Monsoon grub on a platter

When the first whiff of petrichor hits our senses, soothing our nerves frayed from months of blistering summer, the stomach growls for usual suspects like crisp pakoras, chaats loaded with zesty flavours and the humble fresh-off-coals bhutta. And if you happen to be in this part of the country, there is no escape from it. Since these dishes have stubbornly possessed our plate and palate both since yore, we decided to eulogise  some regional and international underdogs to enjoy the pitter patter with.

GOING HEALTHY WITH AWADHI

The nawabs, goes the folklore, had specific dishes to suit their mood and of course, the season. Their love affair with kebabs continued through the year with slight tweaking here and there, depending on how the weather fared. Orza at Ansal Plaza has tried to replicate the nawabi baarish experience, sans the trappings of nobility but mindful of the pet peeve of rains- a sensitive gut. Executive Chef Amit Rai at Orza, Ansal Plaza has used seasonal, fresh produce in an assortment of vegetarian and non-vegetarian kebabs. “Our Persian and Awadhi delicacies in the special menu go easy on the gut and high on taste. We have an impressive line-up of grilled vegetarian and non-vegetarian kebabs like Beetroot and Yoghurt kebab, Subz Gullar Kebab, Chapli Kebab and Jujeh Kebab. We have used seasonal fruit or veggies to add freshness and keep the body water content in check,” he says.

COASTAL KINGS

Stealing the limelight from North Indian pakodas and chaats, coastal cuisine has some marvelous dishes to drool over during this time of the year. Fine dining restaurant, Sanadige’s special monsoon menu selects the best munchies from different Indian states. Dig into the fluffy and mildly-spiced Kanda Batata Poha and crispy Khasta Matar Ki Kachori paired with coriander and sweet date sauce. For some crunchy feeling, they have Masala Vada, and the much-loved Gujarati Bajri Vada. They also give their own twist to pakoras and fritters from down south with spicy Mangalore Gobhi Fry paired with spicy green chutney,  sweet and spicy Arbi Kadipatta Fry, Malabar Spinach Pakoda served with coriander dip, Halasina Mulka teamed with fresh coconut dip and Kerala Raw Banana Fry. There is not a dull moment for non-vegetarians too in their kitchen. They can savour Chicken Curry Patta Fry, Kerala Kozi Coconut Fry and Egg Roast, each dish standing out with its aroma and flavours.

ET TU, WORLD FOOD?

Our expedition steered us towards some new discoveries too. Italian, Chinese, Mediterranean you name it and you can sample it here. The Past Bowl Company(TPBC) in Gurgaon transports us to Sicily with refreshingly light food, the low immunity part very much in context. Cozze Gratinati serves up green shell mussels, marinated and baked and topped with a sprinkling of herbs and cheese, and Carpaccio di Arancia e Barbabietola a vegetarian version of the classic Carpaccio, with thinly sliced orange and beetroot, topped with crumbled ricotta and a zesty dressing of lemon, white wine and pepper. “The emphasis on hearty yet light flavourful dishes continues into the mains as well. The Cappellacci di Zucca, a beautifully handcrafted stuffed pasta made with butternut Squash, cheese, sage butter sauce, white wine and pine nuts is made for Indian monsoon. The Pasta alla Norma, another classic dish of pasta tossed with tomatoes, fried aubergines, salted ricotta and basil and the creamy Risotto con Zucca gialla e Ricotta, a yellow pumpkin risotto with herbs, peppercorns and ricotta too are great for this weather,” says chef Om Nayak, co-founder TPBC.

The Roseate, New Delhi, meanwhile, has cashed in on some light dimsums, Monsoon Delights,’ at Chi Ni — their Chinese fine dining eatery. An array of these delicacies such as shrimp and scallop with tobiko dim sum, mock three chilli pan seared bao and four-seasoned chestnut and cashew nut dim sum with a choice of noodles are available in vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian options.

STREET FOOD GOES POSH

Monsoon Brunch at K3, JW Marriot has also lined up all typical comfort foods. Try the Bhutte Blow Torch served in Husk, Mixed Vegetable Pakodas served in printed newspaper as part of an elaborate street side monsoon experience. Other street food favourites like Maggi, Bread Omelette and Pav Bhaji are also available here.