As a run-up to Baisakhi, JW Marriott Chandigarh rolls out 'Mitti Di Khushboo' food festival
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When someone mentions a food festival themed around ‘traditional’ Punjabi fare, most of us would assume saag-makki-ki-roti with dal makhani and butter chicken on the menu. That’s exactly what the team at JW Marriott Chandigarh led by executive chef Naveen Handa didn’t want to do. “The idea was to put forth meals that will remind you of home, using fresh and local ingredients and also dishes that were popular in different parts of Punjab,” explains the chef as we arrive at the ongoing food festival at the Cafe@JW.
As a run-up to Baisakhi, the harvest festival, the hotel has rustled up ‘Mitti Di Khushboo’ food festival that promises to offer some familiar flavours and lesser known fare. The menu for the 10-day long festival has dishes handpicked from the three major regions of Punjab – Malwa, Majha and Doaba.
As is the norm, you are greeted with a refreshing welcome drink. Since it’s a cyclic menu, the drinks for the day will either be chhaas, mango lassi, sugarcane juice or sattu. We relished the lassi. Keeping with the theme of the festival, the cafe has been decked up in vibrant colours with Phulkari and a typical village setup. Even the servers have swapped uniforms for traditional clothing and to add to the theme, the meals are being served in clay pots.
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To add an element of uniqueness, the menu brings in dishes like Chana Dal Aur Methi, Gud Ka Parantha, Mutter Ke Paranthe, Patiala Chicken, Barni Ka Gosht, Masaledar Petha Haneri, Achari Zimikand, Ajwaini Arbi, to list a few.
These dishes often missing from most restaurant menus have been cooked in a home style way. The Barni Ka Gosht has an unmistakable earthy flavour and the Achari Zimikand reminded us of our grandmother’s recipe. “These are recipes that are unique to Punjabi homes,” remarked chef Ashish as he plated up Ajwaini arbi.
Since Baisakhi celebrates the season’s harvest, the array of desserts is special too. There’s Mutter Ka Halwa, Khus Khus ka Halwa and one made from whole grain wheat. The latter is actually made from soaked wheat that has been ground and then sieved. “The milk that the grains leave is actually used to make this halwa. It is not only nutritious but also unusual in taste,” explains chef Handa.
So if you are looking to try lesser tried Punjabi fare, don’t miss this festival.
What: Mitti Di Khusboo food festival
Where: Cafe@JW at Hotel JW Marriott Chandigarh, Sector 35
When: The food festival is open only for dinner; on till April 16
Meal for one: Rs 1,699 per person (exclusive of taxes)
