
Winter Warmth at Dana Choga There are some restaurants that understand the poetry of seasons. Dana Choga in DLF Phase 1, Gurugram, is one of them. I've been hearing about their winter menu for weeks now, and last week, I finally made the trip. The timing couldn't have been better. Delhi's winter had just begun to show its teeth, and there's something about a cold evening that makes you crave the robust flavours of North Indian cooking. The Fish That Surprised Me I began, as I often do, with something from the tandoor. The Fish Ajwaini Tikka arrived at the table sending up plumes of smoke, the carom seeds lending their distinctive aroma to the proceedings. What struck me most was the restraint. The fish—and this is crucial—hadn't been bludgeoned with spices. The ajwain worked its magic without overwhelming the delicate flesh. Each morsel was perfectly charred on the outside, moist within. It's the sort of dish that makes you wonder why more restaurants don't trust their ingredients to speak for themselves. For vegetarians—and let's face it, many of the best dishes in Indian cuisine are vegetarian—the Tandoori Stuffed Mushroom would be my recommendation. I didn't try it myself this time, but I watched it being served at the next table, and the presentation alone was promising. The Heart of Winter But here's the thing about Dana Choga's winter menu: it understands what winter eating is really about. It's not just about keeping warm; it's about connecting with dishes that have sustained generations through harsh North Indian winters. The Sarso Da Saag with Makki Roti was everything it should be. Forget the pale, over-processed versions you get at most places. This was dark, robust, with just the right hint of bitterness from the mustard greens, tempered by butter and careful seasoning. The makki roti had that authentic coarse texture—the kind that can only come from stone-ground corn. You break off a piece, scoop up the saag, and for a moment, you're not in a Gurugram restaurant but in a winter farmhouse somewhere in rural Punjab. Dana Choga's winter menu is a reminder that sometimes the best cooking comes from understanding your ingredients.
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