Sojourn To The East Indian Kitchen...

Dear Friends, 

In our last interaction, we described to you the various shades of North Indian Cuisine. In this piece, we shall set sail on a gastronomical tour to the East Indian Kitchen. 

Interestingly, East Indian cuisine is the result of a blend of varied culinary experiments, and a mishmash of the historical, cultural, geographic and climatic influences of the region. The history of East India is dotted with long periods of European colonization. Around the 15^th and 16^th centuries, explorers from Portugal and Spain began carrying the spices of India to Europe. The quality of these condiments impressed the Europeans so, that they decided to colonize East India. And soon, in the 17^th century, the East India Company and the Dutch East India Company were born. These were companies created primarily to supplement the production and the sale of a variety of products that were specific to the region, like spices and opiate poppies. As the interactions between the Europeans and the natives grew, so did the European influence on the local cuisine. Gradually, when Muslim settlers moved in to the region, their culinary traditions made way into the East Indian cuisine as well. And this assimilation of gastronomic cultures led to the concoction of more interesting delectables.

 Since the Bay of Bengal flows alongside the East coast of India, seafood forms an integral part of even the most basic diet. In West Bengal, rice and fish, otherwise known as “Maachh-Bhaat” in Bengali, make for a simple yet much-loved meal combination. The seafood preparations are peppered with aromatic spices that punch up the basic flavor of the curry. Seafood is also served as an appetizer, as “pakoras” or cutlets, usually with piquant chutneys and sauces. Various chicken and mutton recipes are also relished. Bihar and Jharkhand, on the other hand, have large have a large vegetarian population, owing to the prevalence of Buddhism. The food habits in Sikkim are influenced a great deal by those of Tibet.

Mustard is a popular ingredient of the East Indian diet. Most curries and dry vegetables are cooked in mustard oil.  East Indians also use the “Paanch Phoran” or the “Panch Phutana”, a combination of cumin, mustard, fennel, fenugreek and kalonji (nigella) as a regular in their food.

East Indian cuisine, like its counterparts, has also been influenced a great deal by the geographical and climatic features of the region. Since the area has a climate favorable to the growth of an assortment of fruits and vegetables, East Indian food is lighter and easier to digest as well. Unlike the southern coast, where meals are pungent and very heavy on spices, spices in East Indian cuisine are used with a lighter hand. The food is usually stir-fried, or boiled, or steamed, so as to enhance the flavours of the basic ingredients, and blend them subtly. 

In conjunction with savory fish preparations, East India is renowned for the rich quality of its sweets.  Bengali sweets, usually milk-based, are named as ritual offerings to deities, and religious ceremonies are incomplete without them. Just like the main course items, the sweets too are lighter on the stomach. Also, owing to the European influence, East Indians show a preference for tea over coffee.

Unlike North-Indian cuisine, which remains more or less constant across the entire region, East Indian cuisine is more varied, owing to stark cultural differences across the states.

Here is a list of popular delicacies that are must-haves, if you are in that part of the country:

·         West Bengal - Panta Ilish – Traditional ‘Panta Bhat’ with Hilsa and Shutki (dried) fish, Mishti Doi (Sweetened fermented milk)

·         Bihar – Chokha Baati (Spicy mashed potatoes and daal), Sattu (Stuffed parathas with friend chickpea flower)

·         Jharkhand - Barra - a delicacy made of tablets of thick rough dough of grams mixed in grated onions and green chillies

·         Orissa - Pakhala - a dish made of rice, water, and yoghurt

For more interesting facts on Cuisine, keep watching this space.

Happy Eating! :-)

Best Regards,

~ Team Koyla Andheri ~

Our co-ordinates are as follows -

Koyla's Andheri, B-47, Paramount, Off New Link Road, Andheri (West), Mumbai, India, 400053

Our Phone Number - 022 - 40066060

North Indian Cuisine - An Insight

Food is a major passion with Indians. So while in the present day, on one hand, culinary tastes have evolved and people are into fusion food and new cuisines such as Sushi and Tofu, there is still a major fan-following for the traditional meals that we grew up on. 

