Picture by Rashbehari Das

If you want to give home food a miss and yet want home-like food this Poila Baisakh, drop in at Saffron, The Park. For “simple, almost home-cooked meals will be the speciality this time”, promises chef Anurag Srivastav.

A mix of two worlds awaits you at the Indian restaurant at The Park. Be it the hearty food from the land of five rivers, the sweet, delicate fare of Bengal from this side of the border or the more spicy spread from Opaar Bangla. Start with Posto Narkel Bata Diye Bora or fried munchies like Mochar Cutlet and Enchorer Tikia. The sweet Enchorer Tikia, made with raw jackfruit and nuts, could put a Shammi Tikia to shame. Also on the menu is crispy, batter-fried Topshe Maachh Bhaja, which actress Swastika Mukherjee picked as her favourite. There’s a spread of bhaja too — choose from brinjal, potatoes and pumpkin flowers — to go with Sona Moonger Dal.

Tired of leafy greens? Move on to Tulsi Chingri Malai Curry and Kochi Panthar Mangshor Jhol. “Coconut and basil are flavours that complement each other, which is why we tried tulsi with the Malai Curry,” said Arindam Jana, junior sous chef.

so look for classics like Parshe Maachher Jhal, a mustard paste fish curry, and Chhana Borar Dalna, a curry of cottage cheese balls. The real surprise is Kamla Lebu Diye Phulkopi, a very light and fragrant dish of cauliflower and oranges, which Jana claims is a Thakurbari treat.

The dessert section is just as good. Baked Rasmalai has got a crème brulee-like crust, and vanilla ice cream with chunks of daab malai make for a divine combo in the flavourful Daab Malai Ice cream. No wonder Swastika fell for it! And if you must have a drink with your meal, go for the sweet and tangy Daab Mojito.

On from April 13 to 15, the veg and non-veg thalis at Saffron will cost you Rs 1,250 and Rs 1,650 per person (taxes included).