Awadhi cuisine originates from Lucknow, and the culture of the place had hugely influenced the legendary cuisine that evolved over time. History, of course, has played a significant role in this transformative journey of the taste and flavors of this region. Beautiful use of garnishes & spices, exotic herbs, dry fruits, and slow cooking techniques make this culinary style rich and elaborate. This cuisine was inspired and influenced by the royalty at the time. And the dishes reflect this in the infused flavors and traditional recipes. The gourmand in me lives to eat this! And The Oberoi Bengaluru brings to us the perfect opportunity. Chef Arjun Yadava who leads the kitchen at the acclaimed and multiple award winning The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra – brings his team to Le Jardin this month to showcase the nuances of Mughal influenced culinary genres, in this case – Awadhi food.

All of us!

Le Jardin

We were invited for a tasting last Saturday by Pinky, and well she suggested we come in ethnic attire for some seriously good food. And well, we promptly turned up, dressed for the occasion of tasting the royal cuisine of Awadh. Chef Arjun isn’t a man of many words, but what we ate that day was memorable in so many ways. Our meal started with Til Palak ki Shammi and Paratdaar Paneer Tikka. Good flavors and great textures. Then followed Kakori Kebab – one of my all-time favorite dishes, and it was delicious. The rich spices couldn’t have blended in better. As always, I had to ask for a second helping!

Appetizers – Kakori & Dahi Gosht Ke Kebab

Vegetarian appetizers

The mains were laid out in the buffet. The Mahi Kaliya and Taley Bataer were beautifully done. The Badami Nalli Gosht kept getting over as soon as it was refilled – breathtaking, and so nicely paired with the Dum Biriyani. Shahi Baingan Bharta was so creamy and delightful. Also, the Raan marinated and slow cooked overnight made it just right and tender. And contrary to popular belief, there was an abundance of vegetarian selections available in the spread. Soya Aloo, Gobi Musallam, Paneer Pasanda, Kathal Ka Korma are among the dishes on the rotational menu at Le Jardin. The breads were exquisite as well. The dessert line up is formidable. I am not a desserts person myself. But the Khoya jalebi, halwa, Paanch Mewa laddoo, Doodh peda, Kaju Tokrie, Balooshahi, Gulaab ki Kheer, Jalebee Ka Muzzaffar, Kulfi and so much more – is kinda hard for even the strong-hearted to resist.

Fried Quail

Biryani & Nihari!

Desserts!

The Last Word

A spread like this on a buffet is extremely rare. The quality and taste of each of the dishes is top notch. This promotion runs until 6^th August, for lunch and dinner at Le Jardin, the main restaurant at The Oberoi, Bengaluru. The pricing is 1875+taxes, and if you have the Gourmet Passport app, you could get 2 buffets for the price of 1 for lunch, which is an excellent deal! Prior reservation is recommended.

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