Madurai, a place which I was always fascinated to go since my childhood days, but things happen only when the time is right!
Staying at Taj Gateway was in my wish list, after trying to book online; no room, then trying to put up a special request too failed as the property was completely booked. Hence my plan was to spend at least a day out there as the property is spread across an expanse of 10 acres out of the 63 acres of one only green hill i.e ‘Pasumalai’ out of the other three rocky hills in Madurai.
Tamil Thali as in food varieties on my plate at a go.. was an experience which I had kept pending for the last day of my ten-day solo trip!!
8th September ‘18, after visiting two temples, headed onto Taj Gateway Pasumalai, the property is located at a hilltop, reaching out to the hotel through a completely silent road winding upwards through a green patch itself is a beginning of an invigorating experience.
As soon as I got off my car, two peacocks welcomed me, giving a very clear signal, captured well!!
Taj Gateway Hotels, have a page dedicated to ‘Regional cuisine’ in the menu of their GAD restaurants. So I opted for a Thali (prepared on special request).
To enjoy their location, I preferred to sit in the verandah of ‘Vista’. Though the weather was a bit hot, but the view of the city and the breeze compensated; imparting an invigorating experience of the real Madurai, when you feel in unison with the city!!
The “Starter platter” was a mix of ‘Madurai Kozhi’ (dry fried chicken) and the other was marinated with coriander and curry leaves wrapped in banana leaf, lighly spiced and absolutely succulent; rightly christened as ‘Kothamalli Kozhi’, means coriander chicken. Leafy wrapped preparations are like opening up a goody box and waiting to see the surprise ingredient inside.. The vegetarian variety comprised of Kara Kuzi Paniyaram (rice and lentil balls), which were very light and soft and ‘Podi Thoona’ made of raw mangoes. The portions are a perfect combination of proteins and carbs prepared with precision.
Coming to the “Thali”; a scrumptious, colourful, circular and mouth watering spread of wide-ranging delicacies of Tamil Nadu.. it was not only a delight from an optical perspective but an enticing experience for your taste buds. Thali (non veg variant) - comprises of Chettinad Chicken, the ‘most wanted’ Tamil preparation, which travels down centuries from the Chettiyar era. This variety, prepared from freshly ground spices, is a little hot and can be ranked as Butter Chicken of North India. Second was Sukka Mutton (dry red meat) followed by vegetarian varieties... ‘Vathal Kozambu’ (fried bitter balls made in fresh tomato gravy mixed with loads of garlic cloves. The balls can be co-related with bitter gourd, a specie available in North India). Frying the vegetable tones down the bitterness and enhances the taste of vegetable... sweet and sour tomatoes completely balance the combination of tastes and flavours. This is a must try, both from culinary and health perspective.
The greens and yellows on the thali was a spinach preparation along with the age old favourites.. ‘sambhar’ and ‘rasam’. The accompaniments were ‘tamarind rice’, plain rice and freshly prepared, ‘Madurai Parotta’ which is thin, crispy layered bread.
The sojourn concludes with sweet notes of Pongal - a concoction made of rice, jaggery and condiments, cooked, blended beautifully and served hot with garnishing, over a banana leaf!!
To complete the circle of my experience, a peacock actually landed in front of me, spreading all its gigantic feathers entertained me with his dance, I was profoundly elated. He posed the best shots with real-time video recordings.. being in sync with my emotions and the Universe. I just thanked him and tried to feed the peacock, which is also a part of an experience at Taj Pasumalai.
Peacocks also happen to be their informal emblem..
Price for Non-veg Thali: Rs. 750/- plus taxes
Platter: Rs. 350/- plus taxes
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