Browse Category: FOOD

Food While Travelling

Sweet Reminiscence Of Kolkata

It was one of those days when I got the opportunity to chill out at my hometown in Kolkata with my parents. In the mid of the scorching summer, as such there was no getaway option that I could imagine of in the city. But had a strong urge to experience one of the finest cuisines in a luxury hotel. In general, I’m a moody person and if I would have thought of something, hook or by crook , I will find a way to satisfy my desire. Situated in the heart of the city of Kolkata, J W Marriott is one of the best choices that I could ever think of.

Usually I’m not a kind of person who loves to wear saree because to me, draping and managing saree is one of the humongous and tiresome task!
I’m sure people who are non-supporter of saree will be able to relate to my problem. I prefer to watch and appreciate people in saree but not try on me. But that day I was in saree mood, may be I wanted to be in traditional attire!

The Flower Show @ Lounge

Undoubtedly, J W Marriott is a gracious combination of Vintage Asia and modern luxuries.The decor is characterized by clean lines with discreet touches of luxury. The dazzling golden wall and the picturesque glasses give a grand decor to the interior. The night view of Marriott glows along with the splendid fountain at the entrance. Something just grabbed my eyes at one end of the large lounge area. Welcoming all the guests, there lies an ornamentation of lovely purple colored lavender, chrysanthemum and roses! Before I barge in on food, my mind was half satiated with the ambiance.

The menu teases wide range of global flavors. Thai & Chinese cuisines have been predominant in the spread with a touch of local ingredients as well. There was a separate section for Bengali style food which included curry of khus khus popularly called as Posto. For a twist in gastronomy, there was an item of Bhetki fillet mixed with Chinese garlic soy sauce. Some of the bespoke items are even customized to our palate by the chefs. And last but not the least, there was this decorative assortment of desserts which was lovely. For a chocoholic person like me, it was a paradise!

At the end of the day, I was really glad that my parents also equally enjoyed the meal and had a great time out there. The stylish interiors, fine flavors, courteous staffs ensured to take away some precious moments with my family that I would cherish forever.

In Love with Thai Cuisine lately :)

The main reason for me to fall in love with Thai food is specifically the simplicity of wide range of spread this cuisine has. The meticulous juggling of the variety of herbs and spices makes the Thai food to carry five basic flavors: spicy, sour,sweet, salty & bitter which makes the dishes alive.

Traditional Thai curry involves stewing, marinating, baking and grilling. Most commonly used Thai spices are majorly Lemongrass, Thai Holy basil, shrimp paste, kaffir lime, galangal, coconut milk and a range of local condiments.

Here, listing below few options of my favorite Thai cuisine.

1.Chilli Garlic Lotus Stem

Chilli Garlic Lotus Stem can be considered as a vegetarian starter. The dish is actually prepared by frying sliced lotus stem & lot of other spices are also used to marinate before frying. The overall taste of the dish is a bit sweet at the same time spicy.

2. Raw Papaya Salad

Raw Papaya salad is a vegan light appetizer. The salad has tangy at the same time mild sweet taste. To prepare the salad usually green papaya, peeled carrots, cucumber, vinegar, lime, chili, garlic & maple syrup are added.

3. Tom Yum Soup

Another option in soup that is must try option before ordering main course. I like the soup best with shrimp but even with chicken or with vegetables, the soup is delicious. The base of the soup consists of lemongrass, galangal, chilli, kaffir & lime leaves.

4. Red or Green Hot Curry

This non-spicy simple curry has a creamy texture. You can choose in veg or non veg options, the overall composition remains same. Usually, this gravy is best suited with plain rice. So, if you are looking for any diet restricted option, this can be preferred.

5. Chicken Kumpong

Chicken Kumpong can be described as Thai stir fry chicken along with cashews. This being the spicy one, it can be ordered with some non-spicy option. But it is one of the best options in Thai food.

6. Coriander Thai Noodles

Coriander Thai Noodles is a high calorie dish, I must admit. It’s actually fried noodles in Thai style, popular in both vegetarian & non-vegetarian style. The dish is salty, balanced with a touch of sour and a wonderful char-grilled flavor.

7.Green Chicken Curry

This is another one Thai delicacy which has a base of coconut milk. The green curry paste is usually a mixture of lemongrass, lime juice, peppercorn, coriander & cumin seeds. Best suited with Thai fragrant rice.

8.Thai Basil Chicken

Thai basil chicken is a re-freshening dish of Thai cuisine. The flavor comes from the wide range of mixes of different kind of sauces namely; fish sauce, oyster sauce and dark soy sauce. This can go well with jasmine rice or noodles.

9. Thai Larb Salad

Thai larb salad is usually prepared with minced pork but can be found with minced chicken or minced duck as well. This is normally eaten with toasted sticky rice.

10. Thai Fried Rice

Another popular Thai food. I preferred fried rice with shrimp the most. This authentic Thai fried rice is almost similar to the fried rice but the chillies in fish sauce gives the aroma to the dish.

Street Food Of Kolkata that you shouldn’t miss…

Kolkata has been recently nominated as the best food street hub by “Taste Of Travel” reported by Times Of India. The survey was conducted among the Indian travellers. Here are the list of mouth watering variety of snacks in Kolkata.

I must say, food is a quintessential part of Bengali culture. While hoping on the streets of Kolkata, I could find plenty of options for snacks that will make you smack your lips.

Each of the variety will give your taste buds a new flavor. They all are spicy, high calorie items. So while I was trying them out, I was telling myself “Be in limit” but difficult to resist temptation. You will find crazy rush in these stalls in the late evenings specifically in the weekends.

  • Phuchka

Aloo Puchka is something that any person in Kolkata die for. Usually served with tangy flavored water, once you put in the mouth, it automatically melts in mouth. Along with Phuchkas, you can also try for churmur which is a mixture of aloo & crushed phuchkas.

  • Telebhaja

Telebhaja is deep fried snacks prevalent in Kolkata. It’s a complete delight for both vegetarians & non-vegetarians. For vegetarians – brinjal bhajji (begunbhaja), aloo chop (alurchop) & dal bhajji (dalbora) are the best options to try for. In non-veg category; there are lip-smacking options; fish fry, chicken or mutton chop are must try.

  • Kathi Rolls

If you want the real taste of Kolkata Kathi Roll, then Nizams & Badshah are the places where you should go for. Based on your taste buds, the cook can customize the rolls from medium to very spicy tasty ones.

  • Luchi

I am sure Luchi is something which is never heard of before in other places. Luchi is very similar to Puri but made of maida. Luchi goes best with spicy Aloo dum or Mutton gravy (Kasha Mangsho) or White Muttor curry (Ghughni)

  • Mughlai Paratha

Mughlai paratha is one of the famous delightful snacks. The delicious parathas are stuffed with onions & egg  or else, stuffing of minced chicken is also available. Along with Mughlai paratha, dry aloo curry is served as side dish.

  • Sweets

I am very sure without telling that Kolkata is famous for sweets. Starting from Roshogolla; Mishti doi,Sandesh,Rashomalai,Rajbhog – all are yummy delights, difficult to understand which one among those tastes best. There are some famous branded sweet shops, to name a few- Balaram Mullick, Radharam Mullick, K.C.Das,Girish Chandra Dey & Nakur Chandra Dey.

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