Truck De India – Made In Punjab

Satstriakal my fellow chatoras,

Bhopal is rejoicing!! So many food festivals coming up bringing together good food and good vibes.

Talking about food festival, I am back at my most favourite place. It’s none other than, Bay Leaf, Courtyard by Marriott. 😀

This time Courtyard by Marriott, Bhopal takes me to “Ghee” filled journey. I’m talking about Punjab. No, punjabi food is complete without the usage of ghee or butter and therefore it’s a ghee-pradesh.

I personally adore Punjabi Food, maybe because I come from a family which has a pinch of Punjabi influence. But, Courtyard by Marriott, Bhopal took me to Pinds of north. The food served at the dhabas on the highway is not too far.

So, chak de phatte nap de killi subah jalandhar te shaam dilli!!

Punjabi cuisine offers a vast variety of scrumptious and exotic dishes that are prepared with various traditional culinary styles, not to forget the tandoor. The food is wholesome and full of rustic flavour. The custom of cooking in tandoors prevails even today. The most unique thing about cooking in a tandoor is the smoky flavour that the food gets, making it tastier. The interesting and enticing tandoor items and a variety of other delectable and finger licking dishes having rich, spicy and buttery flavour.

Bay Leaf at Courtyard by Marriott, Bhopal has always been a melting pot of culinary delights and if there is one thing it can promise you, is an outstanding culinary experience every time. To take this experience to better heights, the restaurant has come up with, ‘Truck De India – Made In Punjab.’

The restaurant is decked up in proper Highway Dhaba style. But hey, this has to be the most prettiest and luxurious Dhaba I’ve ever seen. Entrance is welcoming with highway signboards followed by lanterns which make the whole ambiance absolutely breathtaking. Inside the team is dressed up in punjabi attire and seating, platting and music will set your mood right to savour some authentic Punjabi delights.

Chef Ashish said “Punjabi Cuisine is one of the most distinct and popular Indian cuisines and comes from the region of Punjab situated partially in India and Pakistan. It offers a vast variety of delectable and exotic vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes that are prepared with varied traditional culinary styles, particularly the tandoori style. The use of fresh ingredients adds flavour to the dishes; make it a treat for the taste buds.”

Chef Ashish said ‘Truck De India – Made In Punjab’ will offer a wide range of Punjabi dishes to choose from – both vegetarian and non-vegetarian.

A refreshing glass of lassi in an earthen pot arrives at the table to welcome me along with the sound of Dhol and Bhangra Dance playing at the restaurant.

Bhutta Kebab: Flavourful crispy kebabs cooked with Corn Kernel or Makai with an inside stuffing of cream cheese and fresh mint topped with Imly & fresh mint chilli chutney. Absolutely lip-smacking!

Bhatti ka Murgh: For all non-veg lovers, this chicken delicacy is the perfect dinner delight. A rustic melt-in-your-mouth chicken drumstick that is traditionally cooked on tandoor is an absolute stunner.

Paneer Pakoda: While traveling across the Punjab one comes across the most delicious yet simple snacks is the pakodas. Piping hot, crispy and melt-in-the-mouth paneer pakodas will give that punjabi kick!

Paneer Tikka Jalandhari: A splendid and exotic dish with exceptional flavours, engulfed into the marinated paneer cubes, onions and capsicum dices.

Meat Diya Seekhan: These kebabs of minced mutton with subtle hints of cloves and cinnamon have a delicate long cylindrical shape to them. Didn’t really wait to melt in your mouth – so soft it was it that a slight touch is enough to break it down completely.

I am not even going to lie but the starters were so heavy and I was already coming from another event that I was almost full. But, I tried my best to taste a few dishes from the main course.

Mains:

Amritsari Cholay: This dish needs no description. Choley cooked so brilliantly with Indian spices and ghee. My mom makes exactly the same kind of choley and therefore I enjoyed it even more. The only difference was that this Pipey te choley were cooked without Onion and Garlic and was a playful mix of Indian spices while my mom adds everything. 😛

Paneer Tikka Butter Masala: Cottage cheese transforms into a tongue-tickling treat when marinated in spice powders and cooked crisp along with other ingredients. An assortment of whole spices along with tomato pulp and cream give the gravy an intense flavour and makes it lusciously creamy. The addition of the coal smoke effect was enough to create magic. Declaring it as the Winner Dish of the evening!!

Butter Chicken: The mildly spiced curry sauce is absolutely brilliant and I think one can never say no to butter chicken.

Pressure Cooker Ka Murgh: Punjabi Style Pressure Cooker Chicken Curry also known as Ghar da Kukkad popularly in Punjab. Hot and Spicy! Must Try!

Punjabi Kadhi Pakoda: Freshly prepared pakodis of besan perked up with coriander, green chilies in a mouth-watering kadhi. The kadhi is quite richly flavoured with an assortment of spices. Relish it with Rice!

Dal Makkhan Wali: Dal flavoured with tangy tomatoes, curds and cream giving it a rich feel. Traditionally this dal is simmered all night long to get the unique flavour. Topped with Ghee.

No Punjabi food festival is complete without its wide dessert. It’s time for kuch meetha hojaye.

Tilla Kulfi: Kulfi is technically an ice-cream, but with the rich flavour and unique texture of condensed milk, it is a class apart.The traditional Tilla Malai Kulfi stands out with an extra rich and intense flavour and creaminess giving it an irresistible texture and aroma. Loved It!!

Gajar Halwa: Gajar ka Halwa has a traditional charm that is loved by almost everyone. Cooked with milk, the carrots acquire a rich taste and melt-in-the-mouth texture, which are intensified by the addition of mava.

Some other desserts worth trying are: Gulab Jamun, Kulfi Falooda, Gulab Ki Phirni.

The Punjabi food festival is a perfect incorporation of food served at the Dhabas of Punjab Highway. Food so good and rich that it’ll leave you mesmerized and Burping. All in all, it was a splendid experience coupled with warm and impeccable service. A great opportunity for the food lovers of Bhopal, if you wish to splurge on authentic Punjabi delicacies head to Bay Leaf today! 😀