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Showing posts with label indian food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label indian food. Show all posts
Monday, July 18, 2016
INDIAN FOOD FESTIVAL at HYATT Hotel City of Dreams Manila

 Once I started learning that food is more than just nutrition and a need, I realized that spices and flavors intertwine and work together to create the perfect dish. Of course this is subjective and yet, experience plays a huge factor in how people react or enjoy their food. After all is said and done, I believe variety is the main component of being happy. One of the most flavorful and spice filled cuisine that I have experienced would be INDIAN FOOD. Being able to deliver flavors from both end of the spectrum, Indian Cuisine definitely has the variety aspect to make anyone enjoy their meal.
 Starting July 17th to the 24th, CAFE at The HYATT HOTEL in CITY OF DREAMS MANILA is having the INDIAN FOOD FESTIVAL. Coined as the ROAD to GURGAON, Hyatt brought in Chef AJITH KUMAR from Hyatt New Delhi to showcase the vast dishes that Indian cuisine has to offer.
 Making use of fresh ingredients and a plethora of spices, the team of HYATT made sure to produce the most authentic flavors with regards to INDIAN Cuisine.
 To start, freshly baked Indian breads like papadum and roti welcomed the guests to the buffet spread.
 Appetizers like Vegetarian Samosas and Aloo Tikaa or potato croquette would be the perfect starter for an Indian feast. As this coats and prepares the stomach for the adventure ahead.
 Traditionally Indian Cuisine is viewed as spicy and a bit hot for the Filipinos and other Asian palettes, as such, the chefs toned down the dishes a bit without sacrificing the flavor profiles.
 Different types of curries and other delectable dishes were laid out in such a way that it is a feast for the senses. Starting from your eyes to your nose and all the way to your mouth.
 To give you a proper greeting, the TOMATO TULSI KA SHORBA or tomato soup is prepared in such a way that it isn't heavy nor dragging. It just helps your taste buds get accustomed to the spice-filled nature of the dishes to come.
The CHICKEN Curry would definitely be something familiar. Speaking of chicken, the Chicken Tikka is a must try. Properly marinated, one would appreciate the moist and tender meat coupled with Indian spices.
 Personally, I enjoyed the MUTTON GOSHT ROGAN. This lamb dish is a specialty that would go well with any of the Indian breads or biryani.
 
 When it comes to seafood, the PRAWN CURRY was pretty good. The Indian flavors were there but the mango sort of balanced it out. Making the dish somewhat neutral. Another must eat dish would be the PANEER MAKHANI. Basically this tofu like cubes are actually made from cottage cheese simmered in tomato sauce. Use the bread to scoop up the sauce and the cheese. Then, you'll understand.
 Fish lovers would enjoy the BAKED TREVALLY with MUSTARD YOGHURT. This huge fish is very flavorful that you might get a bit surprised at first bite. The yoghurt flavor was absorbed by the meat making it creamier.
 To help balance the spiciness of the dishes, a RAITA STATION was put up. This basically has different fresh vegetables and yoghurt and even seasoned rice to mellow down the kick and make everything flow just right.
 Surprisingly, there are also dessert dishes that had an Indian flare. The Carrot Halwa has a mild sweetness that was somewhat in the middle of the range. I enjoyed it even if it was made out of carrots. The Gulab Jamun and Rice Kheer Barfi were a bit too sweet for me.
 The great thing about the INDIAN FOOD FESTIVAL at THE HYATT is that they have a lot more in store for diners. Aside from the INDIAN SECTION, guests could choose from the Chinese, Grilled, Salads, Caviar, Cold Cuts and Cheese, Japanese section and a long dessert spread.
 PRO TIP: Go on a Sunday and indulge. "THE BEAST" MAYURA WAGYU BEEF is definitely a must try.
 Remember, mix and match. ENJOY!
The ROAD to GURGAON, INDIA would run from July 17-24, 2016. For lunch and dinner buffet, regular rates would apply. (Php 1,388 / 1,888 nett). Metrobank Card Holders get 25% DISCOUNTS at the CAFE and CLUB ROOM accommodations. (June1-Aug31, 2016).

RELATED LINKS:
NOBU'S Luxurious Sunday Brunch
5 Dishes to Try at the Cantonese Food Festival 
Cafe at The Hyatt: 2 Culinary Food Festivals


CAFE at The HYATT CITY OF DREAMS
G/F HYATT CITY OF DREAMS
Asean Avenue Cor Roxas Boulevard
Entertainment City, Paranaque, Metro Manila
Contact them at (632)691-1234 



Disclaimer: Was invited to this event. wrote this based on my experience.
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Monday, July 4, 2016
ROYAL INDIAN CURRY HOUSE in MAKATI


Sometimes desires can get the best of us. It could be gadgets but for some it's food. I am no exception. I had been looking and craving for INDIAN CUISINE ever since the world street food congress was held in Manila. A couple recommendations and ROYAL INDIAN CURRY HOUSE in MAKATI made it to my list.

