Fasting for Navratras and still want to eat out? Worry not, for you can gorge on scrumptious dishes - from falafels and pizzas to sabudana cutlets and 'mock duck' - with restaurants in the NCR region serving specially curated vegetarian menus sans onion and garlic.
Olive Bistro in Cyber City, Gurgaon has on the menu an array of Italian and Middle Eastern delicacies that have buckwheat, barley, ragi and fresh fruits and vegetables as the main ingredients.
"The specially crafted vegetarian specials will be available during the ten days of Navratra from October 1- 10 and will have vegetarian options with no onion and garlic," says Olive Bistro.
Popular items on the menu include falafel made out of cumin baba ganoush and falafel with buckwheat (kuttu ka atta) and tangy potato flatbread; a trio of beetroot; a salad of assorted farm fresh vegetables on the side of pearl barley risotto, fennel cream and spinach.
Penne arabiatta pasta in zucchini, both sauteed and frites; bocconcini cheese and cherry tomato pizza made of ragi flour with pesto topping, rocket leaves and a Chocolate Bombe of seasonal fruits, for those with a sweet tooth, are also on the menu.
Soda Bottle Opener Wala in Khan Market is serving a '3-course vrat ka khaana.'
"You can choose a starter, main course and dessert from a host of specials in the limited edition menu. You can also order these dishes a la carte," the restaurant said.
The 9-day special vegetarian Navratra menu includes 'Sabudana Papad', 'Kera na Cutlets', 'Gwarfali', 'Khattu Meethu Kaddu', 'Aloo Sabzi', 'Kuttu Atta Puri' and 'Vrat ke Chawal'.
"Food for the fasts is never complete without some 'Sabudana ki Kheer'. There is 'Vrat ka Falooda' too. You can keep your fast and eat it too," Soda Bottle Opener Wala said.
A much desired combination of taste and health can be
experienced across different outlets of Sagar Ratna here, which is laying out a varied range of delectables for the occasion that will be high on nutrition.
Sabudana Tikki, Samak Idli, and Adraki Paneer Tikka are among the starters.
The main course offers two thali options to choose from - Navratra Executive Thali and Deluxe Thali. While the first one has 'Shahi Paneer', 'Aloo Tamatar', 'Samak Pulao', 'Singhara-Kuttu Poori', 'Sabudana Papad', and 'Kheer' for dessert, the latter is a grander treat with additions like 'Arbi Masala', 'Kheera Raita' and 'Sabudana Kheer'.
"We want people to enjoy fresh, tasty and healthy food in Navratri like other days. In fact, many food lovers who usually do not fast also love having Navratra Special along with family and friends," Murali Krishna Parna, CEO of Sagar Ratna Restaurants said.
Royal China in Nehru Place has taken innovation to a new level with a range of Chinese alternatives for the fasting festival. The eatery has on menu vegetarian offerings such as 'Mock Duck', Honey Noodles with Ice- Cream, Clear Soup With Noodles, Vegetable Croquettes, Sesame Potato Toast and honey lotus stem among others.