North-Indian cuisine is largely influenced by the Mughal style of cooking. In their rule that lasted for almost 500 years, they contributed a lot to India including cuisine. Their cuisines encompass the culinary traditions of the various northern states, including Punjabi, Awadhi, Kashmiri, Marwari, Rajasthani, Gharwali and Pahari. Due to the climatic  conditions in the Northern region, wheat plays a stronger role in northern Indian cuisine than in other areas of the country. The popular Tandoori cuisine also comes from the north.  


Abundant use of butter-based curries, dried fruits and nuts are striking features of north Indian cuisine. . Gravies are typically dairy-based, with luxuriant quantities of milk, paneer, ghee, butter and yoghurt. Other common ingredients include chilies, saffron, and authentic Indian spices. Let us have a look at some of the most popular dishes from a North Indian menu:

Appetizers:  This part of the menu consists of Samosas, Bhajiyas, Pakoras, Lamb Kebab, Chicken Tikka and Paneer Tikka.

Vegetarian Entrees:   Vegetable Jalfrezi, Punjabi Chhole, Paneer Kofta, Palak Paneer, Dum Aloo and many other spicy gravy Punjabi dishes.

Meat Preparations: Lamb Kebabs, Chicken & Mutton Biryanis, Tandoori Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala, Korma and many other delectables.

To experience the coming alive of the flavours of North India, do visit us at Koyla's Andheri. We offer the choicest Ethnic Cuisine. Our co-ordinates are as follows -

Koyla's Andheri, B-47, Paramount, Off New Link Road, Andheri (West), Mumbai, India, 400053

Our Phone Number - 022 - 40066060

Know The Hookah Better...

Better known as a Middle Eastern culture, the Hookah has gained immense popularity in India as well. The Hookah is the apex of the smoking pleasure. What was once a phenomenon that was slowly fading away into oblivion has today become a style statement for most urban youngsters. Today, the Hookah is so highly regarded, that smoking it is actually considered a form of art. A growing popular trend, Hookah adds pleasure to your lives in order to help free your minds, helps surround you with luxury, allows you to spend good times with friends, and integrates an extraordinary cultural element into your life. With the increasing acceptance of this concept, let us know in depth about what exactly Hookah is and how it came into existence.

The story behind the Hookah is fascinating. Popular in the early centuries by names like Shisha, Water Pipe, and Narghile, the Hookah actually started out as a humble coconut shell. It eventually made it to the daily servings among coffee shops in Turkey during the 17th century.

The structure of a Hookah is interesting to note. A Hookah can be disassembled into various parts - the base that holds the water, the stem, the hoses, the bowl, the coal tray and the various rubber grommets which join and seal the different parts. The tobacco for Hookahs is prepared in a specific way. It is first soaked in fruit peels and then placed in the bowl which is at the top of the pipe structure. An aluminum foil covers the bowl. Then, small charcoal pieces are placed on the foil, which is punctured using a pin for gently heating the tobacco. Smooth, sweet-smelling vapor is filtered through the base containing water, when smoked using the hose.

The tobacco made available for hookahs comes in variety of flavors – one can choose from amongst flavours like apple, cherry, apricot, watermelon, rose, jasmine, vanilla, honey, and licorice, with more exotic blends beyond that, such as lemon-cola, cappuccino and apple-mint.

We at Koylas - Andheri offer you a chic & ethnic ambience to smoke Hookah with an extensive blend of flavors, along with feasting on our delectable Vegetarian & Non-Vegetarian cuisine. So, visit us and experience the traditional element of smoking the ‘hubble-bubble’!!!   

Our co-ordinates - Off New Link Road,  

Andheri (West), Mumbai, India, 400053

For reservations, call us on - 02240066060

Koyla Gears Up For International Women’s Day Celebration!!!

“The origin of a child is a mother, a WOMAN… She shows a man what loving, caring and sharing is all about…” these were the words said by our all time DIVA, Ms. Sushmita Sen. Indeed, a woman’s essence lies in her innate ability to care, love and sacrifice for others. She plays an all-enveloping character of a mother, daughter, wife and sister as a friend, nurturer, guide and partner from time to time. Hence, it becomes inevitable to celebrate the International Women’s Day and give respect to all the lovely ladies out there….!

It’s a special day and hence, Koyals is all set to celebrate the spirit of WOMANITY!

