It’s time to taste the complex and rich flavours of old-world north India at the most nostalgic hotel in the city — The Oberoi Grand. Welcome to Rivaayat, a food festival on till the end of the month at La Terrasse (12.30pm to 3pm and 7pm to 11.30pm). 

After travelling far and wide in the north, the Oberoi culinary team has returned with some real treasures from Delhi, Punjab and the Awadh region — like the Purani Dilli Fried Chicken, a thrice-fried chicken snack from Delhi 6 (Old Delhi for those not in the know), crispy outside and soft within, tossed in pudina chutney. Or say, the Mawey ki Kakori, a delicate kebab that melts in your mouth. “These are traditional recipes. Over time, they have been modified to cut down on cooking time, but we have kept them as they were meant to be originally,” said speciality chef Gajendra Singh. 

Since The Oberoi Grand’s Gharana closed doors more than a decade ago, guests have missed and reminisced about the food, which explains the popularity of Rivaayat. Hosting the second edition of the festival was an obvious decision, when requests continued to pour in after the first, last year. 

Chooza Khaas Makhni from Delhi’s dhabas, Pindi Chana from Rawalpindi and a spicy Kalimirch ke Pasande are just some dishes that must be devoured with Sheermal and Warqi Paratha. Rice lovers can choose Saffron Pulao or Kathal ki Biryani or the non-veg option Awadhi Murgh Biryani, both dum preparations. Finish your meal with Double Ka Meetha, a decadent version of Shahi Tukda or Kulfi to beat the summer heat.

Pictures: Rashbehari Das