Until recently, I had no knowledge or had even heard of ‘Murshidabadi Cuisine.’ So when I was invited to experience this heritage cuisine at the ongoing Murshidabadi Ustab festival at Zambar in Ambience Mall, Gurugram, boy, was I in for a surprise. By Amitha Ameen
When it comes to north Indian cuisine, the Mughals have undoubtedly played a big role in influencing the food of this region. While Hyderabadi and Awadhi enjoy a certain level of popularity, there are many cuisines including Murshidabadi that remain largely unknown. Murshidabadi cuisine is a mix of Bengali and Mughalai gastronomy.
‘Murshidabadi Utsab–An Ode To The Murshids’ is the brainchild of Chef Syed Mushtaque who hopes to showcase the local flavours of Murshidabadi cuisine, by hosting food festivals across the country, and overseas. Chef Syed is a descendant of one of the earliest settlers on the banks of the river Bhagirathi who later became the Nawabs of Bengal. The chef told me that he learnt how to cook from his mother and grandmother, and can trace his rich lineage back to 23 generations.
A quick glance at the menu and I noticed some familiar ingredients. The mish-mash of ingredients honestly left me wondering how the dishes would fare. For starters, Tastori Mocha (crumb fried potato patties with banana flowers) and Matar Dal Boda, which was exactly what the name suggested, were ideal choices. My personal favourite was the Mutton Boti Seekh (tender lamb chunks that are cooked to perfection).
Main course began with Mughalai Paranthas filled with minced mutton and eggs. I opted for Darchini Gosth, a cinnamon flavoured mutton curry that really left mark on me. Along with the mutton curry, they served us soft, fluffy Chituas (a unique bread, similar to the south-Indian spongy Appam, that made for the perfect accompaniment with the curry).
But, what truly knocked my socks off, and subsequently my palate, were the desserts. Chef Syed recommended we try the Dimmer Halwa and Khas Khas Ka Halwa (poppy seed sweet dish). Dimmer Halwa was a surprising dessert made with scrambled eggs. The dish tasted nothing like eggs; in fact, you really cannot put a finger on the ingredients.
One spoon of the Murshidabadi style Khas Khas and my tongue feelt dumbfounded. The mouth-watering dessert, served hot, was just the right creation to finish off the meal. A slightly gooey, melt-in-the-mouth consistency with rich flavours that I bet will make you call for a second cup.
Festival Dates: October 12-20, 2019
Timings: 12:00 – 4:30 PM | 7:00 – 10:30 PM | For table reservations, call 0124-4665639, +91 9958564400
Venue: Zambar, 3rd Floor, Ambience Mall, Gurugram
Cost for two: INR 1,000
Buffet: INR 895+ taxes; Kids buffet: INR 495+ taxes
Ala-carte on weekdays and buffet on weekends.
Related:Experience Marathi Flavours At Zambar Like Never Before!
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