Tangy and spicy is Amritsar's flavour this festive season
by Ravinder Singh 'Robin'

     Amritsar: The vigorous, hard working and fun loving Punjabis are celebrating this festival-season differently. Unlike every year, when sweets mark the occasion, tangy and spicy snacks are doing the rounds this year. For Punjabis, who are known for their fondness of food and life style, trends keep changing. And the new trend is amply reflected in Amritsar, also known as the City of Sarson ka Saag and Makkai di roti. No matter what the evening comes as - humid or cold - people make it a point to rush to the streets in search of the City's real cuisine. They make stopovers at several eating joints and dhabas to enjoy vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. There are many who feel lucky for themselves to have Hotel Ritz Plaza, for it offers authentic Amritsari meal. Established in 1963, the hotel has an impressive guest list, which includes the Queen of England. Although the menu of the hotel is multi-cuisine, there is a strong influence of Amritsari snacks and food on the menu. From Fish Tikkas, Murgh, Paneer and Mushroom to the main course of Methi Machhi, the unique Machhi Kela (fish and Banana cooked together), Chicken Jehangiri, Mutton Roganjosh are all served with a variety of rotis and naan. Even the simple Sarson ka Saag becomes a cause for celebration here. "We are getting a very good response from the visitors. Since we started buffet for dinner, the visitors get variety of items in their meals. Almost 20 dishes are displayed at a single time. People enjoy only the best of dishes," says Kunwar Singh Rawat, Chef at Hotel Ritz Plaza.

    Lavish buffet in the shade of lively music is what makes the evenings at Ritz Plaza wonderful for the visitors. They spend their time enjoying the best of Punjabi and Continental cuisine. The arrangement of buffet is made during the weekend as people are generally busy during the weekdays and can spare time for their families and friends only during the lean weekends. Lokendra Pal, a denizen, said that people spend their weekends at Ritz Plaza because the soothing ambience works as an elixir and help people get rid of their tensions. Furthermore, it is a place to be visited with the whole family. "Relaxation is very important today. It is a perfect setting for the family. The arrangement is such that you can come along with your family and enjoy food. At many places only men get the attention, but here everyone does," Lokendra said. A meal at Ritz Plaza, gives a feeling of nostalgia about Amritsari food and why not for Amritsar is certainly a place where food is to be enjoyed.
-Nov 6, 2005