What:

Koyla proudly offers An EXCLUSIVE DINNER DATE gift to ‘A Lucky Lady’!  - The perfect treat for Women’s Day! All you have to do is come to our restaurant for a dinner with your LOVED ONES and while you enter just like our Facebook Page: KOYLA ETHNIC CUISINE. Once done we would give you a Koyla Number, click your photograph and put it on our Facebook Page. Later, the photo which gets the maximum comments and likes will WIN our exclusive Dinner Date!

When:

Tomorrow, Mar 8, 7:30 PM – 12:00 AM

Where:

Off NEW LINK RD, Andheri (West)

Mumbai, India, 400053.

Phone: 022 40066060.

Inside Authentic Pergola’s at Koylas

We have a unique Pergola sitting at Koylas which will allow you to sit back, relax and enjoy our extensive A La Carte….

These Pergolas consists of low comfortable couch, sleek cushions and is surrounded with white long drapes, giving you an authentic feeling… 

These Pergolas are so designed where a group of 14 can comfortably sit and relish our delectable ethnic cuisines.  

Also, the Pergolas are decorated with illuminating lamps which is sure to ignite your night with your family, friends and beloved….!  

You can also catch our latest updates on FACEBOOK - KOYLA ETHNIC CUISINE RESTAURANT

Address: Off New Link Road, Andheri (West), Mumbai, India, 400053

And if you still didn’t reach us then call us on 40066060 we will guide you through to the ROOF TOP RESTAURANT

Timings: Mon - Wed: 7:00 pm-12:00am

             Thurs: 7:00 am-12:00am

             Fri: 7:00 pm-12:00am

             Sat - Sun: 7:00 am-12:00 am

FOR RESERVATIONS CALL - 02240066060.

World Cup Frenzy & Food Sensation @ Koylas!

Love it or loathe it, there's no escaping it, especially in cricket mad India. The 2011 ICC World Cup is here! However, it’s not possible for all of us to be present in the stadium and witness a live match. Hence, Koyla – the chic ethnic cuisine restaurant at Andheri invites all you cricket aficionados to experience the excitement of one of the biggest & most significant sports event in the world – The Cricket World Cup 2011.

Koyla-Andheri has re-created the magic of World Cup by designing pleasing ambience for the guests. Its open air roof top terrace and sumptuous food & Sheesha will allow patrons to sit back, relax and enjoy the live matches on big screen and cheer for their favorite teams!

Let’s take a sneak peak of what Koyla – Andheri have in the store to offer its guests this World Cup:

- There will be a huge WORLD CUP SCORE BOARD placed at the entrance of the restaurant. Hence, it will make it easy for guests to keep a track on current scores of their favorite team.

- The service captains are dressed in umpires’ clothes giving you the crazy feel of cricket like what in stadium!

- The tables will be divided into “two teams”. You can sit on any side of the team which you support!

- For more cricket buzz, there is a special arrangement of a game called

‘TOD DUSHMAN KI NALI’. In one area of the restaurant – you can play the game. You will get a chance to throw a ball three times at the stumps for which you will be paying Rs. 50/- and if you hit the stumps even once you get flat Rs.100/- off on your bill.

- Also, a WIDE screen will be placed where you can catch all the madness of your favorite cricket player!

As we know, over the years the gentleman’s game has become a thrilling affair for family and friends. Cricket is now about togetherness, about enjoying the game and the roar of the crowd.  Koyla-Andheri invites all the cricket enthusiast from Mumbai to experience everything that a cricket fan could ever wish for at one amazing roof-top venue – the biggest games every day live on a big screen, various contests and discounts, perfect ambience with delectable Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian menu which includes mouth-watering appetizers followed by spicy main course and finger-licking desserts! Hook on to all the cricket mania and get clean bowled only @ Koyla - Andheri! 

You can also catch our latest updates on FACEBOOK - KOYLA ETHNIC CUISINE RESTAURANT

Address: Off New Link Road, Andheri (West), Mumbai, India, 400053

And if you still didn’t reach us then call us on 40066060 we will guide you through to the ROOF TOP RESTAURANT

Timings: Mon - Wed: 7:00 pm-12:00am

             Thurs: 7:00 am-12:00am

             Fri: 7:00 pm-12:00am

             Sat - Sun: 7:00 am-12:00 am

FOR RESERVATIONS CALL - 02240066060.