Revisiting Roots At Ikk Panjab...

The word Panjab means the land of five rivers as Panj means Five, and Ab means Water. The five rivers that flow through the state are the five tributaries of River Indus namely Ravi, Beas, Chenab, Jhelum, and Sutlej.

Since ancient times, owing to its location, the kingdom was constantly under attack and invasion for centuries and was home to multiple empires like Mauryas, Guptas, Huns, Mongols, Mughals, and the British as well.

Borrowing from the rich heritage of the state of Punjab, the newest brainchild of Bright Hospitality, aptly christened as Ikk Panjab, has recently opened its doors to patrons in Rajouri Garden.

Ikk Panjab honors the undying spirit of the land of five rivers. An earnest attempt to celebrate the culinary and cultural heritage of pre-partition, undivided Punjab, dining here is an absolute delight.

Punjabi Cuisine has been developed over a period of two-and-a-half-centuries thanks to its tryst with multiple dynasties under diverse realms.

Ikk Panjab was the dream of Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh who formed the Great Sikh Empire that eventually fell prey to religious and communal disparities and split into East and West Punjab at the time of partition.

That is precisely when Punjabi Cuisine made its way into Delhi and is now amongst the most favorite of Delhiites. The kitchens of grandmothers and royal chefs have housed culinary secrets since time immemorial and Ikk Panjab banks on such authentic know how to present recipes perfect over time.

While the versatile menu boasts of recipes that have been sourced from a multitude of geographies ranging from Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Gujranwala, Bahawalpur, Sialkot in East Panjab to Jalandhar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Chandigarh, Bathinda, Hoshiarpur in West Panjab, the vibe and ambiance at Ikk Panjab is also adequate to visit the bygone era from the comfort of the present times.

A certain grandeur reflects in all elements at Ikk Panjab - be it the decor, food, or prompt service. Several trinkets, literary works, pieces of information pertaining to the rich heritage of Punjab, and kingly portraits, all reflect the essence of thought that has been put in the execution of this concept.

There are minute details that point to the fact that Bright Hospitality, as a brand has a keen eye for detail, like a row of spice tables - the first few tables near to the entrance being filled with spices of varied kinds - that are prominent in Punjab, and North India, in general.

So much so that the folks at Ikk Panjab also emphasize the importance of eating with hands as each finger in our hand corresponds to an element, though there is no compulsion to do so.

Moreover, believing that the fertile plains of Punjab make it a land of abundance and large-heartedness, the menu at Ikk Panjab has been curated in line with the concept of a portioned meal so as to minimize food wastage. Welcome gestures, both of them, I must say.

The seating arrangement at the outlet has been well-thought of, with ample seating available for all kinds of patronage, without cramping too many into one space. Given the fact that the restaurant is spread over two floors, you are bound to get a table of your like at the first instant.

Even the nomenclature of the sections and the dishes itself in the menu have a Punjabi vibe to them, the presentation game is too strong, to the extent that the customary chutney platter has been carved out in the shape of the state of Punjab, and has an assortment of five pickles / dips to again symbolize the five rivers! :)

With the underlying theme of being able to 'rediscover lost recipes', patrons are spoilt for choice when it comes to being able to relish flavorful delicacies from the land of five rivers.

Here's what I would recommend trying if you wish to appreciate the flavors of undivided Punjab at Ikk Panjab.

Appetizers: 

Among the front-runners, if you are game for street food are Apne Hathan De Gol Gappe that come lined up in copper tumblers for a खट्टा-मीठा delight, Palak Patta Chaat layered with sweetened curd, pomegranate seeds, and sev that makes for a crispy relish, and Mandi Da Special Dahi Bhalla which is the quintessential savory when it comes to street food in India at large.

While Kurkuri Dahi is a crunchy pocket of hung curd that is cooked to perfection, Adraki Matran Ki Tikki is a hidden gem, and saying even that would be an understatement!

If you prefer the non-vegetarian route, Tawa Wali Masaledaar Machchi would be the best bet for soft, succulent chunks of fish with a hint of mustard. Thele Wala Chicken Tikka and Rogani Seekh were also prepared in the rustic style and had the characteristic flavors backing them.

Beverages: 

Since we're just bidding adieu to summer since the last couple of days, Aam Wala Bunta or Ambarsariya would be apt to relish the final mangoes of the season.

Another flavor that stood amongst the ones served in the bottle with a marble was that of Meetha Jeera Bunta that was lychee mocktail interspersed with Jeera for a digestive touch.

Visiting Punjab and not savoring the customary Lassi or Chaas would be a crime. To avoid being in the bad books, Shahi Jeera Lassi or Desi Gud Wali Lassi and Namkeen Chaas could be the ones to provide respite.

Main Course:

Since we're going gung-ho about Panjab, Dhaba Tadka Dal would be the dish to savor, being a melange of five lentils symbolic of the five rivers that flow through the land.

Achari Baingan is a hidden gem again, and I can confidently challenge any restaurant to incorporate eggplant in a dish in as delicious a manner as it was served at Ikk Panjab. This is one of the unmissable treats at Ikk Panjab.

