Today, a captivating Rajasthani pop-up event took place at the residence of home chef Surabhi Bhandari. A group of 15 esteemed guests gathered promptly at 1 pm to indulge in an exquisite culinary experience.
What stood out most during the event was the meticulous attention given to explaining each dish by Surabhi herself. The entire Bhandari family, including her husband, son, and niece, graciously participated in serving and enlightening the guests about every course. It was evident that the food, prepared with love, transcended mere taste sensations.
The feast commenced with a delightful meethi shuruat, consisting of refreshing rose sharbat and malpua. This was followed by a tantalizing assortment of moong dal wada and dal kachodi.
The gwar phali (cluster beans) and onion salad possessed a unique smokiness that captivated the palates of all present.
The combination of lahsun ki chutney, soft chapati, and bhutte ki sabji left everyone yearning for seconds.
One heartwarming moment occurred when Surabhi’s husband personally crushed each baati (a Rajasthani bread) and generously poured ghee on top, showcasing the familial affection involved in serving guests who were meeting them for the first time. Accompanied by refreshing chaach (buttermilk), rice papad, aam ka achaar (mango pickle), and mirchi ka koota (chili chutney), the dal baati won the praise of my dining companion, Naju Medhi, a GFF member, who claimed it was the finest rendition she had ever tasted.
The meal culminated with a luscious and aromatic gatta pulao, complemented by an exquisite fruit cream that was so delectable, I couldn’t resist having seconds.
Having previously visited Mauritius, where it is customary for travelers to savor a meal at a local household to immerse themselves in the native culture and learn a few recipes, I am delighted to witness this concept gaining popularity in India. Such experiences provide soulful nourishment that cannot be replicated at any commercial establishment, regardless of the price.
My heartfelt congratulations to Surabhi Bhandari for orchestrating a remarkable event, where passion for cooking and sharing cultural traditions were showcased flawlessly.