Rajasthani Food Festival - Bengaluru Marriott Hotel, Whitefield (March 27 - April 06, 2017)

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“The magnificently royal Rajasthan, now the largest state of India , is known for its vivid and diverse richness of culture and food. Formed on 30 March 1949 with the union of the erstwhile princely states of Rajputana , Rajasthan is kaleidoscope of culinary surprises for the world.”

Since majority of people are vegetarian ( nearly two-thirds which is the most in India ) , the food in Rajasthan is primarily vegetarian. The lentils and legumes are generously used in the traditional kitchen with lot of spices and usually cooked in clarified butter. The Milk and Milk based products like Butter milk (Chaas) , curd and Lassi too form part of their daily diet.

The warrior class and erstwhile rulers from Rajput clan , however , are predominately Non-vegetarians. Some of the rajasthani recipes like Laal Maas & Safed Maas are part of the global Indian cuisine now. In-fact the state is known for the best quality goat meat (mutton) in the northern India.

FOOD FESTIVAL ALERT :: “Bengaluru Marriott Hotel, Whitefield is hosting a Rajasthani culinary fest fit for a Royals. (March 27, 2017 to April 06, 2017, 7 PM onwards) ”

To commemorate this royal essence of Rajwadas , a specially curated culinary festival menu has been offered at M Cafe , a 24 hour open kitchen setting Café and a popular dining destination in this part of Bangalore.

It was a double foodie bonanza for me as a Rajasthani foodie , when I was invited by the Executive Chef Mahesh Padala & Jaydev Jackie to try the sumptuous spread that showcases a variety of traditional recipes from the royal kitchens of Rajasthan.

Incidentally it was a Rajasthan Day and Gangaur festival when I visited them.The festival of Gangaur is usually celebrated by married women who worship and honor Goddess Gauri for the good health and longevity of their husbands. Wife of Lord Shiva , she represents purity and austerity.It is usually 2 week long festival.

“The festival at Marriott Bengaluru recreates the Royal experience for guests, providing them with the glimpse of the culinary and heritage richness of Rajasthan.”

For this festival, Maharaj Bhik Singh , the specialist chef with Marriot Jaipur has specially flown to Bangalore.Renowned for his expertise in Rajasthani cuisine, he has been working with Marriot Jaipur since its opening in 2011. A native of blue city of forts, Jodhpur, Chef Singh has been delighting guests with his cooking expertise for over 2 decades now.

“ When I asked him about his favorites dishes , Chef Bhik Singh candidly told me about Laal Maas & Gatta Subzi as his top choices.”

To maintain the authenticity of the dishes, he and his kitchen team has especially bought the ingredients from Rajasthan, including the Ker sangri ,the spices and the famous Mathania mirch from the district of Jodhpur.

It is noteworthy to mention that majority of Rajasthani dishes including Lal Maas and Kair Sangri are prepared best with this specialty of Mathania chilis.

While preparing the Laal Maas, the tender goat meat is cooked with these Chilis. It imparts dark red color and sharp flavor to the dish, making it visually appealing too.

During the fest, a special Buffet will be available for all the guests in traditional Rajasthani style along with the regular spread. Some of the notable dishes like Laal Maas, the traditional Dal Bhati Churma, Jodhpuri Mirchi Bada, Ker Sangri, Pithod ki Subzi, Ghatte ki Subzi with Makai and Bhajre ki Roti, Degchi Sula Murg are part of the menu.

For those with the sweet tooth, the rajasthani dessert delicacies like Ghevar, Doodh Jalebi , Ras Malai and Phini with Kesar Doodh will be a perfect treat. The Bar too will serve special array of cocktails and mocktails during this festival.