Paneer Lababdar is a classic dish done in a classic, appealing manner. The flavor speaks for itself.

We paired the curries with an assorted bread basket consisting of Khamiri Roti, Chili Olive Naan, and Lachcha Parantha.

The platter again had a news piece highlighting the division of Panjab in 1947.

Soups: 

Kukkad Da Shorba and Tamatar Dhania Shorba are two of the prime broths, and either of them makes for a good one-pot meal.

Desserts: 

If you have a prominent sweet tooth like me, you would figuratively kill for the sheer variety of Punjabi desserts on the menu.

Lawrence Road Fruit Cream is a sweet delight of assorted fruits like grape, apple, and pomegranate.

Lahori Gulab Jamun is a syrupy yet soft giant with assorted nuts on the inside.

Taran Taraan De Jalebi Rabri is the signature dessert at Ikk Panjab and is highly recommended. See for yourself...

Apart from the delicious food, I would like to commend the staff at Ikk Panjab for their prompt and attentive service.

Overall, a visit to Ikk Panjab is guaranteed to make you visit the ethereal Punjab of the pre-partition era. :)

Functional Fitness With Multifit India...

At first, they'll ask you why you're doing it, 

Later they'll ask you how you did it. 

That's how it goes for life at large, but it fits like a glove as far as pushing oneself towards fitness is concerned. 

There'll be a hoard of pessimistic onlookers and a handful of optimistic cheers (one of them has to be you, yourself) but as far as pledging for a fitter self is concerned, one has to emulate the deaf frog for a clearer perspective. 

Self-confidence and self-belief are the keys as far as sustaining oneself on the road seldom taken is concerned. After all, everyone wishes to look fitter and feel fitter in today's day and age. 

Not just should this stand true for the public eye but also for the betterment of our past self, physically as well as psychologically. 

However, gymming and supplements are a thing of the past as the masses continue to realize that spot reduction is a myth and drugs provide an instant high but do more harm than good in the long run. 

Knowing the fact that a full body workout is essential to the well-being, and one cannot just be biased towards one physical region, it is vital to turn to functional fitness exercises designed so as to develop and train bodily muscles so that it is convenient to complete everyday tasks with ease. 

Functional fitness exercises engage a number of muscles at the same instant - be it the lower body or upper body ones - while simulating common movements - to engage the physique and improve balance, core, strength, and stability. 

One such functional fitness studio that has been establishing itself at various cities in India since the past three years is Multifit. 

With an aim to balance the body-mind-soul trinity, through a thoughtfully devised model for functional fitness aptly named iFIT. 

Designed to integrate science and fitness training in a manner that makes a workout more enjoyable and effective, iFIT includes High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), Yoga, Endurance and other forms of fitness training to holistically cater to your mind and body’s varied fitness need. 

In fact, a HIIT routine enhances metabolism that enables the body to burn fat even after a single routine is completed. On the other hand, iFIT workouts generally utilize only body weight, resulting in 'optimal muscle building and muscle retention coupled with fat loss and increased calorie burn'. 

I recently had a chance to Multifit Studio, Sohna Road and could witness in person, the positive impact that functional training has on the body. In fact, the clientele here, in particular, spans across 14-80, with the eldest patron being an enthusiastic senior citizen. 

With a belief that fitness should extend beyond dumbbells and machines, the schedule devised by Multifit is such that it integrates science and fitness training to facilitate its clients in attaining the perfect Mind-Body-Soul balance and aims to make fitness a lifestyle choice for every individual they engage with. 

The conventional gym imagery is challenged to the extent that by abandoning traditional equipment and narrow goals and instead using simple setups to improve one's performance at everyday activities, patrons are able to embrace fitter versions of themselves. 

Equipped with state-of-the-art machinery pertaining to strength, endurance training, calisthenics, martial arts etc. and driven by their highly qualified, experienced and certified trainers, instructors, and even state and national level medalists for centers across Pune, Jaipur, Mumbai, and Gurugram, it comes as no surprise that Multifit, as a functional fitness studio, is at the top of its game. 

With a strategized plan aimed to facilitate each patron to achieve their goals, Multifit puts forward the notion that impossible is an illusion. 

While each equipment at the studio has clear-cut instructions illustrated on it to facilitate correct usage, there are also personal trainers for patrons to seek and implement a proper technique that can make the functional fitness regime a success. 

Apart from the functional fitness regime, there are also programmes concerning mixed martial arts, kick-boxing and dance-based routines that are held to engage patrons in something unique on a regular basis. 

With a strict schedule being followed by trainers for daily classes and 'Work Out Of The Day', patrons are sure to leave Multifit with a smile saying #IAmMultifit once the functional fitness training regime is completed. 

In fact, just as the stairway leading to Multifit sports an 'x steps closer to your dreams', there is also a bell hung at the exit for patrons to ring if they feel that they have 'killed' their workout. 

On the whole, it was a positive experience visiting and witnessing the action at Multifit Fitness Studio, Sohna Road.