Bukhara: A culinary icon that has stood the test of time

Consistency. That is what makes Bukhara the culinary icon that it is. Everything it delivers – quality of food, experience, ambience and even the menu – has same consistency as it had 30 years ago when it was started. Over these years it has created for itself a royal fan case including the likes of Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, and Vladimir Putin. 

Photo Courtesy: ITC Maurya

Bukhara serves you the cuisine of Northwest Frontier, now the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. It is credited for playing a major role in exposing a section of North Indian cuisine to the world. It was, in fact, one of the first entrants in that kind of cuisine. The waiters too wear the same distinctive Pathan suits, jackets embellished with gold braid and Peshawari sandals on their feet to add to the feel.

The 30-Year Old Menu

Bukhara has the most limited bill of fare you can get in a high-end restaurant. The variety seems limited as compared to the usual four page menus available at other restaurants. But then you don’t go to Bukhara looking for variety.

The menu looks unique, painted on a wooden plank that has the vegetarian options on one side and non-vegetarian choices on the other.

The Celebrated Food

A meat lover is spoiled for choice when at Bukhara. The best way to experience Bukhara’s celebrated cuisine is to order an assorted kebab platter. From Murgh Malai Kebab and the tender Sikandari Raan (marinated leg of lamb) to Murgh Tandoori and Barrah Kebab, all the delicacies are marinated and grilled to perfection. Have these with different varieties of naan.  

For vegetarians options are limited but are a treat. The grilled vegetarian platter comprises cottage cheese, bell peppers, tomatoes & pineapple; then there are Tandoori Aloo, Cauliflower and Bell Peppers. Breads included Stuffed Kulchas, Naans and Khasta Rotis. Then of course, there is the famous Dal Bukhara, which itself has become a brand within a brand. Rice lovers would be disappointed as there are no rice dishes.

You also get the much famous Clinton, Hillary, Obama and Chelsea Platters. You wouldn’t see them on the menu but can order and pride yourself in having ‘what the President had’. Whether you have a sweet tooth or not, phirni is a must try.  Kulfi with hot Gulab Jamun is also highly recommended. Sip in a cup of green tea to end the meal perfectly.

The Ambience

 



Stone walls, cushioned stools, wood beams, undersized tables, copper urns – all make for an upscale dhaba setting! And when sitting her you don’t eat with forks and knives at Bukhara. In contrast, to the ‘high-end, upper-scale’ positioning, you sit on cushioned stools, tie an apron around and enjoy the delicacies with your hands the desi way. You can see the delectable cuisine being prepared in the ‘open kitchen’.



Don’t feel embarrassed about using the apron and relishing food sans the cutlery. That is the Bukhara way of eating! Even Bill Clinton, the then President of America, during his visit did not hesitate in doing so.



The restaurant prides itself in serving hosts of royal guests. Just a day before I visited, John Key, Prime Minister of New Zealand enjoyed a meal here. Such an unmatched experience at Bukhara comes at a price but is worth every penny.

Loation:  ITC Maurya, Delhi

Timings: 12.30 p.m.-1.45 p.m. and 7 p.m-11.45 p.m

For Reservation call: 011-26112233

Meal for two: Rs 4,000

Discover Goa sans the sun

Goans know the secret: Goa is best during monsoons. You might doubt the statement and go for the proverbial sun-soaked Goa during October to March season if you haven’t seen Goa in the rains. But you have to see it to believe it! Designer Wendell Rodricks, a Goan, puts it aptly: “…The pace slows down due to the downpour. But for us Goans, it is the best season. We see a green Goa (the garbage is in the undergrowth) and for a few months it looks like the Goa of yore… I do love the rains indeed!”
There are plenty of reasons for you to experience a different Goa and there are several things to do. For starters, you can experience the original charms of Goa sans the crowd you find during the peak season. Nature is at its beast with lush greenery, easier air to breathe and the sea raging with unending fury, which is a spectacle to see. However, most beaches are inaccessible and you will not be able to swim. But the rain-washed landscape wouldn’t let you regret that. You must instead take a walk through the Goan countryside to soothe your senses and feel the romance.

That’s what Dr Varun Carvalho, the popular dentist and a singer from Goa, likes to do. “Go to the countryside and walk around. Goa is extremely green and vibrant during this time of the year,” he says.
The rains make Goa all the more enchanting, making it a peaceful refuge for those seeking respite from the concrete jungles of the urban world. Naturally localites feel blessed. Interestingly, there are some averse to ‘sharing’ Goa in its unadulterated form during the rains. Goa’s very own Remo Fernandes likes to see Goa sans tourists. “I don’t believe in promoting more visitors in Goa especially during the rains,” says Remo. “Goans stop selling Goa…non-Goans stop buying Goa,” he asserts curtly. Of course the local government and the hospitality industry wouldn’t agree. Tourism, after all, is the mainstay for Goa’s economy. In fact, they are now promoting Goa as a 365-day holiday destination rather than just a ‘beach holiday’ destination during October-March period.

