd July 2016.

I am sure one would not want to miss it.The festival is loaded with some of the popular dishes like exquisite Haleem, renowned Awadhi Dum Aloo, delicious Dal Mughalai, succulent Kakori Kebabs, tasty Murgh Awadhi Korma – a classic from Lucknow to name a few. You will be spoilt by the plethora of the dishes served.

The menu is curated by Chef Dayal Singh Rawat, Indian Chef from Paasha, JW Marriott, will be curating varieties of renowned Dum, Biryanis, Kebabs and Desserts. Having an overall look of the dessert (regular and festival), we started with Galouti kebabs, I could click and not eat as its majorly a non-veg dish. It looked fresh, smooth though. Next on the plate was Malai Broccoli, which was perfectly cooked and the cream was balanced with the mild spice. Crumb fried mushrooms were to die for. Recommended!

Chef Praduman was kind enough to chat with us and letting us know the origin of dish. It was an interesting story to hear. about how few dishes were made just out on the demand of Nizams, while some were accidentally made.

After a fun filled session, we moved on to the main course, the curries were rich, creamy and delicious. My favourite being Paneer Anjeer Kofte ki sabzi, balanced sweetness and spices were just up to the mark. Kofte were really melt-in-mouth and had absorbed all the flavours. Highly Recommended!

It was accompanied with sheermal, taftan and lacha paranthas. One better than the other. Sheermal was as delicious as ever. Saffron and sweet was subtle. All purpose flour Lacha Parantha was very soft and flaky. Went well with Dal Awadhi.

Dal Awadhi or Dal Makhani was slow cooked for hours, hence had one of the best taste in the town. Loved its creamy texture and the burst of flavours when you take first sip. Just one for it - WOW! Do not miss this! :) And how can I forget the aromatic veg biryani. The kevda essence and dum process of cooking allowed the flavours to be intact. Aroma was indulging. You should not miss it!

Desserts are the 'shaan' and was eagerly waiting. Jalebi Rabdi, most craved, was available in the evening. Imagine Jalebis and Rabris made hot live in front of you. They are available on the live counters. We were served Sevai Muzzafar in desserts and frankly I was expecting more of richness to it. I am sure, it will be available for the diners with the added flavours!