Located in Poblacion, Makati, RICH has been making the rounds online. Visiting on a Sunday lunch made the drive perfect. Just in case you're a night owl, this restaurant is open until the wee hours of the night to cater to everyone's after party delight. For guests that are not into spicy cuisine, rest assured that you could request for the food to be mild, moderate or spicy.
Starting with something familiar, the ROTI CHANAI (229Php) is a natbread usually found in Malaysia and Singapore that is served with curry. The bread is a little oily while the curry is similar to other restaurants in the metro. Good but nothing special.
The HYDERABADI BIRYANI (499Php) is a specialty according to the staff. Cuts of lamb along with basmati rice is cooked slowly over low flame. Making sure that the flavors are sealed in, this dish may take awhile to be served. In terms of flavor, it was a little spicy but the lamb was present in each bite. Having to mix this dish with plain rice made the flavor just right for me.
A well known dish, the CHICKEN TIKKA (399Php) came highly recommended. Marinated in yoghurt and other spices, I felt that the chicken was served a little dry. Maybe they could serve it on a different platter as the hot plate dried the meat a bit.
It would be a waste of visit, if their curries were not tried out. Two version of their lababdar, the CHICKEN (399Php) and the PANEER (349Php) were must tries. The creamy and spicy tomato gravy gave these dishes flavor. The chicken though tasted like the tikka. It seems the seasoning were almost if not, the same. The Paneer or fresh cheese, gave the rich sauce balance. Even if this was a vegetarian delight, personal preference would point me to the PANEER LABABDAR.
The ROYAL INDIAN CURRY HOUSE definitely by far is one of the INDIAN RESTAURANTS in the metro that has a lot to offer. Needless to say, the prices of the dishes are a little bit on the high end. I went there alone and my bill was around 2,500Php (in hindsight, I ordered for 2 hungry people). It would be better to visit with friends so that you could taste more dishes. The flavor of the dishes were just okay for me. I think my expectation got the best of me.

RELATED LINK:

ROYAL INDIAN CURRY HOUSE
General Luna Street, Poblacion,
Makati City, Metro Manila
Near Century City Mall.

Disclaimer: wrote this based on my experience. paid for my meals.
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Tuesday, June 14, 2016
THE PANTRY at DUSIT THANI MAKATI: Perfect for FATHER'S DAY 2016

Never judge a book by its cover. Even if this saying is a cliche,  THE PANTRY in DUSIT THANI MAKATI definitely applies to this.

THE PANTRY is located in the lobby of DUSIT THANI MAKATI. Once you enter, you won't see the quality of the all day buffet just yet. You have to go around all the way to the back to see the delicious dishes the chef has in store for the discerning guests.

Upfront, you are treated to a long line of appetizers. From cold cuts to different cheeses and even salads.

You also get to pick different pasta dishes cooked on the spot and even have a slice or two of different pizzas cooked in their wood fired oven.

What is a buffet without ROASTED PIG or LECHON!? Dusit Thani makes and grills their own lechon so you are assured of their freshness and abundant crispy skin. Every dad would love this offering.

Just beside it, you are greeted by the grilling station. You can requests for different cuts of meat be grilled and cooked to your liking.
The INDIAN SECTION comes next. I didn't know that DUSIT THANI has a dedicated halal kitchen for our brothers and sisters. Their Indian selection is complete and pretty much amazing. Having an in house Indian Chef makes it more natural and authentic.
I can't help but mix it up. The lechon is moist and the Biryani perfect for it.
Opposite this section is the Dimsum and Seafood Counter. Here you get to pick different cuts of seafood to be cooked to your preference.
You can see how fresh the crabs and the oysters are.

And yes they also have shrimps as well.

Personally, I'm great with shrimps and baked oysters but there are more things to go for in THE PANTRY.

That being their dessert station. There are a lot of sweet dishes to choose from.
From small cakes to amazing donuts, you won't go wrong with any.
My top pick though would have to be these strawberries covered with decadent chocolate.

Definitely the perfect way to end the meal. Dusit Thani's THE PANTRY has a lot of dishes to offer and is the go to place for an amazing Indian food section. I was happy with the lechon and also the Indian station. The oysters and crabs and shrimps were perfect as well.

This coming Sunday, June 19 at 11:30 to 2:30 pm, DUSIT THANI is celebrating all the fathers in town. Special activities and prizes await all the men in our lives. They would be able to take part and test drive Mini Coopers. Aside from this, overnight accommodations with a Mini Cooper for use, and even spa treatments or other vouchers and merchandise from different sponsors. For the crossover buffet at UMU and The PANTRY, the price is at 2,950Php nett including alcoholic beverages or at 2,500Php nett excluding wines and other alcoholic beverages.


The Pantry
Lobby, Dusit Thani Hotel
Ayala Center, 1223 Makati City
Metro Manila, Philippines
(632) 238-8888
www.dusit.com

Disclaimer: was invited to try out THE PANTRY. Wrote this based on my experience.
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