Nisha's Mumbai: Nisha JamVwal's Week That Was Full Of Flavours, Faith & Feminine Fortitude

When Dining Becomes Purpose

Some restaurants transcend mere culinary destinations - they evolve into institutions that represent something greater than exceptional food and hospitality. Ishaara embodies this philosophy, standing as a beacon of inclusivity that transforms service into something beautifully compassionate and distinctive. I‘ve been moved by the hearing and speech-challenged staff, whose dedication and involvement in serving guests creates an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the city. It’s endearing and something that touches the heart!

An extraordinary Awadhi festival curated by celebrity chef Sunaeyaa Kapur from Lucknow, aptly titled 'The Gourmet Begum' which I decided to attend albeit much later than the appointed time turned out to be an experience that transcended a simple dinner. It was a heartfelt tribute to forgotten recipes, to ingredients that once reigned supreme, and to the legendary hospitality of Lukhnow brought to Mumbai by Sunaeyaa and Prashant Issar that felt like an intimate family celebration.

The evening showcased the purity and brilliance of authentic ingredients while exploring India's rich culinary heritage through regional treasured recipes , reviving lost flavours and bringing timeless stories back to our tables. Prashant Issar illuminated the space with his inimitable hospitality and wry humor, while Sunaeyaa accompanied each course with enchanting stories from her family dining table, her fathers legendary hospitality, explaining how words like 'Galawat' have been corrupted into 'Galawti” kebabs over time.

Some of the unforgettable showstopper dishes were Habibiya Chaap - a decadent, slow-cooked masterpiece inspired by the silk-route flavours; Chef Qureshi ka Mahi Tikka which is a tribute to the legendary Nawabi fish grill; Palak Anardana Chaat which is a vibrant textural delight from the bylanes of Lucknow ( street food is always a winner isn’t it?) ; Matbakh E’ Nihari is a soul-warming, slow-cooked stew born in the royal kitchens of the Nawabs and perfected in the bylanes of Lucknow; Subz Husainabadi which is vibrant vegetarian masterpiece inspired by the rich culinary legacy of Husainabad a very prominent part of Lucknow's historic grandeur and these are just the tip of the culinary festivities presented at this pop up!

The deserts were a surprise, not so much the Wark e Shahi Tukda as much as the favourite that evening Lassun ki Kheer. Traditionally believed to have medicinal and warming properties, it’s a dish that embodies healing, heritage, and Nawabi innovation where this forgotten recipe from the kitchens of Awadh has garlic transformed into something soft, subtle, and luxuriously sweet. You can hardly recognise this effulgent ingredient in its sweet-dish avatar.

But if you were to ask me my absolute favorite you’d be surprised to learn that it was the ‘Sheermal’ - the bread accompaniment ! Hailing from the royal kitchens of Awadh this indulgence is a lightly sweetened, saffron-scented flatbread enriched with milk (sheer), ghee, and a touch of kewra or

rose water. Baked in a tandoor or clay oven, its golden crust is soft yet slightly crisp, brushed with butter for a melt-in-the-mouth finish. Once a delicacy of Nawabi feasts, to me it evoked visuals of luxurious mehfils of Lucknow as seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi where poetry and flavor mingled under twinkling swaying chandeliers.

Empowering Through Education

I always marvel at how philanthropist Rashmi Upadhayay weaves together meaningful CSR evenings with effortless grace and gravitas. She invited me to be keynote speaker on the challenges of menopause as well as the critical issue of cervical cancer awareness. The rapt audience of women from anganwadi shelters responding to my words so feverishly was so heartening. I shared my firm belief that every stage in life holds special significance, and no situation or age should be viewed as an ending - especially menopause - but as a fresh beginning.

Women worldwide get intimidated at the onset of this stage, whereas I see it as that time in life where one has learned so many lessons we can use to live a fuller life. Menopause isn't the end of your story - it's the beginning of your most liberated chapter. This is when you stop apologizing for who you are and start celebrating the wisdom you've earned. The hot flashes pass, but the confidence gained from surviving them stays permanent. I shared with the women present - that they must embrace this transition of gaining their power instead of viewing it as loosing their youth! I'm thrilled that we managed to shift some perspectives during our session.

The special finale of the day was the ramp walk with cervical cancer survivors which i enjoyed doing the most ! Next time we complain about life’s trials we might like to remember these hero’s?

The Westin provided the perfect backdrop for this afternoon of these enlightening discussions about women's health, yoga as a lifestyle, and Ayurvedic medicine as a game-changer which wowed all and we will be traveling to Lukhnow as part of this vital conference to create awareness in different cities of India.

Return to a Beloved Institution

My Mumbai journey some twenty five years ago (back when it was still Bombay) began with Indigo and Olive - practically the only two restaurants outside five-star hotels that captured my loyalty. While Indigo's closure still saddens many Mumbaiites and me especially, Olive remains vibrantly alive and utterly magnificent! This OG restaurant holds an irreplaceable place in many hearts and I enjoy my times there immensely to this day!

When AD Singh, Olive's founder, invited me to celebrate the handover of their bar to his sister brand from Bengaluru - SIREN - I couldn't resist popping over from my downtown home all the way to Bandra, where bitters alchemist Akshay Singh literally 'shook' things up. The signature cocktails with their playful Asian twist were sensational: Bang Bang, Peking Duck, Green Apple Salad, and Cha Do - each one bold, punchy, and delightfully over the top. I'd highly recommend Bang Bang if you find yourself at Olive! The majestic trees, twinkling fairy lights, and charming cobbled outdoor space remain as magical as ever, with always more enchantment to anticipate.

Sacred Beginnings

Paresh and Preeti Parekh's Rudra Puja beautifully heralded the approaching festive season for me - Janmashtami, Ganpati, Kartik, Diwali, Christmas and countless other celebrations now beckoning. The puja itself was divinely executed, The prayers divinely executed, had chants reverberating through the room while the stunning pandal created a festive ambiance where ladies bedecked in traditional rani pinks and saffrons splashed the space in religious fervour.

I must guiltily confess that the prasad dinner and sweet meets were as deeply appreciated as the chants and prayers themselves. The coming months promise a delightful succession of celebrations and festivities in India not to mention the pageantry of the big fat Indian weddings!

May the good times roll and the mercury retrograde pass soon!

Write to Nisha JamVwal at nishjamwal@gmail.com