Looking to celebrate Diwali with friends and family this year? Here’s how Taftoon can elevate your Diwali experience and make it one to remember for years to come with our diverse menu.
There’s no festival that is more anticipated in India other than Diwali. Each year, many families and individuals plan feasts and gatherings to celebrate this auspicious time. The weeks and days before Diwali are filled with parties, people coming together, and a general atmosphere of happiness and excitement.
In the heart of Mumbai, India, there is a place that offers a menu worthy of your Diwali celebration. Taftoon, a restaurant that pays homage to the culinary marvels of the Grand Trunk Road, promises an unforgettable Diwali celebration, replete with an array of dishes that are a testament to tradition, culture, and the joy of coming together. Here’s how you can have a wholesome experience at Taftoon with our food and ambience.
The Wholesome Atmosphere at Taftoon
The Grand Trunk Road, an ancient trade route connecting the Indian subcontinent, is a tapestry of diverse cultures, traditions, and, of course, food. It’s a road that has seen empires rise and fall, merchants trade their wares, and travellers savour the exquisite flavours of the region. At Taftoon, this rich tapestry of tastes and textures is brought to life.
Our menu, which traverses across the Grand Trunk Road, offers the perfect opportunity for you to explore different flavours, ingredients and experiences this Diwali. Whether you’re coming here with family or friends, we promise to provide an experience like no other, one that you’ll never forget. Some of our dishes across the Grand Trunk include:
Experience the Nutty Flavours of Kagzi Badam Shorba
Kagzi Badam Shorba is a perfect choice to kick off your Diwali feast. Originating from the hills of Kargil, this soup features pureed almonds in aromatic stock. It’s a testament to the tradition of using nuts in Indian cuisine to create creamy, rich textures. Available in both vegetarian and chicken options, Kagzi Badam Shorba is a hearty starter that sets the stage for what’s to come.
Taste the Symphony of Textures in Palak Bhalla Papdi
Diwali is a time for indulgence, and Palak Bhalla Papdi from Dera Bassi, Punjab, is a delightful treat that encapsulates the spirit of the festival. These light, melt-away urad and spinach dumplings are stuffed with mixed achaar, drizzled with creamy yoghurt, and served with tangy, sweet-sour imli and green chutneys. It’s a symphony of textures and flavours that delights the palate and leaves you wanting for more.
Try Authentic Grilled Kalari
For those seeking an authentic culinary experience, Grilled Kalari is a must-try. This dish features authentic Dogra cheese from Udhampur, which is then pan-grilled to perfection. It’s also smeared with Kashmiri chilli and tomato chutney and served on kulcha bread. Grilled Kalari is a unique and delectable offering that showcases the diversity of Indian cheese varieties. The crispiness of the kulcha and the creaminess of the cheese complement each other perfectly and is a good option when you’re looking for something unique and filling.
Relish Street Food with Mooli Ki Kachori
Street food has a special place in Indian celebrations, and Mooli Ki Kachori, a famous street food from Bihar, is a testament to that. These flaky, deep-fried flour dough balls are stuffed with a radish mixture and served with a yoghurt-based mint sauce and sautéed green moong. It’s street food magic that adds a touch of nostalgia to the Diwali spread. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional street food or are looking for street food reimagined, Taftoon has a whole selection of street foods that are suitable for any palate.
Nourish Your Body with Chukandar-e-Shammi
From the heart of Benaras, Chukandar-e-Shammi is a herbivore’s delight. These kebabs are cooked on the tawa and feature grated beetroot and Bengal gram, stuffed with yogurt and cheese. They are served with kachche aam ki chutney, offering a delightful blend of earthy and tangy flavours. If you’re looking for a good shareable snack before your meal, this is the perfect option. This is also a great option for parties and gatherings, as it can be easily picked up and eaten.
Savour the Flavours of Kashmiri Koshur Gada
Koshur Gada, from Lidar Valley, Kashmir, brings natural flavours to your Diwali feast. This dish features Kashmiri trout fish, charcoal-grilled to perfection, and served with walnut and radish chutney. It’s a symphony of flavours, showcasing the richness of Kashmiri cuisine. It pairs well with many of our flatbreads, including Baquerkhani and Khamiri Roti.
Explore Lucknow Through Mirza Hasnu Tikka
Lucknow, known for its fragrant kebabs, presents Mirza Hasnu Tikka, a creamy combination that takes hours to prepare. This boneless chicken dish is gently spiced and marinated in tandoori spices, then slow-cooked and smoked to perfection. It’s a fragrant offering that pays homage to the culinary traditions of Lucknow.
Tasting the Treasures of Kashmir
A vegetarian treasure from the famous Kashmiri Wazwan, Chok Wangun is a velvety-smooth tomato-based curry featuring braised brinjal. It’s flavoured with asafoetida, fennel, and dry ginger powder, offering a taste of the intricate flavours of Kashmiri cuisine. It pairs well with Bhapa Chawal, which is aromatic long-grained steamed basmati rice.
Kundan Kaliyan: A Royal Feast
From the royal kitchen of Wajid Ali Shah comes Kundan Kaliyan, a rich golden mutton curry cooked with the blend of ‘Lazzat-e-Taam’—a symphony of 25 spices. This dish is a jewel, showcasing the culinary expertise of the Khansamas of Lucknow. It’s a royal feast fit for a Diwali celebration. This delectable dish pairs well with both naan and rice, so it’s up to you to decide which direction to go!
Celebrating Diwali with Taftoon
Diwali is a time for families to come together, celebrate traditions, and create lasting memories. Taftoon’s culinary offerings, inspired by the Grand Trunk Road, provide the perfect canvas for a wholesome and memorable celebration. The diverse flavours and textures of the dishes pay homage to India’s culinary heritage, creating a feast that resonates with tradition, culture, and the joy of family gatherings.
As you celebrate Diwali with Taftoon, you’re not just indulging in a meal; you’re embarking on a culinary journey that showcases the richness and diversity of Indian cuisine. It’s a feast of flavours that mirrors the spirit of the festival, bringing together the essence of tradition and the joy of togetherness. Diwali with Taftoon is a celebration of India’s culinary heritage, where every dish is a tribute to the Grand Trunk Road and the myriad flavours it has to offer.