Monsoon Tourism

Currently, only 10% of total tourist arrivals to Goa occur during the monsoon period. To attract more tourists, Goa government started the ‘Raindrop Tourism’ campaign which targets travelers especially from West Asia, where rains are sparse. Pascal Dupuis, General Manager, The Leela Kempinski Goa says, “I would recommend traveling to Goa during monsoons to those who are tired of the daily hustle & bustle of their regular corporate lives and would like to explore pristine nature for once with a touch of beaches & rich culture. Goa has everything that a customer requires – beaches, mountains, historical monuments, night life etc…. The list is endless.”

Offers Galore
The shacks are missing but the good news for you is that this romantic experience is very easy on pocket. Restaurants, shops and hotels feeling the pinch during the quiet season have scores of offers and discounts during this season. Almost all hotels offer discounted rates or packages for the monsoons too. These include offers like 3 nights with buffet breakfast for the price of two nights on double occupancy, and can be extended with every third night fee. Offers also include free wine, food and beverage credit, gifts and the use of recreational facilities. Not to forget cheap air tickets to Goa during the monsoons.

Revel in the Festivites
Other important flavors of Goa you’d miss during the peak tourist season are the festivals that make the state come alive. San Joao, the traditional 'rain dance' festival, which is celebrated on June 24th every year, is the most popular. Tradition has it that it was on this day that unborn St. John the Baptist gave a 'leap of joy' in his mother Elizabeth's womb, as Mary, the mother of Jesus visited her.
You’d see a procession of village youth wearing crowns of leaves, carrying bottles full of Feni dancing through the village, ultimately arriving at a well of pond into which they jump. Shrikant of Hotel Lalit feels the festival reflects the spirit of the state. “There’s so much energy and revelry during the festival… Be it to welcome newly weds to the maternal home or just to guzzle a drink, dance, sing, make merry and jump into wells and ponds.” Besides, the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, at the end of June, sees people sailing up river on rafts performing plays and songs. Another festival being marketed now is the carnival-like Bonderam flag festival is held end of August on tiny Divar Island, off the coast from Panaji.

Take a long walk in the rain along the beach, enjoy the wildlife, revel in celebrations and more importantly relish cleaner air, greener scenery and a less-crowded Goa. There’s something for everyone even during the rains. Just pick up your umbrellas and experience the rainy side of sun-soaked Goa!


(Published in a travel magazine)

The Sky’s The Limit

Imagine: Floating high up in the air...hands let loose and looking at the world below from the top. It's a very 'birdie' feeling.

Though para-sailing over water is lot more ecstatic, it is equally adventurous over land. And before you start getting apprehensive with the thought of being suspended in the air…it is important to understand the difference between parasailing and paragliding. To bring some relief to non-impulsive adventurers and be put simply, parasailing is a passive activity while paragliding is an active one where you are required to control the wings and are technically the pilot.

Parasailing, on the other hand is a relatively simpler and equally if not more fun. Parasailing can be terrestrial or an aquatic one, with a jeep usually being used on ground and a motorboat used in water. The sailor is strapped into a harness, which is attached to the parasail and a jeep tows the parasail with approximately 100-metre rope.

All you need to do is take a few swift steps. As the jeep moves forward the parasail gains lift, which makes it ascend. And before you let your fears get better of you...things start looking up! You soon find yourself high above the ground. If you are able to control your fears, the best thing to do is let your arms loose and experience the joy of flying. Trust simple physics rules to stay airborne till the vehicle stops and the air pressure inside the parasail eases off. You have to compose yourself to ensure a safe landing.

If New Zealand or Malaysia come to your mind as you think of parasailing then come closer home. And if you still think of the popular destinations like Goa and Bangalore…then come closer still to the National Capital Region. Kanwarsika just about 35 kms from Gurgaon is your destination for a refreshing adventurous weekend.


While there are a lot of organizers we chose ‘i Rove Adventure Foundation’ for arranging the activity for us. You require a minimum of 10 people in a group for the activity to be arranged. The cost is charged lump sum and not per head but roughly comes to around Rs 450 per head if you are a group of 15 people.


The difference in exotic locales of destinations like New Zealand might perhaps lie in the picturesque view they’d offer. Kanwarsika, on the other hand, has nothing to offer but a huge piece of barren land with nothing else in sight. So when you are up…up and away it is the uplifting experience you completely focus on!




