The Spice It restaurant @IBIS Chennai, OMR/ Novotel are quite famous for their Buffets and I quite liked their concept of introducing the Tastes Of India, by bringing authentic dishes and flavours from all parts of India to Namma Chennai. Their new Buffet offering,highlighting the Purani Dilli & Amritsari Festival which offers recipes of Old Delhi and Amritsari Food runs from July 3 toJuly 13 is curated by Chef Ashwani Kumar costs Rs 899 All Inclusive. From Old Delhi and particularly the Chandni Chowk area which is very famous for its Chaats and the Parathas the representation for the festival was the live counter serving delicious varieties of Chaat like Channa Papdi Chaat, Aloo Tikki and Kachori Sabzi. The Aloo Parathas and Paneer Parathas were made fresh on the Tawa and served with the usual accompaniments of Achaar ( Pickles) and Curds. When you think of Amritsar, the first thought is the Golden Temple and their Langar. In which one is served a simple meal of Rotis and Dal. This was replicated at the festival by the inclusion of these items which would be a novelty for us Chennai Wasis. A must try dish.The main characteristict of this cuisine is the usage of Desi Ghee in their preparation which is quite healthy. Started with a typical North Indian soup - Murgh Badami Shorba which was quite a pleasant start to the meal.The starters served included Mahi Mahi Fish Tikka, a very tasty Veg Shammi Kabab which was sweet as well as spicy and really good and the Iconic Tandoori Chicken. Some of the other Veg dishes in the buffet were Paneer Makhni,Khumb Mutter, Aloo Methi Ke Tehri- this is like a common man's food which Iam sure none of us have tried before, its a simple rice preparation with potatoes and methi leaves. I have to mention this special dish-Delhi Nihari Gosht which is off cuts of mutton which is simmered overnight with whole garam masala which results in tender meat with a very subtle flavour and goes well with rice or rotis. Patiala Shahi Murgh was another gravy preparation which was very delicious. The Indian representation of the Dessert selection was a very delicious Gajjar Ka Halwa and the rest of the Continental selections included Mud Pie and chocolate Almond Tart. Chef Muthukumar was kind enough to explain everything and the thought process behind hosting this food festival and I was mightiliy impressed by his commitment and vision to bring the Tastes Of India to Namma Chennai. The service was quite exellent though they were quire swamped with customers.