If you’ve been on a culinary journey through Amritsar, the delightful dish of Makhan Machhi would have surely left a lasting impression. Just like the renowned Chole Kulche, Makhan Machhi has found its way into the hearts of food enthusiasts in Pune. This crispy and tender fried sole fish has become a beloved choice on menus across the city, with each restaurant putting their own spin on the classic recipe. However, this dish has transcended the borders of Punjab and found admirers even thousands of miles away.
Chef Prabhjeet Singh, the Chef De cuisine at Zeera in Conrad Pune, who originates from Amritsar, emphasizes that the traditional preparation of this fish has garnered significant popularity among the people of Pune, especially considering the substantial Punjabi population residing there. Makhan Machhi is crafted using sole fish, easily accessible in Pune, and it reaches its peak during the monsoon and winter seasons. Chef Prabhjeet mentions, “We have many Punjabi patrons at the restaurant who are familiar with the taste of authentic Amritsari Makhan Machhi, which is why we have stayed true to the original taste and recipe.” The dish boasts a crisp exterior and a tender interior. The preparation involves chopped ginger, green chillies, gram flour, coriander, and corn flour. After being fried in mustard oil, it’s served with pickles, onions, and chutney.
Chef Prabhjeet’s fond memories of Makhan Machhi date back to his childhood, when he would enjoy the dish during fishing trips in Amritsar. Beyond this signature dish, he also proudly claims his Butter Chicken to be the ‘best in the country.’ He dispels the notion that Amritsar and Punjabis solely indulge in non-vegetarian cuisine, highlighting a diverse range of vegetarian offerings, including Paneer Tikka Masala, Paneer Makhani, Pindi Chole, Amritsari Chole with Kulchas, and exotic vegetables.
Zeera, the fine-dining Indian grill restaurant at Conrad Pune, serves both North Indian vegetarian and non-vegetarian fare. Around 65% of their menu is inspired by Lucknow, while the remaining 35% reflects the culinary charm of Amritsar. The restaurant’s expansive variety of North Indian and Punjabi delicacies mirrors Pune’s diverse population from the northern regions of the country.
The enchanting flavors of Amritsari Makhan Machhi continue to spread joy and satisfaction among the residents and visitors of Pune, a testament to the cross-cultural appeal of this delectable dish.
