Articles written by GourmetGary

Gone are the days when people acknowledged steamed food as boring and tasteless. Health conscious buddies, we have some good news for you! Steamed food is gaining popularity by the day and is not too far behind when it comes to taste and flavour. Let’s take a look at a list of some delicious and popular steamed dishes available in the city! Idlis This popular South Indian delicacy is available everywhere in the country. Idlis  are steamed cakes prepared from a rice-black gram combo and are served with Sambhar and Chutney. They are also served fried or with a variety of accompanime...more

For as long as man has lived, alcohol has been an integral part of the human society. Besides the odd alcoholic beverage having a medicinal value, at most times it has become an important accompaniment for festivities and celebrations. Here is a look into the history of alcohol, the unusual substance which many have begun to dub as man’s best friend. Let’s Start With Beer: It all began with beer. It is the oldest alcoholic beverage known to man and still remains a favourite. Evidences have been found that beer dates back to the Neolithic age. Egypt was probably one of the earliest ...more

It is the epitome of all rice preparations. It is a name synonymous with Mughlai cuisine. It has ruled the taste buds of food lovers across the world. And yet, Biryani has evolved from being a favourite of the Persian royalty to spreading across Asia right up to Philippines and having as many as 26 variations. In Persian, word Berya means roasted rice and that is how this popular cuisine got christened. The primary principle of biryani is that it has different layers with contrasting flavours thereby flirting with our palates and making us fall in love with it. But apart from this, each ...more

So you're at a bar or a fancy lounge and you're ordering Sangria because it sounds exotic but what do you really know about this cool concoction? Here we are to take your palate on a fun-filled ride: •    Sangria comes from the Spanish language and it means 'bloodletting' since typically red wine is used as the base in this concoction. •    Sangria consists of red or white wine, chopped fruit, a sweetener (honey, sugar, simple syrup or even orange juice), other spirits and ice. •    Sangrias aren't always made with red wine. White wine is sometimes used in place of red wi...more

Long after the last local has rattled across the tracks of Mumbai, there are a bunch of hangouts across the city that breathes life into the slowly dwindling tag of ‘City That Never Sleeps’. Be it a hunger pang in the middle of the night, or wanting to grab a munch after a long night of partying and drinking, these places satisfy your needs by cooking up some amazing delicacies, which can be filling and more importantly, be light on the pockets as well. 1. Amar Juice Centre : Almost every night of the week one can find cars lined up near Cooper Hospital. With many waiters an...more

Indian breads are not confined to tandoored rotis. They are as diverse as the people and the cultures of the country. Let’s talk about the special taste these Indian Breads bring to the palate. Bread is the staff of life - who knows it better than the people of India? Food is given utmost importance and is carefully prepared in every household. Breads are an indispensable part of Indian cuisine. Though they look similar to crepes and pancakes it would be unfair to compare. They have a characteristic flavour and essence; so much so that no two breads are eaten with the same type of food...more

It’s that time of the year again when the world around you is basking in mango glory. But if you are bored of the same ol’ fresh mango slices and milkshakes, here are some truly unusual D-I-Y ideas that will rekindle your love for the king of fruits. Happy Mango(ing)! Mango Mask All those who have been keeping away from mangoes thinking about all that heat and acne, this one’s for you. Mangoes are a great source of Vitamin A which is often the nutrient prescribed for dealing with acne! Yes, according to experts, it also works on your sunburns and wrinkles apart from clogged pore...more

Karim’s, Jama Masjid A 1913 establishment, this one is undisputedly the most popular kebab restaurant even in the era of KFC and many more. Run by descendants of Mughal kebabchis (yeah, bawarchis specialising in kebabs were known as kebabchis!), it not just offers the softest, but also the most authentic traditional kebabs. On offer are Mutton Burra, Mutton Raan, Seekh Kebabs and Shammi Kebabs. A must try is the Badshahi Badam Pasanda, mutton cooked with almond toppings and spices. Bukhara, Chanakya Puri Rated among the best Asian restaurants, its most voted dish is the Murgh Ma...more

So do you often refer to yourself as an adventurous foodie? Been there gobbled that? Well, here is a whimsical list, capable of putting any self-proclaimed foodie worth his salt to shame. And in case you have already tried any of these dishes, then... what the hell is wrong with you? Pig's Blood Cake from Taiwan Swine flu has got nothing to do with pigs; it's official. Pork blood is the prime ingredient of the blood cake and it is mostly eaten with sticky Taiwanese rice. Roadside vendors often serve it on a wooden stick and coat it with fresh peanut powder. It may look like your usual ...more

Fine dining is all about gourmet meals, plush decors and impeccable service. But there's a little role you too must play, to do justice to the experience. Good dining etiquette not only portrays you as a classy person but also implies respect towards the people accompanying you. So brush up on your table manners and dine in style! Make a great first impression If you're meeting people like prospective colleagues/clients for the first time, this is the most crucial part. Introduce yourself brightly! Stand up, smile, make eye contact and acknowledge them, and always shake hands firmly. Re...more