If new years are all about new beginnings, it’s a wise idea to celebrate it imaginatively. Baisakhi, the holy nexus of tradition, faith and culture, is also a festival of harvest that celebrates the bounty of the rabi crop. It’s also when the Khalsa Panth was set up under Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Guru of Sikhs. Not surprisingly, Baisakhi has both religious and cultural connotations, making it one of the most prominent festivals in the north Indian festival portfolio. It is celebrated in the northern states with folk songs, lip-smacking cuisine and a riot of colours. Along with dizzy performances of the bhangra and gidda, the Sikh New Year celebrations get a fillip with traditional Punjabi dishes such as Kala Chana, Peeley Chawal, Kadhi, Chole Bhature and much more.
In case you want to immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Baisakhi this year, head to these restaurants which are melding luxurious ingredients and sophisticated culinary techniques.
Annamaya is going all out to embrace the spirit of the New Year, as celebrated across various Indian states with regional flavours and local produce. As Indian communities celebrate the unveiling of new calendars, and usher in Naba Barsha in Bengal, Puthandu in Tamil Nadu, Vishu in Kerala and Baisakhi in Punjab. Here you can eat your way through a special menu featuring Macher Jhol (pan-fried red snapper, mustard, poppy curry), Pindi Cholley (chickpeas, hand pounded spices, kulcha), Poriyal (tossed carrots, green beans, mustard and coconut) and much more.
Where: Andaz Delhi, Asset 1, Aerocity, IGI Airport, New Delhi
Valid: April 9 - April 15
Deal: Special menu(a-la-carte) from 11 am to 11 pm | Sunday Brunch (April 15) from 12:30 pm to 4 pm
The spring harvest festival comes alive on your platter with a special Baisakhi-themed buffet at Shangri-La's - Eros Hotel’s multi-cuisine restaurant Tamra. The buffet spread is anchored by delicacies like Phulkari Pulao, Ludhiana Da Boti Masala, Moge Wala Kukkad, Butter Chicken kulcha, Dhabe Di Dal and Bhati Da Murgh. The sweet note in your sumptuous meal comes with traditional Indian desserts, including Tawa Tali Jalebi and Kesari Jalebi. To round it off, there’s unlimited serving of soft beverages, select beer and whisky.
Where: Shangri-La's - Eros Hotel, 19, Ashoka Road, Connaught Place, New Delhi
Valid: April 13 and April 14
Timings: Lunch - 12:30pm to 3:30 pm | DINNER - 07:00pm to 11:30pm
Garam Dharam is ringing in Baisakhi in style, with robust flavours and traditional spices. Expect to be bowled over by Amritsari Kulcha and Chhole, Sarson Ka Saag and Makki Roti, Punjabi Thali, Paneer Lababdaar and more, which will all make an appearance on the menu to mark the Sikh New Year. Also up for grabs is a special drink called Baisakhi Chulbuli.
To woo the Capital’s food fanatics, Mealodrama in Rajouri Garden has launched a food festival titled Baisakhi Fun. On offer are crowd pleasers such as Dal Tadka, Butter Chicken, Peri Peri Fish Tikka, Amritsari Chole, Palak Chaat, Fish Fingers, Arancini Balls, Atpata Chicken, Butter Chicken Croquettes, Khandaani Platter and more.
Where: A-6, 2nd Floor, Vishal Enclave, Rajouri Garden, New Delhi
Ssenceat The Suryaa is reimagining the Punjabi village cuisine with its Bhatti Ka Murg, Fish Amritsari, Dhaba Murg, Patiala Chicken, Amritsari Dal, Adrak Ki champe, Kukad Patiala Shahi and Handi Gosht, while foot tapping Punjabi music enlivens the restaurant. Continue the culinary journey with Punjabi Chole paired with hot Amritsari Kulcha / Naan, Chur Chur Naan, Biryani, Moong Dal Ka Halwa, Kheer and Wheat Flour Ladoo.
Where: The Suryaa New Delhi, New Friends Colony, New Delhi
Susmita Saha is a Delhi-based Features Writer. She has worked as an Assistant Editor at India Today and The Telegraph and writes on arts and culture, films, travel, food, architecture, design and various other lifestyle subjects. She has seriously itchy feet and plans to tick the world off her bucket list, one burger at a time.
