When you’re interested in everything that North India has to offer, it doesn’t just stop at the popular food. Get to know more about uncommon foods from Punjab, Lucknow and other areas in North India, and where you can eat them.
The culinary diversity of India is a treasure trove of flavours and textures, with each region offering its own unique delicacies. And while you might find a lot of Indian restaurants that cater in popular dishes like kheer, chole-kulchey, and aloo chaat, you might not find delicacies that are known to be staples in North Indian states.
When you’re looking for a truly unique menu, you have to know what you’re looking for. From curated cocktails using traditional ingredients to uncommon delicacies that have been around for decades. Here are some dishes you should definitely be on the lookout for the next time you’re eating out:
Bihari Kebab: A Taste of Bihar
Our journey begins in Bihar, where the Bihari Kebab takes centre stage. This dish is a symphony of flavours and textures, featuring barbecued pieces of mixed goat meat, liver, and kidney. The meats are marinated in mustard oil, a drop of yoghurt, and garam masala, infusing them with a burst of spices. Slow-cooked to perfection and finished on the barbecue, these kebabs are served with whole mint leaves and onions, providing a refreshing contrast to the smoky richness of the meat.
Patthar ke Kebab: Experiencing Awadhi Elegance
As we travel to the Awadh region, we encounter the Patthar ke Kebab, a dish that exudes elegance and sophistication. Off-the-bone chicken is marinated in a luscious blend of cashew, onion, and Awadhi potli spices.
What makes this kebab truly unique is its slow cooking on a hot stone, infusing the meat with a distinctive smoky aroma. At Taftoon, the final touch of in-house ghee imparts a velvety finish to this regal delicacy.
Kashmiri Dum Aloo: The Spicy Kashmiri Classic
Our culinary adventure then takes us to the picturesque valleys of Kashmir, where we discover the Kashmiri Dum Aloo. Baby potatoes, a favourite in Kashmiri cuisine, are cooked with Kashmiri red chilli in a mildly spiced curry. The result is a dish that tantalizes the senses with its vibrant red hue and a subtle yet lingering heat. The creamy texture of the potatoes beautifully complements the spiciness of the curry, creating a delightful harmony of flavours.
Bharwaan Kadhai: North Indian Delicacy
Moving on to North India, we stumble upon the delightful Bharwaan Kadhai. Tomatoes, okra, small brinjal, and big chillies are stuffed with a mixture of grated onion, ginger, and khatta masala. These stuffed vegetables are then simmered in a sweet-sour onion-tomato curry. The result is a dish that showcases the art of stuffing and elevates the humble vegetables to a gourmet level, with each bite offering a burst of flavours.
Gogji Rajma: Jammu’s Rustic Richness
Our culinary expedition concludes in the region of Jammu, where we encounter Gogji Rajma. This dish features Jammu Rajma, a variant of kidney beans, and shalgam (turnip) slow-cooked in Kashmiri ‘Vaaer’ masala. The result is a rustic yet smooth and rich curry that captures the essence of Jammu’s traditional flavours. The combination of creamy beans and the earthy sweetness of turnips creates a comforting and hearty dish.
The lesser-known delicacies from North India are a testament to the region’s culinary diversity and richness. And when you’re looking forward to experiencing these delicacies for yourself in Mumbai, India, Taftoon is the perfect place to head to. Our curated menu features many lesser-known delicacies from places touched by the Grand Trunk Road, from Chittagong in the east to Kabul in the west. Try our menu today by visiting us at our BKC or Powai locations, and we promise you won’t be left disappointed!
