The way to a man’s heart, they say, is through the stomach. And Bengalis take this very seriously, with specific days attributed to unrelenting gastronomic celebrations. One such special day is Jamai Sasthi – a day when many super Bengali mothers-in-laws pamper and feed their sons-in-laws to the brim till he is ready to burst…with happiness and food aplenty!
This year Jamai Sasthi falls on Tuesday, 19th June, 2018. As a run up to this gastronomic tradition, Hotel Kohinoor Continental in Andheri East, Mumbai is hosting a Bengali Food Festival – Flavors of Gram (rural) Bengal from 7th June – 17th June, 2018. And when I was invited to review the festival and spread the word, I obviously didn’t give this another thought.
The festival promises to treat you with authentic, homely and lip-smacking Bengali delicacies by some special Bengali chefs. The menu comprised over 15 dishes – starters included Veg Chop, Dimer Devil, Chholar Dal, Bhaat, Bhaja Beguni, and Keema Ghugni. Whereas, the main course included Shukto, Aloo Phoolkopi, Chigri Malai Curry, Kosha Mangsho, Macher Malai Curry, Pabda Macher Jhal, Ilish Mach Bhape, Rui Macher Kalia, Rohu fish masala, Posto Murgi, Dhokar Dalna, Aloo Posto, Mishti Pulao,Tomato chutney, and Papad. Round off your buffet meal with Chitrakoot, Sandesh, Patishapta, Coconut Stuffed Pancakes, Cheese Jalebis and Mishti Doi.
Jhal Muri
If you’ve been following me on Social Media, you’d know that I really enjoyed the live ‘Chaat’ and ‘Kathi Roll’ counters. The Chaat counter was serving some lip-smacking Poochka (Gol Guppa/ Pani Puri) which is a must try. It was also superb to watch my Egg Roll getting made at the Kathi Roll counter. As you know, no Bengali meal can be complete without some compulsory dishes – one of which is definitely the ‘Jhal Muri’ – a server will come to you table and make this deliciousness live for you. Don’t forget to end your meal with multiple servings of fresh, rich and flavorful Mishti Doi.
The ambiance of Solitaire Restaurant, where the festival is being hosted, holding true to the theme of Gram Bangla theme, will give you the Bengali feel with various elements like traditional welcome, servers dressed in a traditional attire and some soulful Bengali music in the backdrop.
All in all, if you want to indulge in some authentic Bengali food with some live Bengali traditions, in an affordable price, head to Kohinoor Continental in Andheri East by 17th June, 2018.
Bengali Food Fest
Where: The Solitaire – Kohinoor Continental Hotel, Andheri Kurla Road, Andheri East
When: June 7 to 17, 2018
Timings: Lunch – 12 noon to 3:30 pm; Dinner – 8 pm to 10:30 pm
Cost: Lunch – Rs 1,000; Dinner – Rs 1,200
Story Soviets 