The height at which you go above depends a lot on the length of the rope and wind conditions apart from your body weight. On the day of your activity, check the weather report and avoid weather conditions like rain, fog or an approaching storm—these naturally increase your chances for a parasailing accident.

सेलेक्ट सिटी वाक साकेत

मॉल संस्कृति तेजी से अपने पांव पसार रही है .अब हर कोई मॉल जाना पसंद करता है ....जहाँ एक ही छत के नीचे खरीदारी और खाना पीना साथ साथ हो जाए ..इसी तरह के एक मॉल के फ़ूड कोर्ट की आज आपको सैर कराते हैं .यह नई दिल्ली के साकेत में है और या यह सेलेक्ट सिटी वाक के नाम से जाना जाता है ..यहाँ बेहतरीन खरीदारी और दुनिया भर के खाने के स्वाद एक साथ लिए जा सकते हैं

यह १००० वर्ग फुट में फैला हुआ है ..बेहतरीन पार्किंग मिलेगी आपको यहाँ और यहाँ के फ़ूड कोर्ट में आप जो चाहे इटेलियन चाइनीज भारतीय शाकाहारी मांसाहारी जो खाना चाहे खा सकते हैं हाँ यहाँ पर आपको जेब कुछ अधिक हलकी करनी होगी दो लोगो के यहाँ खाने का खर्च ५०० रुपीस के करीब पड़ जाता है चाय काफ़ी पीने वालों के लिए यहाँ बारिस्ता कैफे ,डी काफ़ी बीन एंड टी लीफ जैसी जगह हैं इटेलियन खाने के लिए यहाँ जेलिटो आदि जैसी जगह है जूस के लिए बूस्टर जूस और भारतीय खाने के लिए सात्विक जैसे बढ़िया जगह हैं ...यहाँ सब की पसंद का कुछ न कुछ जरुर मिल जायेगा अभी हम यहाँ इतना ही घूम पाये इस लिए इस में इतना ही बाकि का आगे घूमेंगे तो लिखेंगे ..

लाजपत नगर सेंट्रल मार्केट दिल्ली दर्शन

दिल्ली की मार्केट की बात हो और लाजपत नगर के सेंट्रल मार्केट का नाम याद न आए ऐसा हो ही नही सकता है :) यह सिर्फ़ मैं ख़ुद लाजपत नगर में रहने के कारण नही कह रहीं हूँ .....आप एक बार बार यहाँ आयेंगे तो बार बार यहाँ आना चाहेंगे ..यह मार्केट खरीदारों के लिए जन्नत है जहाँ बच्चों , लड़कों , लड़कियों से ले कर बड़े -बुजर्गों तक का सामान मिल जायेगा ..दिल्ली के पास लगते नोएडा ,फरीदबाद ,गाजियाबाद तक के लोग यहाँ से खरीदारी करना पसंद करते हैं क्यों कि इस बाजार में पारम्परिक भारतीय परिधान से ले कर पश्चिमी कपड़ो तक मिलंगे .......डिजायनर जुते, चप्पलों की तो यहाँ भरमार है ॥

यह दिल्ली के सबसे पुराने बाजारों में से एक है ... यहाँ आप अपने बजट के हिसाब से अपने लिए सामान खरीद सकते हैं ..चुनमुन ,रितु वेयरस ,स्पोर्ट किंग आदि बड़े नामों के साथ ,आप सड़क के किनारे लगी छोटी छोटी दुकानों से सस्ता सामान भी खरीद सकते हैं ..बस थोड़ा सा मोल भाव करना पड़ेगा ...आज कल तो सेल की बहार है यहाँ पर और बाजारों की तरह .इस वक्त आप यहाँ पर स्वेटर ,जेकिट्स जींस ,सूट पर कई प्रतिशत छूट पा सकते हैं ॥

