Sunday, February 18, 2007

Punjabi Treats

Rangla Punjab, Jalandhar- Phugwara Highway

A bullock cart at the entrance, a haystack in one corner and a pile of dried cowdung cakes in another - this restaurant spread over 2 acres obviously believes in authencity. Here you will find authentic Kullu Tailor, a stout bull running the kolhu, a munimji keeping track of all that goes out of the kitchen, and of course a count of the money. You will definetely enjoy the food here, but here its more about the experience, something you will cherish.

Kesar Da Dhaba,Amritsar
Just ask anyone and they will guide you to the dusty bylanes where this icon stands rather smugly. No itineary is complete without the phirni cooked in this 100 yr old kitchen. Sold for Rs 6 per earthen bowl, about 700 people walk away with this wonder daily. Made of rice flour, suagr and milk, phirni is cooked on a slow fire for hours before it is chilled in earthen bowls and served fresh. You can also try the Punjabi Thali that consists of parantha,dal and vegetables - all delectable.

Bhog and The Langar at The Golden Temple
The Bhog (better known as Karha Prasad) at the Golden Temple is special not just because it is sanctified for but also because it tastes heavenly. The same goes for the Gurudwara's Langar, a community meal, where hundreds of people eat wholesome vegeterian food cooked by thousands of volunteers everyday. A must try is the kheer served on Sundays.

Haveli Dhaba,Jalandhar
People drive miles to eat at Haveli, a dhaba at the Heritage Village on the outskirts of Jalandhar. With close to three star amenities and heavenly food that's mostly cooked in desi ghee, this one is another great joint for delicious local food.

Tel 098 142 50000

Kanha Sweets,Amritsar
If you wish to enjoy a traditional Punjabi breakfst in Amritsar, just walk into Kanha Sweets on Lawrence Road and stuff yourself silly with their aloo puri. Round off with a glass of lassi at Gyan ji Ki Lassi nearby.

Til Ka Bugga and Gur Ka Halwa
These two are without doubt, Punjab's best winter desserts, easily availabe in most cities. Til ka Bugga is a dry sweet made from sesame seeds, while gur ka halwa is simply jaggery simmered till it reaches the consistency of halwa.

Butter Chicken
Punjabis have made both butter chicken and chicken tikka popular all over the world. You can't be in Punjab and not have these chicken delicacies. Small time dhabas often do a better job of butter chicken than fancy restaurants. For the best ,try the dhabas lining GT Road.

Jaggi Sweets,Patiala
If you possess a sweet tooth, head straight here for nearly 90 different varieties of sweets. Over 50 years old, it has recently introduced sugar free mithais for the health conscious.

www.jaggisweets.com

Himachal Pradesh Reckoner

Places to Stay

The Chalets,Naldhera
This scenically located resort consists of Scandinavian Style Log Huts right next to the famous nine hole golf course. Tee off on a sunny wintery afternoon and warm yourself by the log fire in the evening. Rooms are clean and cheerful with all the modern comforts. Popular with families with kids, the resort offers a variety of activities such as fishing,trekking, riding and of course golf.

Naldhera is 22 kms from Shimla

Tel (01772) 747 715

Chonor House,Dharamshala
The Charm of this small 11 room resort in Mcleodganj lies in its authentic Tibetan Decor and food. Striking wall paintings by Norbulingka artists are complemented by hand carved carpets and carved wooden furniture. Its open air restaurant is known for its small but delectable range of food. The good effect is further enhanced by the fact that your money goes to charity that runs the place.

60 Kms from Shimla.

Tel(01892) 221 006/648

Nalagarh Heritage Resort
This Mughal style fort has been built on five levels with many staircases and terraces. Set in 20 acres of orchard and forest, it offers sweeping views of the Shivaliks. With large spacious suites, some with large balconies, Nalagarh is a great romantic getway and offers a refreshing escape from Delhi's raging heat.

135 Kms from Shimla

Tel (01795) 23 0091/1795

Banjara Camps and Retreats,Sangla Valley
You would be hard pressed to find a more scenic place for camping than this stretch along the Baspa river. With towering mountains and apple orchards for company, it makes a great hideaway. The best part is that you don't have to compromise on your creature comforts to enjoy this holiday.

230 KMS from Shimla

Tel(01782) 242 536.


Chandigarh Explored

Places to Stay

The Kaptan's Retreat, Sector 35 B
The fact that this hotel with 10 rooms is partly owned by the city's best known resident, Kapil Dev is reason enough for some people to stay here. With cricketing memorabilia strewn all over the place, this one will be of special interest to those who love the game. You have the chance to sleep in rooms named after Kapil's individual cricketing achievements such as 432(His test Wickets, once a world record). At the smart multi-cuisine restaurant called Elevens, neighbours and arch rivals in the game India and Pakistan try to outdo each other even here, in the kebabs and meat varieites. The Lahori Boti Kebabs, nawabi shola and dahi kebabs take the match away ...

The Kaptan's Retreat,SCO 304 & 305

Tel (0172) 500 5599.

North Park,Panchkula
You may have not heard of this one, and the reason is that few people who frequent this hotel keep it a well guarded secret. Situated in a idyllic location, removed from the bustle of the city, North Park is a charming and quite getway. A great favourite with those who know its somewhat out of the way location, peace and tranquilty is very much a part of the package,as nothing but the birdsong and the gush of Ghaggar river flowing by disturbs the calm. Rooms are basic but offer all amenities ; and the service is as good as it gets.

Near Ghaggar Bridge,Panchkula
Tel(0172) 256 0205.

Food and Beverage Options

Hot Millions, Sector 17
One of the most popular restaurants in the city, this place has defined food dining in Chandigarh for decades. The food and service are both excellent and their pub Down Under captures some of the changes as a younger generation seeks to shed the city's image as a home for pensioners.

Tel (0172) 272 3333

Khyber, Sector 35
One of the best restaurants in the city, Khyber serves finger-licking good indian cuisine. The ambience is rustic, keeping with the ruggedness of the terrain it is named after, and the food is straight off the fire,without fancy garnishes. A variety of kebabs and innovative non veg dishes spice up the menu. The malai tangri kebab and palak paneer are highly recommended.

Tel( 0172) 260 7728.

Punjabi Dhabas
Pal and Swaran Dhabas top the list for some great non veg fare,especially the mutton apart from the standard dhaba dishes such as dal makhani. Another must try out is the Tehsil Singh Ka Dhaba, a favourite with the locals.

Pal Dhaba Sector 27.

Noodle Bar, Sector 26
This new restaurant is soon becoming everyone's favourite for Oriental food. Try out the many different types of noodles they can make, or simply order the plain old chilly chicken, its all guaranteed to be delicious. Watch out for the special food festivals.

SCO 47,Sector 26.