HYDERABAD: What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Mumbai? Its cosmopolitan culture, beaches or overcrowded local trains?
Besides these, also the wide range of street food which is one of the characteristics of the city. So much so, that it has made its way into kitchens of restaurants, including five star hotels, not only in Mumbai, but all over the country.
Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre’s Mumbai Street Food Festival truly represents the Mumbaiya food in its lip-smacking glory.
With a line of live counters, the hotel is trying to serve everything available on the streets of Mumbai. Walking through the counters, you will forget that you are at a fine dining restaurant.
The chai counter is first in line. The chef at the counter, dressed as typical ‘Mumbai ka bhai’ with a handkerchief around his neck, will treat you to varieties of chai. Masala chai made with clove, cardamom and cinnamon is the show stealer. It is the perfect cuppa for those heading there after work.
Bhelpuri served at the chaat counter has the right spices and ingredients. The crunchy peanuts will push you to ask for more. But don’t expect ragada patties to be as spicy and tangy as those you are used to in Hyderabad.
Yogender Pal, executive chef at the hotel, has gone a bit easy on spices here but has retained the authentic taste of ragada. Same is the case with sev puri and dahi puri. The chef has wisely used the colours of meetha pani, teekha pani and sev to present the dish and tickle your taste buds.
If you love your pani puri with aloo filling, you should try it here. But again, you have to compromise on the spiced flavour. While vada pav can be given a miss for being a slightly bland, misal pav, one of the most popular dishes was missing from the menu altogether. The advantage is, as the menu changes everyday and has galore of items, you won't miss out on the misal pav for long.
At the spring rolls counter, Shanghai roll with cottage cheese filling is sure to win your heart. Health freaks can opt for steamed rice paper roll with rice and vegetable stuffing. Non-vegetarians can gorge on keema and chicken rolls.
Makke ki tikki and paneer tikka are sure to tantalise you tastebuds for being perfectly marinated and adequately fried.
After having food from different parts of the country, if your are still craving for south Indian food, neer dosa, made in authentic Kannadiga style, served with kori gassi, a chicken dish, is something you can certainly turn to. Schezwan and manchurian dosa are the other options.
Priced at Rs 1,100, the buffet is worth your money and an evening for those who love Mumbai street food.
The food festival is on till August 2 from 7 pm onwards.