Taste Test: The Navratri Thalis

With festivities in the air, Delhi seems to be drenched in the flavors of Navratri and we at NDTV Cooks set out to explore all that you could feast on while fasting. We pick six restaurants across the city serving traditional ingredients devoured during these special fasts. From beloved familiars to newer avatars we've got you covered. Grab a read to know what made our taste buds tingle in each of these places. Gujarati essence at Rajhdhani The Rajhdhani Restaurant at Connaught Place known for its Gujarati fare served a lavish Navratri thali embracing  the essence of native flavors with dishes like gujarati kadhi, kele ki sabzi, aamras. A fiercely tangy tomato dal and a soothing sabudana kheer were absolute winners. Welcome with chandan tikkas, rose-water cleansing and a groovy aam panna worked like a charm. Accompanied with kuttu puris, samwat chawal, namkeen lassi and cham cham this spread works well with those wanting to revel in variety. Priced at: Rs 395 on weekdays and Rs 495 on weekends
Where: 9 A, Atmaram Mansion, Scindia House, Connaught Place, New Delhi
 

Prompt service at Nirulas laid before us a sumptuous thali with singhara atta puris, aloo rasedaar, shahi paneer, sabudana tikki, arbi rasedaar, raita. To give our meal a befitting end was an elaichi flavoured ice cream prepared with sendha namak specially for these fasts. Priced at Rs 175 + taxes
Available at all Nirula's outlets
 


Falhari menu at Bikanerwala Treat yourself with all that you crave for while staying true to your fasts. Order ala carte from an array of falhari delights like paneer tikka, sabudana pakora, badaam cutlets , sabudana chaat, singhara atta papri chaat, falhari namkeens. Bikaner serves two types of thalis, Deluxe and Special (without dessert).  The deep flavours of the shahi koftas and the palatable arbi pickle appeased our taste buds. The aloo bonda with kuttu and badaam cutlets with a crusty exterior and delicate interiors are a must try. Priced at: Deluxe thali Rs 260 and Special thali at Rs 185
Available at all Bikanerwala outlets
Desi ghee fare at Nathus Nathus delighted us with singhara puris made with arbi, fried aloo chaat, sitaphal ki sabzi, sookhi arbi, aloo rasedaar all cooked in pure desi ghee but surprisingly light.  Some people refrain from eating tomatoes during these fasts. The aloo rasedaar sans tomatoes and spices tastes as good. Kheera raita, pudina chutney and makhana/bheej barfi on the side completes the spread. Priced at Rs 200 plus taxes
Where:19, Community Centre, New Friends Colony, New Delhi

Breaking through culinary boundaries at The Yum Yum Tree Get a taste of inventive dishes by choosing from a selection of dim sum, sushi, curries, dessert and yes, even noodles to satisfy those cravings and for a well-needed change from the humdrum Indian thalis! Savour a complete range of Oriental delicacies featuring on the Navratri fasting menu using sendha namak, buckwheat noodles, dairy products, root vegetables, fruits and other pure sattvik foods. Where: 1st Floor, Community Center, New Friends Colony, New Delhi
 
So, where are you heading to for your Navratri feast?