During Navratri, many of our guests and neighbours fast, or eat only certain foods. For the last few years, Jharokha has served a vrat thali through the festival. This year it runs for all nine nights and on Dussehra.
How the thali is made
The thali is cooked without onion, garlic or regular grains, using rock salt instead of table salt. It is prepared on a separate counter with its own utensils, and the cooks on that station do not handle anything else during service. If you keep a stricter fast than this, tell your server. Chef Arif's team is happy to explain exactly what goes into each dish.
What is on it
The thali changes each evening. A typical plate includes:
- Sabudana khichdi with peanuts and cumin
- Kuttu or rajgira puris
- Aloo jeera made with rock salt, and a pumpkin sabzi
- Samak rice with a curd kadhi
- Lauki raita and a cucumber salad
- Makhana kheer or a sweet of the day
There is always a regular vegetarian thali on the menu as well, for anyone at the table who is not fasting.
Portions are generous but not heavy. A vrat meal should leave you comfortable, and our cooks keep the frying light so the thali works for guests who are fasting for all nine days, not just one.
Dussehra evening
On Dussehra, the thali gets a little more festive, with a second sweet and a jalebi counter at the restaurant entrance. Families tend to come early, so book ahead if you want a table after 8 pm.
Good to know
- Served at dinner, 7 to 11 pm, through Navratri and on Dussehra.
- Available through room service for in-house guests.
- Groups and office teams can pre-order thalis for a private dining area with a day's notice.
Whether you are fasting or simply curious, it is one of the most popular things we serve all year.