Page 12 - Masala Lite Issue 155 November 2023
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             If you’re looking for something sweet
               and light for the Season of Lights,
                Marigold by Chef Garima Arora

                          more than delivers.

                       BY AIDEN JEWELLE GONZALES



              may not be Indian, but Diwali is still a festival I look forward to every year:
              from its celebration of light triumphing over darkness; to the vibrant décor
              festooned around my friends’ homes; and my favourite element, the sublime
              mithais that are generously passed around to mark the occasion; there’s a lot
              to love about this time of year.

              Of course, this season also inevitably marks the start of the mad scramble for
       delicious and original options with which you can gift your loved ones, and I’m no exception.
       So it was with anticipation and no small amount of expectation that I sampled Marigold
       by Chef Garima Arora’s range of mithai offerings (as well as their tempting chaats), to
       see if I had finally found my new go-to delivery option – and they didn’t disappoint. Chef
       Garima Arora, renowned as the first Indian woman to win a Michelin star, brings together
       familiar recipes with her own contemporary and unique twist, resulting in a smorgasbord
       of treats that your whole family can enjoy not just for Diwali, but all year round. Moreover,
       Marigold isn’t just available for delivery, but they also offer gifting options and a catering
       service so you can be sure to impress guests at your next event.

       FOOD AND DRINK

       Marigold’s mithais are impeccably presented, simultaneously irresistible and so striking
       that you don’t want to mar their perfection by eating them. Alas, temptation won out
       and I simply had to tuck in, starting with The naughty peda, whose buttery, caramelised
       exterior gave way to a surprise in the form of a truffle and pecan filling that burst in
       your mouth. As a longtime proponent of all things truffle, I’d highly recommend this
       option for those who eschew sweeter mithais and want something unique. On the
       other hand, if you’re looking for more familiar options, the Tropical kadam, comprised
       of flakes of aromatic coconut on the outside and a fresh mango filling; or the Kalakand,
       with all the charm of the original but made with organic buffalo milk to elevate the
       experience; both went down like a dream.

       As an unapologetic chocolate lover, I couldn’t resist the In love with a cocoa mithai, which
       is a chocolate barfi, its immaculate layers made with artisanal chocolate, and truly a
       melt-in-your-mouth delight. Meanwhile, my colleague still waxes eloquent about the
       Lychee parle g, which, true to its name, used Parle G biscuit, a favourite treat of Indian
       children everywhere, as the base for this ‘mithai-meets-cheesecake’ indulgence.

       For more tropical flavours, opt for the Panda-doo, which is a comforting motichoor
       but with a hint of pandan; or for a further kick of flavour, the MMM, which stands         MASALA RECOMMENDS
       for matcha, macadamia, and magic – all of which they deliver in spades, especially
       the ‘magic’ element which ensured that it came together beautifully without being   The Samosa ragda, an eminently
       overwhelming. Finally, don’t miss out on the classic Dates and nuts mithai, which is   flavourful dish that’s elevated
       perfect for those who’re hoping for healthier snacks this Diwali – with no sugar and   by the ragda and lighter than
       no dairy, it’s a guilt-free mouthful.                                   the classic samosa, while still
                                                                               heartwarming in the extreme.
       Marigold, however, is not just about the mithais. We also indulged in their selection of   From their mithais, make sure to
       chaats, all of which are perfect when you need a break from the sweet pleasures of the   order their Besan ladoo, which,
       season (although it must be noted that Marigold’s mithais are the perfect amount of   while sticking to the original
       sweetness without being cloying). Their Sev batata puri with all the fixings was incredibly   recipe of toasted besan and nuts,
       moreish, and the masala powder adds the perfect kick to offset the freshness of the   is so delicious that I’d easily
       mint and the sweetness of the tamarind chutneys. Meanwhile, their Dahi bhalla papdi   eaten three without noticing.
       chaat was especially refreshing, easy to eat with the lightness of the yoghurt, and of
       course, the crunch of the papdi and the dahi bhalla adding extra texture for a wholly
       interesting dish.
                                                                                   Call (+66) 92 498 4999 or
       But if you’re looking for a snack that you can order in at any time, their Vada pav is not   add Marigold on LINE Official
       to be missed. Eye-catching and just as delicious as it looks, it’s comprised of a bun that   @marigold.delights
       barely contains the perfectly-spherical, warm potato dumpling in the middle, and a   for special offers
       green chilli pepper in pride of place; and the final dish is much more than the sum of   Available for delivery:   VIEW VIDEO
       its parts. The perfect mid-morning, afternoon, or evening snack.         LINEMAN | Grab | FoodPanda
                                                                               Opening Hours: 11am to 8pm daily

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