Babur, a renowned Indian restaurant, the jewel in South East London’s culinary crown, is celebrating its 38th year with a unique flavour-fuelled tasting tour of the region of Bihar. In celebration of this anniversary, Babur will be shining a spotlight on the bounty of Bihari cuisine– one of the earthy styles of cooking from the north-eastern part of India. A preview feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.
In true Babur essence, the family-run restaurant’s latest milestone is cause for both celebration and exploration. A reason to delve further into the unique regional cuisines of India and showcase dishes that are deep-rooted in the country’s culinary culture.
Bihari food is one of the rustic and wholesome styles of cuisine characterised by its prominent use of several spice blends and cooking methods from charring and one pot to slow cooking, Bihari is considered a unique soul food of the country. Babur’s talented sous chef Praveen Kumar Gupta hails from Bihar and brought back with him plenty of inspiration to create an authentic, one-of-a-kind menu from his recent travels back home.
Creating the perfect summer excursion for the senses, Babur’s new Taste of Bihar menu, available from 20th July to 17th September, 2023 includes starters of: Litti & Chokha, a cult classic from the region that is essentially an ancient Indian version of a dough-ball stuffed with spiced roasted gram flour and ghee then charred over charcoal and served with charcoal roasted spiced aubergine, red onion, and tomato salsa. Madhubani fried fish coats cod cheek fritters with spices of roasted cumin and black peppercorn, alongside mint and pickled baby onion.
Mains transport you through local villages with Dehati Chicken, Swede chokha, a rustic chicken thigh curry layered with flavours of black peppercorn, cardamon, and pink onion. Champaran Gosht, Sattu paratha is hot and spicy dish of kid goat on the bone, slow cooked into clay pot with rustic garam masala and whole garlic; while Dudhi ki tokri, stuffed courgette blossom is a veggie’s delight with chargrilled courgette tart, spiced soft cheese and turmeric rice water.
For dessert, there’s only one extra special option, Makahne ki Kheer, caramelised lotus flower – a dreamy, creamy condensed Lotus flower pudding made with evaporated milk, green cardamom, rose and caramel.
Babur is kicking off its 38th Baburthday with a grand soiree in both the restaurant and majestic Rajasthani marquee on Wednesday 19th July from 6:30pm. Get your tickets and be the first to experience the exquisite Taste of Bihar with a five-course tasting menu and wine pairings, alongside a welcome cocktail and live entertainment.
Let the team welcome you aboard the latest expedition, raise a glass and say Happy Birthday to Babur.