Café Pride at Pride Plaza Hotel, Aerocity is a package of good food and fine dining. By Jigyasu Joshi
Offering flavours from across the globe besides a huge variety of Indian regional cuisine, the round-the-clock Café Pride at Pride Plaza Hotel is complemented by true Indian hospitality. The entrance of the café is artistic with Indian paintings on the wall and eye-catching décor. The place also offers a vast choice of elaborate buffets and a-la-carte options.
We were served a well-curated Awadhi lunch menu. To pamper our Nawabi appetite, we were first served a kebab platter. The platter had Bhuna Murgh ke Parchey, Galouti Kebab, Dahi ke kebab and Jaituni Malai Paneer. The roasted chicken chunks from Bhuna murgh ke parchey were marinated in Awadhi spices but were not served hot or warm for the least. However, the Galouti kebabs were the showstopper. The kebabs were some of the best we have tasted. Replicating the taste of lucknavi cuisine, the galouti kebabs gave a complete experience of the royal treat we longed for. Next on the platter was Dahi ke kebab. The curd kebabs were plain and simple and had nothing exclusive about its taste. The Jaituni Malai Paneer was something we don’t usually get to taste. It comprised rounded slices of paneer with the layer of olives in between. The softness of paneer spoke volumes about its fine quality and the chef’s efforts in keeping it melt-in-your-mouth.
The main course had dishes rich in dry fruits but mild on spices. The chicken in cashew gravy was of the right consistency. The succulent chicken left the bone smoothly and the thickness of the gravy made for a perfect dish. The next on the table was Dal Sultani. The dal was a tad sweet and had the aroma of Awadhi masalas. The thick dal was well-cooked in moderate spices. Joining the Nawabi table next was lucknavi Murgh Biryani. The rice was long and nicely cooked. Unlike other biryanis, the Awadh style biryani is dry, yet aromatic. After a filling royal feast, we were served Chena Rabri and fresh fruit salad. Served in a small earthen cup, the rabri was not very thick but was perfectly sweet. The café also dedicates each day of the week for a particular regional food.