Shonar Bangla at Taj!

They say a Bengali is born to eat and the maximum time of his eating-out plans is spent 'fishing' out authentic fish in the menu card of restaurants (if he is not in Kolkata). But the question which bawls out every time he puts a morsel in his mouth is where to find authentic bangali khaabaar (Bengali meal) in Pune? So, if you are a foodie, who loves to satiate his appetite for food from the eastern corner of India or a Bengali sauntering around for a bite of some traditional Bengali meal, then go no more vying for such a restaurant because Taj Blue Diamond has come up with the best bait for you. Taj's Coffee Shop is hosting a Bengali food festival which boasts of not only an elaborate menu card but also true-to-it's-name taste.

The food festival promises not only to appease the palates of fish lovers and non-vegetarians but vegetarians too. Dig into Moong dal kachoori, aloo shingara and jhal moori for starters and get the feel of true Bengal. Chef Shivshakti Bhattachraya has made an elaborate attempt at some authentic delicacies like Chingri macher malai curry, which is a well known and popular Bengali entrée served with bhaat (rice) or pulao. It is basically prawn cooked in coconut milk, green chilly and lots of Indian spices and has the capacity to make the gastronome forget everything else in the menu card. So, order some nice golden prawns or go for the irresistible Kosha Mangsho which is sautéed mutton. The quintessential baby lamb cooked with onion, coriander, red chilly paste, turmeric and finished with in- house garam masala, is a hot favourite in the city of Kolkata and will definitely leave you asking for more.

Shorshe is oft-expressed as a must ingredient in most of Bengali meals especially if it is a party. So, the Shorshe Ilish that is Hilsa in mustard and chilly flavour gravy is another mouth-watering Bengali specialty. Vegetarians can have a great time too. Don't go by the name Shuckto which is mix- veg and bitter gourd cooked in mild spiced mustard and poppy seed gravy flavoured with rahdooni and just attack because it is one of Bengal's most popular vegetarian dishes. Aloo posto is potato cooked with poppy seed, green chilly and turmeric and is another lip-smacking deal for vegetarians.

The Bengali fondness for mishti (sweets) is legendary and sweets hold a position of pride for the Bengali. So end your dinner with paati shapta, sandesh or the all-time favourite roshogolla and you will come out with a spirited soul and enchanted taste buds. Do you have a Bong Connection? If no, go for the festival and connect yourself to one of the most favourite cuisines in India.

(Don't miss the festival at Taj Blue Diamond's Coffee Shop from March 6 to 15 from  7:00 pm to 11:30 pm. Buffet priced at Rs650 + taxes per head)