As the elevator opens to Taj Vivanta’s North-Indian cuisine (read Punjabi) restaurant Paranda- a quintessential highway truck, rustic ambience and smiling servers welcome us.
We visited Paranda for a lunch meal during Surajkund Mela, the annual handicraft fair that attracts throng of visitors every year. Vivanta By Taj, which was earlier a Claridges property, is located bang opposite the fair venue.
The north-Indian cuisine restaurant has introduced a new menu and before narrating in detail about the food and experience, let me declare new menu to be a winner all the way. Here’s why. Saffron lent a great flavor to Murgh Shorba (chicken broth soup), Amritsari Pomfret not only looked appetizing but was sinfully tasty, the Ludhiana Bhatti Murgh Tikka (chicken tikka) had just the right spices and fish tikka was delicious. The vegetarian appetizers too narrate an appetizing story- the Bhunni Malai Broccoli (marinated broccoli with cheese and corn) is innovative and Punjabi Tandoori Paneer Tikka is soft. The new menu at Paranda spoils you for choice.
Amritsari Machchi Pomfret: A Must Try at Paranda
If you are there for a meal must try their Indian beverages- Aam Panna, Meethee Lassi, Jaljeera or Shikanji, to name a few. The weather is getting warm and we sure did enjoy our glass of Aam Panna and Lassi.
The highlight of the main course was Baalti Meat, with its succulent meat pieces and garlic naans as perfect accompaniments. What came as a surprise was Dhaabe Di Dal. It wasn’t on my list of must-try dishes that afternoon but when Chef insisted that they considered their daal to be second best in NCR, post Dal Bukhara of course, I decided to give it a try. I must say the slow cooked dal with a strong flavor of butter made me happy. I am sure you want to know what that happiness feels like! So you must try the daal at Paranda.
The plating and presentation of food was impressive too, creating the fine-dining experience in a dhaba-style setting. We finished the meal with popular Indian dessert – Gulab Jamun. It was a perfect meal. Besides food what also impressed me at Paranda was its impeccable service. Brand Taj never fails to impress, be it the food or service.
Fast Facts
Location: First Floor, Vivanta By Taj Surajkund, NCR.
Hours of Operation: 1230 Hrs to 1530 Hrs and 1900 Hrs to 2345 Hrs
Seating Capacity: 95 covers
Telephone: 91 0129 419 0000
Summary:Paranda at Vivanta By Taj is clearly one of the best North Indian speciality restaurant in NCR.