कपड़ो के अलावा यदि आप घर के लिए साजो समान लेना चाहे तो यहाँ घर के सजावट के लिए भरपूर समान है ....होम साज ,जगदीश स्टोर आदि और कई छोटी मोटी दुकाने हैं जहाँ से आप घर के लिए परदे खूबसूरत सजावटी चीजे ले सकते हैं ..टीवी, फ्रिज और इलेक्ट्रॉनिक सामान से तो यह बाजार भरा पड़ा है ..एक से एक नए गजेट आपको यहाँ मिल जायेंगे ...बाजार में हर वक्त भीड़ रहती है ..और अब सुरक्षा की नज़र से भी यहाँ कई प्रबंध किए गए हैं ॥
आप खरीदारी के आलावा यहाँ पर बने थ्री सीस में पिक्चर का मजा भी ले सकते हैं ..और घूमते घूमते थक जाए तो खाने के लिए एक से बढ़ कर एक जगह हैं ...चाट पापडी ,में आलू की चाट और चाइनिस चाट ,मोमो यहाँ के स्पेशल खाने के नाम पर याद आ जाते हैं ...आप गोल्डन फीस्टा से ग्रीलिड सेंडविच खा सकते हैं ..फ़ूड यूनियन में आप अच्छी काफ़ी और बढ़िया पिज्जा का मजा ले सकते हैं ...ठेले पर मिलते दाल के लड्डू और उबली मसाला लगा के छली भुट्टा यहाँ का बहुत पसंद किया जाता है ....नमकीन घर के लिए ले जाने का दिल है तो सिन्धी नमकीन भंडार जा सकते हैं ..यहाँ बेसन गुजराती पापडी के साथ उबली हरी मिर्चे लेना न भूले ...

दिल्ली की बेहतर मार्केट के रूप में जाने जानी वाली इस जगह पर बस इसी बात का ध्यान रखे कि मोलभाव जरुर करे और खरीदारी का मजा खाने पीने के साथ खूब लें...

हेरिटेज वाक् ..Heritage Walk: A Tryst with Qutub Minar

Soaring high, kissing the sky, the majestic minaret is pride of saddi Dilli...It's one name that instantaneosuly comes to one's mind as one thinks of must see places in the capital. However, QM to me was just another picnic spot worth a visit for school kids...until I randomly decided to take a Heritage Walk organised by IHC.

The walk was a bagful of surprises for me. The minaret is far more beautiful than I had thought and our guide Beeba Sobti made the early morning trip to Mehrauli extremely interesting.

There are somethings you take for granted just like that. Though born and bought up in Delhi, I had never taken pride of the jewels I am surrounded with. It was here when I saw world's tallest brick minaret staring at me that I was full of admiration and appreciation for the graceful monument. Just then I heard Beeba saying it's one of the most prominent examples of Indo-Islamic architecture.


It is the tallest brick structure in the world and is 72 metres high having 379 steps leading to the top of the tower. It is made up of red sandstone, covered with verses from the Quran.

According to the Archeological Survey of India, the site at which Qutab Minar is located was once occupied by 27 Hindu and Jain temples.




Everyone is familiar with the history but just a quick summary: Qutab-ud-din Aibak, had laid the foundation stone of the minar. However, he could not complete it during his lifetime. It was built as Tower of Victory, used to give calls for prayer. His successor and son-in-law, Iltutmish took on the task of making it a 7-storeyed structure.

However, over a period of time, it received some damage because of earthquakes but was renovated by the respective rulers. During the rule of Feroz Shah, the minar's two top floors got damaged due to earthquake. But it still stands tall to tell its tale and remind us of the glorious past our ancestors had...

Do go for the Heritage Walk if you have tad interest in history, culture and architecture.

डियर पार्क [हिरन पार्क ]दिल्ली दर्शन भाग २

दिल्ली दर्शन में आज ले चलते हैं आपको हिरन पार्क .यह होजखास सफ़दर ज़ंग दिल्ली के पास है .नई दिल्ली की इमरातों की भीड़ में इस तरह की किसी जगह का होना सकून देता है..यह सप्ताह के सातो दिन खुला है .. ..यह बहुत विस्तृत फैला हुआ है .यहाँ एंट्री फ्री है ..



।इस में एक कुत्रिम झील भी है जहाँ पर तैरती बतखें आपका मन मोह लेंगी

रंग बिरंगे फूल अपनी छठा से आपका दिल चुरा लेंगे
हिरन के साथ मटकते मोर दिल्ली जैसी जगह दिखना सच में अच्छा लगता है







डियर पार्क आसानी से पहुँचा जा सकता है इस पार्क से राजधानी के इस हिस्से को शहरी बस्तियों के निकट एक खुले हरी क्षेत्र की जरूरत को पहचानने के रूप में विकसित किया गया है . सुन्दर तरीके से छायादार पेड़, हरी भरी घास और एक पानी के की झील ..अपनी तरफ़ आने वाले को एक शान्ति देते हैं इस उद्यान का मुख्य आकर्षण हिरन मोर , प्यारे से खरगोश और गिनी पिग आदि हैं .दिल्ली की भागदौड भरी ज़िन्दगी में आदर्श परिवार पिकनिक स्थल है जहाँ बच्चो के लिए खेल का स्थान ,गुलाबों की महक आपका दिल चुरा लेगी.. हिरण पार्क निश्चित रूप से समय बिताने के लिए एक अच्छा स्थान है