The Rangeelo Rajasthan food festival at the Crowne Plaza in Delhi recently took its guests on an exotic culinary odyssey, writes Shobori Ganguli

Rajasthan never ceases to inspire. Be it the food, the clothes, the colours, the mesmerizing deserts, the people, its music, this region’s appeal is immortal and forever irresistible. Little wonder then that the majestic Rangeelo Rajasthan food festival at Crowne Plaza’s Infinity in the heart of Delhi has drawn well-deserved attention.

Showcasing Rajasthan’s regal culinary heritage, Panch Rang Panch Nagar is the leitmotif of the festival that draws inspiration from the diverse palates and cuisines of the five towns of Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, and Bikaner. We are told that the chefs engaged in this epic effort have journeyed to the royal kitchens spread across Rajasthan to collate secret recipes and traditions while bringing in local cooks to ensure the authenticity of regional flavours.

In order to remain faithful to the festival’s thematic emphasis, the venue has been draped in the architectural hues of the five chosen cities, where guests can effortlessly surrender to the rustic charm and authenticity of village-style piping hot Jowar, Bajra and Bejar rotis prepared by local women, travelling straight out of their earthen chulhas to the plate.

Playing the perfect host, Executive Chef Roushan Sharma is quick to bring in some local starters like the kachodi kadhi and samosa kadhi, the crispy fried goodies gently crushed into a warm bowl of silk smooth gravy. This came with a sharp and tangy garlic and kutty mirch chutney and fiery Mirchi ke Tapore. Clearly, Ghee is the real star of a traditional Rajasthani food spread so there was no dearth of this cooking medium in the dishes that arrived at the table.

Sharing his experience of travelling to Rajasthan for the curation of the festival’s menu, Chef Sharma says, “Our culinary expedition to Rajasthan was a blend of royalty and authenticity. Spending a day with Thakur Kunal Singh Sa graciously unravelled the secrets of royal recipes, while our interactions with local villagers added depth to our understanding of the region’s culinary traditions. We have incorporated dishes from Marwari, Mewari, Shekhawati and Hadoti cuisines.”

Chef Sharma has reason to be proud of the fact that the feast incorporates close to a hundred dishes on a cyclic menu, featuring an array of exquisite Rajasthani delicacies.

Be it the fiery Laal Maas and Junglee Maas, staples of Rajasthan’s royal cuisine, the earthy Papad Mangodi ki Sabji, the aromatic Dal Panchmel, the ubiquitous Ker Sangri, the decadent Bajra Kesari or Gulab Choorma, the aromatic Dhaniya Murgh, or the traditional Bajre, Makke ka Raab, the feast was a refreshing dip into Rajasthan’s immensely rich culinary pool that has its origins in the arid and resource-starved agrarian ecosystem of the region for centuries. Indeed, each element of the menu was a eye-opening vehicle of transport to Rajasthan’s culinary heartland.

Now, a bit about the décor. Painstakingly set up to recreate the rustic charm and village-style dining experience of Padharo Mhare Desh one could opt to dine under the stars (not recommended in this May heat) or enjoy the interiors with live folk performances, including vibrant Kathputli puppetry and a spirited Ghoda Gadi. The venue has even recreated the vibrant energy of a traditional Rangrez Bazaar, complete with stalls offering local handicrafts and entertainment.

Pankaj Gupta, the Area General Manager, underscored the significance of such an experience amid the dynamic culinary landscape today: “In a world where dining options abound, we believe in offering our guests more than just a meal. The Rangeelo Rajasthan Food Extravaganza is not merely a culinary event; it’s a journey of discovery and delight, where every dish and every performance tell a story of Rajasthan’s rich heritage and culture.” And indeed, it does.