There's more to Indian cuisine than just the heat, and Indian master chef Rajan Veeranan shares the real flavors of his homeland at the newest dining outlet of Novotel Manila Araneta City...
Novotel Manila Araneta City launches its latest culinary concept showcasing the authentic flavors of India at Prāna Indian Cuisine by Chef Rajan Veeranan for a unique and flavorful journey north of the metro. Named after and inspired by the Sanskrit word for "breath" and "life force,"Chef Rajan recreates the vital energy of life itself with his weave of rich flavors and intricate blend of all-natural spices at Prāna Indian Cuisine.
Located at the Lobby Level of Novotel Manila Araneta City right beside The Food Exchange, Prāna Indian Cuisine is your virtual passage to the fabled flavors of India helmed by Chef Rajan Veeranan in collaboration with Executive Chef Massimiliano Pauletto.
Good food, they say transports you to a different place or time. Authenticity makes the dining experience even more special. Inside Prāna Indian Cuisine, the vibrant colors easily takes you to the faraway exotic subcontinent...
...revealing the stage for a sumptuous Indian feast adding to the growing list of dining options at Novotel Manila Araneta City.
I first met Chef Rajan Veeranan way back in 2016 with his lavish spread of sumptuous dishes at The Food Exchange of Novotel Manila Araneta City and I knew then that finally, authentic Indian cuisine has arrived in this part of the metro (for more on The Food Exchange and my first encounter with Chef Rajan, see my post International Flavors at Novotel Manila's Food Exchange from seven years back). Finding real Indian cuisine up north of the metro isn't easy. Not anymore. "It is with great honor to showcase the rich heritage of Indian cuisine here in the City of Firsts. Every mouthful of our Indian specialties brings awakening energy to your palate," shared Chef Rajan.
The rich blend of turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, coriander and ginger have defined the distinctive notes of Indian cuisine throughout the centuries, not only adding colorful layers of flavors but providing countless health benefits as well. At Prāna Indian Cuisine, this vibrant tapestry of colorful flavors orchestrated by Chef Rajan begins your sensory experience to authentic Indian cuisine.
Start with soft, chewy and delicately crisp bites of papadum at Prāna Indian Cuisine with the Masala Papad (P 420) served with masala, spiced peanuts and mint sauces...
...or some Plain Naan (P 100), Butter Naan (P 180), Garlic Naan (P 200), Cheese Naan (P 250) and Roti (P 150)...
...and the Pani Puri (P 420), a classic Kolkata street food staple with intricate and crisp hollow fried dough balls filled with soft boiled potatoes, steamed mung bean sprouts or boiled chickpeas and white pea curry with tangy water and sweet chutney in a shot glass.
The delectable play on flavors and textural contrasts tease the palate while draping it with a weave of clean, fresh and rich notes. Best enjoyed in one bite, a burst of flavor from sweet to sour and mildly minty hints tempts you to go for another pani puri.
Part of the experience is pouring the shot filled with sweet and tangy water with chutney on the crisp pani puri before taking a bite. It's flavors like this that begin your journey deep into the flavors of the subcontinent at Prāna Indian Cuisine.
In between bites, cleanse your palate with soothing sips of the Prāna Signature Iced Tea (P 180) with its blend of black tea, strawberry, rose water, lemon juice and chia seeds...
...the creamy and sweet Masala Milk Tea (P 180) with milk, Muscovado sugar, black tea and masala spices...
...or the indulgent Kiwi & Avocado Lassi (P 290) to temper the soothing heat from the spice blend of the savory dishes. Other Lassi options include Rose Strawberry Lassi, Mango & Saffron Lassi and Classic Lassi.
For the main course, the Kebab Platter (P 1,100) with a savory trifecta of Salmon marinated in garlic and spices, spiced ground Lamb and marinated boneless Chicken served with side salad is a savory stunner of a dish that's ideal for sharing.
Each romanced by the flame of the tandoor clay oven, the Kebab Platter with the tender boneless chicken marinated in a blend of chili paste, yoghurt, fresh herbs and spices; the buttery salmon with its marinade of garlic and spices and the juicy ground lamb with its own spice blend combine for a festive play on the rich and diverse flavors of India. The intricate layers of flavors built by the marinade, spice blends and fiery finish from the tandoor conspire for solid and intricate flavors complementing the chicken, salmon and ground lamb. And it isn't just about overwhelming heat. It's the delicate and seamless weave of flavors from the different spices, the building blocks of Indian cuisine, that deliver the bold yet nuanced punch that lingers long on the palate.
Chef Rajan then served his specialty biryani dishes...
...along with hearty curries for a full-on Indian feast at Prāna Indian Cuisine.
The Hyderabadi Lamb Dum Biryani (P 700) with marinated lamb cooked with fragrant and aromatic basmati rice, mint and spices is a one-pot dish loaded with bold flavors from the various ingredients. The Hyderabadi Biryani is often regarded as the most popular and famous example of the dish above all other regional variants, and remains the single most-ordered dish on Indian online food ordering and delivery services. And it's easy to see why. The complex yet balanced blend of flavors are enjoyed in one heaping spoonful with the richness of the lamb infused in the soft and fluffy basmati to satisfy any craving.
Chef Rajan offers three other biryani creations like the Mughlai Murgh Dum Biryani (P 650) with marinated chicken, the Jhinga Biryani (P 800) with marinated prawns and the Vegetable Biryani (P 650).
The curry dishes of Chef Rajan completes the lavish Indian feast at Prāna Indian Cuisine with five vegetarian and seven non-vegetarian options on the menu. That day, Chef Rajan showcased three exquisite renditions of the iconic Indian dish...
...starting with the rich and creamy Allepey Fish Curry (P 700) with fresh snapper cooked in coconut milk with green mango and Kerala spices delivering mild and delicate yet indulgent notes...
...the Palak Paneer (P 450) with homemade cottage cheese simmered in a thick spinach paste and spices...
...and the Lamb Rogan Josh (P 800) with tender lamb slow-cooked in yoghurt and Kashmiri spices. Each dish offered distinctive flavors and richness best enjoyed with Steamed Basmati Rice (P 120)...
...or better yet, the selection of Naan and Roti like the Plain Naan (P 100), Butter Naan (P 180), Garlic Naan (P 200), Cheese Naan (P 250) and Roti (P 150). Rice or bread, both options soak up the specialty curries for that flavorful burst of richness.
For dessert, Chef Rajan served the Hot Gulab Jamun (P 200), berry-sized balls dunked in rose water on silky smooth ice cream. Other equally tempting desserts include Rasgulla (P 200), Chocolate Rasgulla Tart (P 200), Chocolate Guava Tart (P 200), Guava Chili Ice Cream (P 180/scoop) and Fresh Fruit Platter (P 450).
In addition to his popular Indian Station at The Food Exchange, Chef Rajan now has a bigger stage to share his authentic dishes at Prāna Indian Cuisine.
Now you can enjoy authentic Indian cuisine north of the metro. Book your passage to India with a table reservation at Prāna Indian Cuisine in Novotel Manila Araneta City, and let Chef Rajan Veeranan transport you to the fabled subcontinent with his wide and extensive array authentic Indian flavors.
Prana is located at the Lobby Level of Novotel Manila Araneta City (beside Food Exchange Manila), General Aguinaldo Avenue, Araneta City, Quezon City. Prana Indian Cuisine is open for Lunch and from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm and 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm Wednesday to Sunday and you can call +632 8990 7888 for inquiries and reservations.
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