RELIGIOUS observances around the world has an inextricable food aspect to it because of the celebrative and bountiful nature it represents. Diwali (or Dipavali), India’s most important festivity, is no exception as it is among the world’s most fun–filled holidays.
It is derived from the Sanskrit words dīpa and āval, which literally means row of light that adorn homes, temples and buildings of Indian communities around the world. On Diwali night, which falls on November 11 this year, fireworks light up the neighborhoods where there are Indians.
Celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs to mark different historical events, stories or myths, they all symbolize the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and good over evil.
Just like our Christmas, Diwali is a season of bonding among family and friends; gift-giving; strengthening of the faith and culture; buying new things; and binging on delectable food.
Swagat Indian Cuisine, home of authentic home-style Indian cooking, is among the prime movers in showcasing this largely unknown feast in the metropolis. This week, where the annual religious commemoration climaxes, the restaurant will be illuminated with bright lights more than the usual, and a wide array of traditional dishes with a fresh twist will be introduced.
Situated along Rada Street, Legazpi Village in Makati’s financial district, the unassuming 12-year-old store literally means “welcome” in the Hindi language. And welcome it does to its merry mix of Filipino regular customers, foreign executives and compatriots who walk in and out of its doors.
It has no banghra musicians, belly dancers, ornate interiors and other fancy stuff. The only design motifs of the exotic subcontinent are a couple of framed hand-weavings, a few brass sculptures, Bollywood music videos and its food attendants garbed in traditional long sari dresses.
Despite the lack of flashy ornaments, it more than compensates with its tasty and healthful dishes, and the personal touch of its solicitous proprietress.
According to entrepreneur-chef Komal Khanchandani, Diwali is an opportunity to highlight India’s rich culinary heritage and millennia of history of the south Asian subcontinent.
“Through the food we are offering, we want Filipinos to have a cultural and healthful gastronomic adventure into the heart of India without hurting the budget,” she shares.
She said they have been observing the festivity since the mid-2000s by giving an extra mile in their servings and service to radiate the love and positive energies borne out of the occasion, and as a way of appreciating their patrons.
Swagat’s house specialty is the sangam biryani, or flavored spicy Indian basmati rice with lean, tender pieces of chicken, lamb, cooked in herbs and spices. Other finger-licking variants of the biryani are murgh (chicken), mutton, anda (scrambled egg) and shrimp.
It has a wide array of fish, chicken, shrimp, vegetable, mutton, tofu, mushroom and lamb dishes cooked in the signature masala spice, turmeric or curry. These get revamped every now and then, especially during special occasions, such as Diwali, to surprise its regular diners.
A mainstay in the dining table are the sweets which symbolize happiness and positive virtues—kulfi handmade ice cream with pistachios, the cheese-filled gulab jamun, the coconut-laced burfi, and other typical desserts.
For an authentic experience down to the details, Komal occasionally shuttles to her native Andra Pradesh state to secure Indian ingredients, implements, utensils and paraphernalia. Her trader husband, Sanjay, also visits Gujarat for the same purpose.
To cater to Muslim visitors, expats and vegan diners, Swagat has positioned itself as a vegetarian and halal food outlet. Many Indians are vegetarians and follow a meatless diet which account for their healthy lifestyle.
Its authentic home cooking and reasonable pricing also earned it a consistent listing in the prestigious Esquire’s Best Restaurants, and has also bagged Best Indian Restaurant Award in the Philippine Quality Awards for Business Excellence and the Global Brands Awards.
All told, Diwali is not just a celebration of light, but of faith and food—for Indians and people from all walks of life.
To view Swagat’s delectable menu, log on to www.swagatindiancuisineph.com.
