Islamabad Food Mob (IFM) Chapter #2 at Andaaz Restaurant Saidpur Village – the second event of IFM was held at Andaaz Saidpur, one of the most under-rated eateries of Islamabad. The weather was in complete favour of the open air dining experience and the cool breeze ignited the hunger pangs more than even before. The festivities at Saidpur are always an indication that the winters are arriving soon, the vicinity seemed packed and bright, very happening indeed. Attendees started pouring in sharp at 8; I would give Islamabad the edge for being more punctual than any other city of Pakistan, along with being the most beautiful capital in the world as well. Time to discuss food now! Round paapars with four different types of condiment are the complimentary starter served at Andaaz, pretty unusual and utterly addictive. For appetizers, we had four different types of barbecue, namely Masala Chaanp, Malai Boti, Badaami Kabab and Bewazni Paneer Tikka. The Masala Chaanp had a decent marination, however it could have been even better had it been more tender and succulent. Malai Boti did complete justice to its tag; it melted in the mouth the moment one chewed on to it. It was the first time that I was trying their Badaami Kabab and it could easily compete to one of the best kababs I’ve ever had for its perfect texture and that exciting finesse. At first you get a bit of crunch due to the badaam and in no time it vanishes down the throat leaving a very pleasant after taste. As for Bewazni Paneer Tikka, it is my all-time favourite at Andaaz so please excuse my biasness but there is something in it that makes me crave for it time after time. It comes with a sweet tomato paste enveloped around extremely soft yet firm chunks of home-made paneer, oh so yummy! The second course consisted of Chooza Makhni, Palak Paneer and Daal Makhni. Starting with the Chooza Makhni, even though Andaaz has never been able to impress me with their non-veg curries but surprisingly this time, the curry was able to jolt my palate with its makhi richness and tender cubes of chicken. Next to follow was Palak Paneer, another favourite at Andaaz! The good thing about their Palak Paneer is that it is not over-powering with cream and has the right amount of paneer infused into the combination of simple spices and spinach. Daal Makhni is another winner, or I would rather call it the show stopper! I have tried daal from almost all the mainstream desi restaurants of Islamabad but nothing comes anywhere closer to this daal at Andaaz. It is one of the attention seekers from the most refined palates, rightfully so! It was a busy Saturday night at Andaaz and we were a big group so there were some minor service hick-ups along with the barbecue items being served a bit cold. Also, I think better quality of bread, including Saada Naana and Roti, could have made our dining experience at Andaaz an even better one as soft and piping hot bread can turn any dining experience into an extra-ordinary one. Lastly, the availability of chilled soft drinks could have added up to the amazing quality food. All the attendees were asked to fill out a feedback slip for their experience with food at Andaaz, and according to the average score, Islamabad Food Mob gives Andaaz a 7/10.
Posted on: Sun, 28 Sep 2014 19:22:12 +0000
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