LAHORE: Ramzan is just around the corner and all the hotels, restaurants and eateries are gearing up for the Holy month and are launching their respective iftar and sehri menus. Avari Hotel, Lahore also launched their Ramzan Feast and in an exclusive food tasting gathering, gave us a teaser of what they have in store for us.
Located in the heart of the city, Mall Road, Avari had been a pioneer in setting standards for fine dining cuisines in the country. From the longest standing Chinese restaurant, Dynasty to offering the authentic cuisines from the city of Nawabs at Lakhnavi restaurant, the hotel has improvised with time when it came to the menu but kept the taste as genuine as possible.
Just like any Pakistani, I too was running late for the tasting. But, I was taken on a new journey as soon as I entered the restaurant. With an ambience set right for the ‘Ramzan Feast’ with the music and décor, I was taken back to my time in the Middle East. Moreover, the fancy golden plates arranged perfectly on the round table with four different drink glasses organized for us to have a taste of it all.
We started tasting the drinks starting off with the mint margarita, which needs no introduction, the refreshing mint and lime drink is actually a keeper this summer; along with ‘Rooh Afza’ sherbet. Next was the ‘Almond milk in Rooh Afza’ in a rather fancy ceramic glass, which was a little too sweet for our taste. But, a must try.
We were served with three courses, starting with the basic iftar menu consisting of fruit chaat, dahi bhalay, pakoras, samosas and kebabs among other dishes. There was a little something for everyone to taste and enjoy each item.
Next up, we were served with the ‘popular items’ on the list from the different restaurants at Avari. The mouthwatering BBQ from Tollington was what topped the list for us, because, the meat was so perfectly cooked. The handi’s from Lakhnavi were finger-lickin’ good and we just could not get enough of the different kinds of naan’s present at the table.
We were also given a taste of some dishes that are on the list of the Chinese and Continental cuisines. What was best from this category was the stuffed chicken with mushroom pepper sauce, cooked to perfection with the right amount of sauce in it.
No meal is complete without dessert, so we were then presented with Ras Malai in a clay jar, which was a total desi thing to do. Not only that, the gulab jamun and jalebis gave our desi sweet tooth some satisfaction.
After all the amazing dishes we tasted, we thought it was time to say our goodbyes to the wonderful hosts at Avari, Lahore. As we exit the restaurant with a full tummy, we would say that this Ramzan, if you are looking to eat out at a fancy, yet traditional place, this is the place you should bring the family or friends to.
