Food Battle: Mughals vs Nawabs

Throughout the ages, the cities of Lucknow and Delhi are regarded as the epitome of Indian food. Embedded with rich culture and hospitality, The Imperial, New Delhi brings the drooling 'Clash of the Titans' festival for all who wants to be a part of India's rich culinary journey at the Daniell's Tavern from November 17– 24.

The Delhi contingent is led by Chef Ved Prakash and his Lucknowi counterpart is Chef Mirza Munnawar Baig. Masterchefs Ved and Mirza fight a gourmet battle to present recipes from their archives with cuisines ranging from starters to desserts. The cuisines of Delhi are dominated by the taste of the main ingredients used in the recipe whereas the Lucknowi dishes are more aromatic and rich.

Even though every single recipe on the two distinct menus of the Chefs seemed mouth-watering, the must-try dishes include – kebabs like Dahi kebab, Kakori and Galouti, curries like Paya Shorba and Mutton Korma, Mahi Nazakat, Raamdana ki Tikki, and the aromatic Murgh Dum Biryani. For desserts, the face-off also offers you Bharwa gulab jamun, Khoya jalebi, and the famous Purani Dilli ka Shahi tukda amongst many others.

An insight on the chefs surfaces Chef Mirza as the fourth generation of Khansama from Lucknow. His forefathers used to work with Nawabs of Awadh and their gharanas. He presents in this menu traditional kebabs like Kakori, Galouti along with the all-time famous Biryanis. Mirza has generously used his own blend of spices which are prominent in his recipes.

Throwing light on Chef Ved's legacy, his grandfather used to own an eatery in Old Dilli at the time of independence, famous for curries like Paya Shorba and Purani Dilli Ka Mutton Korma. He, therefore, brings in this menu the same flavors inspired by his grandfather's collection as memoirs from his childhood, straight from the heart of Dilli. His spice levels are in between medium to high and his curries have a velvety texture, for an unforgettable dining experience.

Vijay Wanchoo – Sr Executive Vice President and General Manager, The Imperial New Delhi stated, "The concept of 'Clash of the Titans' takes you on a delectable culinary journey of Hindustan and revives the traditional recipes, passed on to our Master-chefs Ved and Mirza by their forefathers. The menus by the chefs revisit the legendary food aesthetics of Lucknow and Purani Dilli, passed on from generation to generation".

Mark your calendars at the earliest to be a part of the rich culinary journey and relive the magic of the lost traditions.