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| Rajasthani decor, the present theme of the restaurant, rebuilds the ambience of the haveli. Picture by S.H. Patgiri |
FLAVOURS OF INDIA
BHOOBAN PLAZA
H.B. ROAD
PANBAZAR
Why Flavours of India?
Primarily because Flavours of India is the first theme restaurant of the city — one which also promises to change themes bi-annually. There are, of course, other reasons. But about those, by and by.
cuisine
Purely exotically Indian, right from the shuruat (appetisers) to the mitha (desserts). But on special request, Flavour’s chefs also rustle up popular Chinese and continental dishes.
service
As prompt as the plat du jour allows and as friendly as one can wish. Clad in pale saffron kurtas and white Aligarhis with a bandhni cummerbund, the staff serve guests from 11.30 am till 10.30 pm.
first impression
Flavours can take your breath away. Rajasthan being the current decor theme, the ambience has been wonderfully decorated with the haveli look. Bandhej curtains drape softly and stylishly across the all-glass facade, throwing soft sunlit shapes on the dark green marble floor. The walls have been treated as a canvas with ethnic Warli-style motifs painted all across on maroon and burnt ochre. Shining rag dolls hanging on the walls and a temple bell hanging down from the ceiling just above a brass bowl of water with fresh flowers floating in it complete the haveli ambience. Cherry-colour settees with low-back gaddis and tables with tablecloths in maroon and cream add warmth. The 55-cover can hold you spellbound.
on the menu
The fare is a mix of authentic Rajasthani, Awadhi, Hyderabadi and Mughlai cuisines. The shuruat is exotic enough to tickle the palate. Amrit lassi (iced lassi with fruit juice), mausam ka ras (seasonal fruit juice), tamatar dhaniya ka shorba (tomato soup flavoured with fresh coriander), sprouted moong (sprouted green lentils with onions, tomatoes and tangy spices), papri chat and dhuari murg shorba.
The list of main dishes is the usual rotis and nans and pulao — badami nan, garlic nan, stuffed nan, butter nan, plain nan, pudina paratha, laccha paratha, tandoori and missi roti and safed chawal and basmati pulao. But the accompanying side dishes are a gastronome’s delight. Listed as khassa khas, the fare includes a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes — paneer jhalfereizi, paneer takatak, mixed veg makhanwala, kumbh makai matar bhaji, karai paneer and others. In the non-vegetarian menu are fish tenga, murg tikka lababdar, murg haveli, murg makhani, rogini gosht, achari gosht dilnar, jheenga karai, among others.
No less tempting is the kebab section where kebabs like fish tikka jahangiri, murg shenaz, reshmi tukda akbari, murg tikka hara masala, murg malai kebab, seekh kebab noorani, boti kebab, paneer tikka badshahi and aloo firdosi rub shoulders. Of course, not to forget the mitha (desserts) — there is the mouthwatering gulab jamun with rabri, kesari phirni, angoori rasmalai, seasonal fresh fruit salad and a choice of ice-creams.
recommended
The must-try-out meal is a shuruat of dhuari murg shorba — a consomme of chicken served with juliennes of chicken, toasted almond flakes and fried onions with silver leaves, followed by garlic nan, murg Wajid Ali (saffron flavoured tender chicken cubes cooked in white cashew gravy), khajoori kofta malai (cottage cheese dumplings filled with dates and nuts in an onion gravy), burrani raita (a house speciality made with hung yoghurt, red chillies and garlic and reshmi tukda akbari (chicken mince rolled in cashew and spices and cooked in tandoor).
what's new
It also serves an executive thali for lunch between 12.30 pm and 3.30 pm and offers takeaway biryani during business hours. Look out for the next theme — Goa.
variation
The city’s first executive lounge on the floor below promises to offer a busy executive the right ambience for conducting business in a relaxed atmosphere. And, of course, a rooftop terrace for parties.
postscript
Flavours of India is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. The bill could be heavy on the wallet, but fair for an authentic Indian meal, boutique style.
Monideepa Choudhuri
