HOTEL SAHARA STAR- MUMBAI

The Maratha's and Maharastra region owns an endless history that speaks about their lifestyle, heritage, etc., but my focus stays only with food. My train travels via Maharastra were enjoyable with the hot misal pavs, sabudana vada and vada pavs. 

And lately, there are many food-joints at MUMBAI  that serve tasty pavs and vadas. But the Maharastian cuisine doesn't end with these few delights and to showcase some more famous dishes there's with Chef Rupesh  exclusive Maharastian Cuisine

Mumbai’s favorite Hotel Sahara Star is all set to ensure New Year celebrations and festivities continue through January, with Maharashtrian Food Festival. The Festival will be held at Earthplate- The Global Cuisine Restaurant, from 12th January to 29th January 2017, with Chef Rupesh and Restaurant Manager Harish Dosad who have curated delectable Maharashtrian delicacies for the dinner buffet.

The journey to the heart of Maharashtra begins as Hotel Sahara Star welcomes you to The Earth Plate the Global Cuisine restaurant decorated in royal Maharashtrian colors. As you proceed to your table you will be served with authentic snacks like Khaja, Bhakar wadi, Aloo wadi, Kothimbir wadi amongst the few. 

The main course will include mouthwatering dishes like Kombdi Masala, Shimplan Chay Kalwan, Misal Pav, Bhakri, Puran poli and Modak, from every nook and corner of Maharashtra. Those who enjoy mixing up International cuisines with their meal have also been taken care of and the guests will also get to enjoy live food counters.

Soulful music will fill the air with the spirit of Maharashtra. The service team will be dressed in traditional attire of Kurta, Feta and Pheta, leaving no stone unturned in making your dinner a memorable experience. And on the weekends, you’ll be privy to a Live Magic Show and an Accordion Player, making the evening surreal. So, head over to Earthplate, and unleash your taste buds to the magic of Maharashtra!

Pricing: Special Maharastrian Dinner Buffet Priced at Rs. 2500 All Inclusive

Venue: Hotel Sahara Star
Opp. Domestic Airport,
Vile Parle (East)
Mumbai 400099

And the dishes started walking down our table; first came the pink lady " kokum soda "

The dried kokum's (a fruit; dried kokum is used as a souring agent similar to Tamarind used at South-India) acquired tartness could be sensed at each sip; the aroma of chat masala (that's my guess) along with soda works as an energizer. Anyways, it isn't a drink that will please everyone's palate. 

The Karuk-muruk  - (snacks ) to bite along for the soda is something I loved.

 The beats of some classic old songs along with neat & simple artefacts lights up the ambience. 

 I loved the dips more than the starters; the lasuni chutney, ghee and thecha was  exceptional. The chickpea and coriander vada - kothimbir vadi - , similar to the Masal Vadai, was light and tasty. As it was shallow fry they weren't as crispy as the deep-fried vadas. Without the mint chutney, the chickpea flavour starts to overpower.  

started with tomato saar, 

My favorite,  sabudana vade,  alu chi vadi  was almost flawless. A pinch of salt would have made it perfect but no-complaints when you taste them with yogurt and peanut dip. chutneys 

 i had singhdana  chutney, ker pickle, mirchi cha thecha and lahssun ki ctuney... ahaaaa ... it means assum...

kolapuri misal pav...

And then it was time for some real food. And starters made me more curious to explore the flavours integrated in the mains..

Anything with potato  would make me happy; and the alu che patpadhe  which reminded me Ennai Kathirikai fry (a southy delight I say). I enjoyed the flavour ride - a bit of everything (sweet, spicy and tangy).. And the batatyachi sukhi baji were perfect for the maharashtrian bread (amboli, kombadi vade , bhakri, and chapati). 

Rice dish made with ivy gourd, cashews, raisins and their house special masalas, with fried papad and sabudhana ka papad 

bhakri ,,... the roti's were light and felt like a healthier option with the curries. The tendli chi bhaji and matki chi usal  were yum...,tamboli (kadi)  is like a dal preparation with gram flour. Taste and curry-consistency I loved, it was ideal for the roti. 

Finally, a spicy mutki chi usal for the rice & roti's - tasted great. As I was hoping for a dish with strong masala flavours so loved it.

sadha bhaat and nagpuri vada bhaat (with tip)  favourite of mine. Taste the rice with curd as it truly saves the dish.  

After the number of dishes I ate I needed a shot of sol kadhi  as it helps digestion. And it was one sore glass, as the ingredients used have their own acquired taste which wouldn't be pleasant until you really like them. Try at your own risk.

The range of desserts in mind-boggling, with almost 20-25 options to choose from!

They present some unique dishes from the Maharastian cuisine. I felt the flavours stayed true and different from the usual North-Indian food I taste at mumbai .

ukadiche modak 

puran poli

kharvas

tila che ladoo

but I would love stronger flavours. Quantity and price are par with the fine-diners. Loved the friendly service , Let's eat like the Maratha kings!

special thanks to my fellow bloggers who made me popular withing short days..