For all foodies and connoisseurs of Indian cuisine, this could be the highlight of your weekend. The word ‘Rivaaj’ exemplifies rich customs and traditions. Rivaaj proudly offers rich Indian heritage cuisine which brings together the diverse cultures and traditions nurtured over centuries within India, beautifully interwoven to what it has become today, a jewel in the world culinary scene.
While there may be many names of dishes not familiar to non-Indians, and there is certainly an avalanche of different dishes coming your way, and while ‘Street food’ may imply something rather basic, let’s remind ourselves we are at the The St. Regis, one of Qatar’s most distinguished hotels and in a restaurant menu inspired and created by one of the stars – Surjan ‘Chef Jolly’ Singh – leading the international movement for good and enjoyable food.
At Rivaaj, you will experience a fantastic Saturday Brunch, where the true essence of Indian cuisine is brought to life in an atmosphere of sophistication and is intended to teleport you back to the majestic Indian estates of the 19th century, where the sumptuous interiors feature tactile, patterned fabrics in a fiery palette of reds and golds. The many and varied menu offerings celebrate India’s rich culinary traditions, providing a diverse array of flavours that will surprise maybe even seasoned enthusiasts and certainly those new to the delights of Indian cuisine.
Just take Pani Poori, a famous one-bite thirst quencher bomb, and its ingredients; what can you make of the following: semolina shells, crushed spicy chickpeas, sweet and sour tamarind-dates, spicy and refreshing mint shots? Looks to me like a really complicated thing, but boy, it tastes great!
Another savoury snack, or chaat, comes along graciously served by ever-so-nice-and-helpful staff. Ragda Pattice, made with coriander and cumin spiced potato patty, sun-dried pea curry, and mint-chilli garlic chutney. Only a genius, with global knowledge of what can be fashioned from such exotic mixtures, can consistently come up with such dishes. Now we know why Chef Jolly is a TV celebrity chef and culinary consultant for over thirty years…
After a succession of snacks, all delivered to our table, plus our choice of cocktails and cocktails, we were treated to many great dishes including Keema Masala which is a curried lamb shoulder mince enhanced with another complex but highly flavoured mélange of cardamom, cinnamon and cloves with caramelised onion garlic ginger dressing. There were samples of chicken and beef and more, distinctively served on plates, in dishes, or pans, or banana leaves. Menu standouts include tandoor oven-cooked kebabs, a roasted chicken from Amritsar served drenched in cooling yoghurt and green cardamom and banana leaf-enrobed sea bass.
So many smart chefs, so many ingredients, so much sophistication, plus the soft and sweet sounds coming from the voice of the resident vocalist – all to achieve our satisfaction and enjoyment.
There were many sweet ways to end the meal, like Kala Khatta, a sorbet of berries and pomegranate; or the Parsi Malai Kulfi, a concoction of frozen creamy reduced-milk pistachios. All the desserts will delight those with a sweet tooth, with kulfi – handmade creamy traditional Indian ice cream – a highlight.
‘Streets of India – Mumbai to Doha’ is such an interesting and comprehensive tour of the whole range of Indian cuisine and with such a luxurious setting, top quality service from the friendly staff and top quality ingredients to make all these interesting dishes, you are treated to a meal, or an experience, that’s truly special and will linger in your memory.
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For more information or reservations, visit their website at rivaajdoha.com
Author: Terry Sutcliffe
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