Food Journey From Kashmir To Kanyakumari | Tiara Meluha The Fern Powai Mumbai | Indian Food Festival Review

Take a trip to the bylanes and nooks and corners of India from Kashmir to Kanyakumari at Tiara at Meluha The Fern,Powai. This festival of top-notch pan-Indian delicacies from 16th-26th November for dinner buffet is a fantastic reason to head here with family :)

Eco-friendly and environmentally sensitive property this, Tiara is located on the ground floor, classy and classic architecture + earthy colors (with splashes of bright artworks) create THE perfect environment for any occasion be it corporate dining, family meal or even celebrating an engagement party. Right now, it is completely drenched in fabulous multi-coloured traditional Indian fabrics, artworks and motifs for the ongoing food festival.

Absolutely loved the different sections for large groups that also ensure plenty of privacy (and free space for kids to run around, why should adults have all the fun :D) Beautiful bar area and of course a huge buffet spread. Service is exemplary with every guest being looked after with impeccable warmth and genuine smiles, 5 stars for every staff member here, including the Executive Chef himself who loves taking feedback from guests on every aspect of food.

All the starters are must-try, right from the delicious multi-flavoured Blue Lassi from the Ghats of Benaras,

>> To buttery mouth-watering Parathas from Delhi’s Chandi Chowk (in three types – Aloo, Pyaaz & Lachcha),

>> To spicy Kachoris by famous Lal Balti in Lucknow and other lip smacking starters from Chef’s kitchen, like Mushrooms (south Indian style), Mumbai’s bhajiyas (softest and not at all dripping of oil, yet crunchy and tasty), Paneer wrap (with pudina and tomato chutneys) and softest Paneer Tikkas.

>> Also must try is the Tamil and Sri Lankan special Mulligattawny soup, which is made of lentils - thick, non spicy and flavourful – much like liquid Daal Puri

Coming to main course, we tried the following and found them all to be very much homely, hence memorable:

>>Dahi wada, Curd Rice, Chana Chaat and Kachumbar – all simple and healthy

>>Andhra Rice – Tamarind Rice with peanuts and curry leaves – very ‘made by nani maa’ feel

>>Daal (thick, the way we like it), Kashmiri Rajma (perfection), Chilli Masala (stuffed mirchi,ooh la la), Nadir Palak (crispy lotus stems with palak, exotic, must-have), Snake Gourd (something different), Papad ki sabji (yes, papad! It was scrumptious)

After tasting all of the above, there was barely any space left for anything more in our stomachs, but how can one avoid the dessert section!

>>Starting with their MUST-HAVE jelly ice creams in cones,

>>To Kesar boondi,

>>To Jumbo gulab jamuns with coconut shreds on top,

>>To Shrikhand tarts (another heavenly MUST try!)

>>To Thandai pastry (Thandai flavoured with baby gulab jamun on top,could have some more thandai flavour but this one was lip smacking too),

>>FINALLY we ended the night with Malpua and Ada Payasam (we were literally incapable of eating anything more otherwise we would have had another round of these two, they were fantastic)

Also, a special word of appreciation for bartender extraordinaire, Ripu, who took care of our alcoholic and non-alcoholic cravings with his special versions of Cranberry Margarita and White Sangria (with Brandy), both of which you will not find elsewhere!

A perfect journey through special Indian gastronomic delights, that is what Tiara offers us in Food Journey From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, and it is completely value for money for the huge spread + impeccable service + serene ambiance. Will keep Tiara securely in my list of places to revisit with family :)