Prateek Sadhu’s NAAR takes over Delhi’s Indian Accent for an exclusive 2-day pop-up!
- Featured Food & Beverage
Anushka Manik- 6 minutes read
While Delhi has an array of culinary spots to impress its people, Indian Accent stands out like a Michelin-starred oasis. Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending a culinary event unlike any other – a two-day pop-up collaboration between the legendary Indian Accent and the up-and-coming NAAR, helmed by the brilliant Chef Prateek Sadhu. Now, I’m no stranger to a good meal at Indian Accent, but the buzz around this collaboration was electric. Imagine, the innovative genius of Chef Manish Mehrotra meeting the playful yet respectful exploration of Himalayan cuisine by Chef Sadhu – it promised an explosion of flavors, and boy, did it deliver!
The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as we entered the familiar, yet slightly transformed, Indian Accent space. It was like a well-known melody getting a new, exciting verse. The air was laced with an intriguing aroma, hinting at the Himalayan spices and techniques to come. I opted for the vegetarian tasting menu, a decision I wouldn’t regret for a single second.
The feast began with a whimsical dance – Panna Pakodi, a savory fritter, playfully dunked into sweet melon balls. Next, the Masala Carrot Kadhi, earthy and spiced, transported me with a whisper of Kashmiri chutney to the cool mountain air. Then came the star: Indian Accent’s signature Arbi Sago, a familiar melody infused with the fiery kick of byadgi chilli and the smoky depth of papad. It was a revelation, setting the tone for an evening of playful innovation. NAAR’s magic followed with Sunder Kala, their hand-crafted noodles surprisingly delightful alongside rich eggplant and tangy sinki broth. No Indian Accent experience is complete without biryani, and this one didn’t disappoint – Calcutta biryani aloo, an explosion of textures and tastes, served with the cool comfort of beetroot dahi vada and the earthy charm of askalu. For the main course, the vegetarian symphony continued with tawa green jackfruit, a humble ingredient transformed into a flavor bomb bathed in a creamy mustard and coconut gravy. This came alongside a familiar street food, the dal kachori, given a contemporary makeover bursting with every bite.
Finally, the melt-in-your-mouth Pahadi Shakarkandi, a sweet potato nestled amidst a flaky bakarkhani and a dollop of cultured butter, transported us back to the rugged beauty of the Himalayas with its accompanying hemp chutney. We saved space (barely!) for the sweet finale – a burnt pineapple ragi cake, a touch of burnt milk solids, and Indian Accent’s signature Shufta. Each course was a conversation between the chefs, a delightful dance between tradition and playful innovation, making this pop-up a truly unforgettable culinary adventure.
By the end of the evening, my taste buds were singing, my stomach was happy, and my mind was buzzing with the stories woven through each dish. It wasn’t just a meal; it was a culinary adventure to the heart of the Himalayas, expertly guided by two culinary maestros. This wasn’t just a pop-up; it was a milestone in the evolution of Indian cuisine.
“We’re super excited that Prateek Sadhu’s NAAR is coming to Indian Accent! We’ve had a blast creating a fantastic menu for everyone in Delhi. Brace yourself for some amazing food that blends the best of both worlds – it’s going to be an unforgettable culinary experience.’’ says Chef Manish Mehrotra, Culinary Director, Indian Accent.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be cooking with Chef Manish Mehrotra. Not only is he a friend, but he’s also someone I have always looked up to for his incredible contributions to our country’s cuisine and his success in representing it on a global stage. It is an honor to collaborate with him and the team at Indian Accent, bringing diners the unique flavors of NAAR. I can’t wait for this culinary adventure to begin!” says Chef Prateek Sadhu, NAAR.
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