Kashmir on the tongue
The beautiful interiors of Jyran at the Sofitel are enhanced by the addition of beautiful carpets and wall-hangings – it is after all the tenday Taste of Kashmir festival at the Sofitel Mumbai BKC. A video highlighting the wonders of Kashmir plays on a loop on the large screen, as the staff sport traditional garb and smilingly offer the beautifully engraved Tasht-è-naer, a jug and basin used for washing hands. Oh yes, after a heady summer vacation in Kashmir, we are no strangers to its famed Kashmiriyat.
We opt for the set menus, and sit back to enjoy the gastronomical feast from the Valley. The Vegetarian meal starts off with a tangy cumin and coriander seed-spiced Rass Tamatar Hederi Soup, followed by a plateful of appetisers including a Chaman Wari Masala Tikka, Badaami Aloo, Rajmah Ke Kebab, and Nadru (Lotus stem) Kebab. The mains then roll in: Nadru Yakhni, Tosk Wan Gun (egglplant in a tangy red gravy), Mutter Chaman, a flavourful Dal Hamdani, Kashmiri Pulao redolent with nuts and saffron, and assorted naans and rotis.
The Non Vegetarian spread starts off with a Gosht Yakhani Shorba, followed by grilled chicken marinated in black pepper and cream. The Kukur Dudhiya, which is its quaint name, is a hit and demands seconds. The fragant Maaz Seekh Kebab is also polished off swiftly. We hate to say it, but these appetisers have the effect of almost sating the appetite completely. But that cannot be – The Chicken Dhaniwal Korma, Marts Vaangan Qorma, Mutton Chaman, and Jahangir Biryani demand their share of attention!
Come along this weekend and get yourself your quota of Gushtaba, Rogan Josh, Kashmiri Haakh and Phari Fish. Curated by guest Chef Abdul Qayum Reshi and Chef Bilal Ahmad Wani, Jyran’s Chef de Cuisine Shadab Ahmed tells us that they have specially brought in the famed Wari masala, mawal and the special Kashmiri Haaq (greens) from the Valley. We tuck into the Phirni and the Apple Halwa at the end of our feast, our eyes still wandering over to the video playing. When it’s Kashmir, once is never enough! (The Taste of Kashmir food festival is on at Jyran – Tandoor Dining & Lounge, Sofitel BKC, Mumbai from till November 25)