The Ant Blog

We had the perfect Sunday lunch here. As soon as we entered, we were greeted with smiling faces, and ushered to a table. We went around to check the buffet spread and were convinced about trying it out.  To begin with we went to the Sushi counter. The sushis on display looked very interesting and we tried all of them. Perfectly balanced flavors and the quality was superlative. I believe we must have tried at least a couple of rounds of Sushi of all kinds, to our hearts content.  Next we tried the South Asian counters, which had the Indonesian, Singaporean flavors. There was a lot of prawns and fresh ingredients in these counters. Also there was the live counter, from which we hardly opted for anything. We next walked to the Indian counter to find chaats, knick knacks, and some tandoor starters, fish cutlets. Main course had a mix of North and South Indian options. The  Indian food was the right amount of spicy. We enjoyed ...

It is the 28th of July, the night when Mohammedans the world over are celebrating Eid-al-fitr . While here I am sitting and recounting my Ramadan dinner experience. It only feels like the best way for me to commemorate to their celebrations, by sharing my culinary experience at the famous Mohammad Ali Road. One's experience with Mughlai cuisine, it is said is incomplete without them visiting the sacred lanes of this place and eating with the locals. In my years of growing up in this city, I have come to this place many a times to visit a dear old friend, but never in the times of Ramadan . The roads at Mohammad Ali Road are notorious for their lengthy traffic on weekends and at nights during Ramadan this place almost literally comes to life. So this was officially my first visit here to walk past the local shops, see, eat and basically absorb what I could through all my senses. It was a Thursday night,  two weeks ago and the rains were mercilessly thrashing the city. We had ...

Ever since the day I had eaten at Punjab Grill  , I had made a mental note to myself to be back soon. However, weeks added to months and for reasons one or the other I have not been able to re-visit this lovely chain. Made in Punjab is a newer restaurant chain by the same celebrity Chef Jiggs Kalra. At the beginning of this month I came to know of a Mid-night dinner buffet event to be held specially at Made In Punjab, so it was time I thought to make it for this event. Despite it being at least an hour's drive from my place, we booked a table and went for it. It was a Friday night and the weekend was upon us. And our Punjabi culinary journey had just began for the night. We had entered a little late so we had fortunately not had to wait for a table. We sauntered in, without being attended to, found a table and sat down. We headed straight away for the salads, and a few Punjabi snacks on the counter. I particularly liked the Dahi Vada . The starters arrived on our table. ...

As surprising as it may sound, I was not fond of sweets as a child. I feel sorry for myself now to think that I have missed out on all the home made sweets that my mother used to make and everybody used to adore. Now, i do not miss out on any such sweet or desserts. This one is a famous and a very favorite Indian dessert made with Carrots or  Gajar . This recipe is as simple as it’s flavor is gorgeous! Inspired by the famous Indian Chef late Mrs Tarla Dalal, below is the recipe. In the Making: Gajar ka Halwa Ingredients for Gajar ka Halwa: 2 cups grated Carrots 1 tbsp desi Ghee 2 tbsp Milk 4 tbsp Sugar 4 tbsp Mava (khoya) 1 tbsp Raisins 1 tbsp chopped Almonds 1/2 tsp Cardamom powder Procedure for Gajar ka Halwa: Heat the ghee in a pressure cooker; add the carrots and sauté on a medium flame for 4 to 5 minutes, while stirring continuously. Add milk, mix well and pressure cook for 1 whistle. Transfer into a broad non-stick pan, add the sugar, ...