Shahjanabad Classics Menu by Jalalis at Le Meridien, Gurgaon

Food is something that has always regaled us. In the quest for finding the best, we have tasted multiple complicated dishes with loads of ingredients and new flavours. But sometimes, it’s just the most simplest of flavours that surprise you. This is what is happening as Osama Jalali along with his better half Nazia Khan and mother Ammi Jalali are cooking up some delectable dishes at Latest Recipes, Le Meridien Gurgaon.

Their new menu, Shahjanabad Classics is reminiscent of the dishes cooked in the households of the bylanes of Delhi 6. Along with some innovations from the Jalali kitchen which has strong influences of Rampuri cuisine, this menu may be one of the best you might taste this year. Running up until 20^th of September, the dishes will be incorporated into the regular buffet menu along with a special tasting menu at INR 1650++.

The most important characteristic of this menu is the subtle yet lasting tastes. There is none of explosions of the today’s Old Delhi, only light flavours that remain on your palate till the next dish. The second thing that will impress you the most is the huge repertoire of vegetarian dishes that the Jalalis have in offering.

A host of kebabs start off your meal with the Kachche Keeme ki Tikiya along with the Qeeme Ki Goli holding a special mention. But it’s the range of chutneys on offer that melt your heart away. The slightly acidic Cranberry chutney, the tangy Pyaaz Amchur chutney, the sweet Ananas chutney and the omnipresent Mint chutney. The Kathal ki Galauti holds fort in the vegetarian section with the deep earthy taste dragging us back to the days of Echorer Koftas.

 

The mains are a daunting spread indeed. Osama’s favourite Hari Mirch tickles the taste buds of everyone sitting at the table while the Urad ki Daal Gosht is probably the most dense combination of proteins you might ever get. The Chane ki Dal ka Bharta and the Arvi Ka Salan are two of the vegetarian dishes that do deserve a try. We accompany the mains with some Khameeri roti, some decadently flavoured Mutton Biryani and a Tahiri which reminded us of a pulao.

End your meal with some sweet dishes that you would take second helpings of. The creamy Gulathi, the royal Shahi Tukda and the simple Aloo ka Zarda.

The tradition of the Jalali family turning out masterpieces continues with Shahjanabad Classic Menu.