Sneak peek of the Winter Fest at Punjab Grill

When people think Punjabi food, they can’t help but associate it with Sarson Da Saag and Makki de Roti, a favourite dish that gets a special mention in most Bollywood flicks revolving around gregarious families belonging to the green state. Images of corn fields spring to mind courtesy many a Bollywood flick. Punjab Grill aims to take that rustic experience and give it a gourmet fine dining touch, and pretty much succeeds at that effort. When we dropped by on a weekday, the kitchen was busy dishing out a winter fest that introduced us to some interesting dishes that we have never tried before.

While some impressed, others left us puzzled, but overall the experience was both pleasant and enlightening. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s in store for the winter fest that kicks off in the coming week. We began the meal with Kaali Gajar Kaanji (Rs 195) a tangy, black carrot juice served in an earthen pot, a speciality according to the staff, that we believe is an acquired taste and takes some getting used to because of its distinctive aftertaste. We then moved on to the Shakarkandi Kamrakh Ki Chaat (Rs 225) a unique concept as we have never tasted apple wood smoked sweet potato and star fruit together in a chaat, but the result is strictly okay.

The Kharode Ka Shorba (Rs 225) is a winner as the lamb trotter soup is smooth, and is paired well with a variation of a stuffed mini cheese naan. This one will leave you speechless and asking for more. The Chukandar ke kebab (Rs 395) which is essentially beetroot kebabs prepared with hung curd and pine nut stuffing is nothing to write home about. The Bheja Massala (Rs 495) is the best we have tasted, smooth, rich and melts in your mouth. The Tabak maas (Rs 575) is also a must try, the lamb ribs have been cooked to perfection and fall off the bone as you take a bite.

The Methi chicken tikka (Rs 495) was average. The Punjab Grill Deg hot pot (Rs 695) was prepared with mutton kofta, mutton jus and seasonal vegetables that works as an interesting option if you are looking for something unqiue and comforting. The Sarson Da Saag (Rs 495) a classic Punjabi favourite does not disappoint with its silken texture. It goes well with the Makki Tava Roti (Rs 125). For dessert, we opted for the Gurh Wale Chawal (Rs 225) a combination of jaggery sweeted basmati that’s flavoured with black cardamom, topped with fennel coconut chips and served with vanilla ice cream. East meets west in this one dish, giving you a sugar rush, with a healthy twist.

When: Jan 13 to 19,
At: Punjab Grill, Juhu Shopping Centre, Gulmohar Cross Road, Number 9.