06 Aug 2016, 08:29 am
That is Hakuna Matata for you!
Started by a young couple, Prabhas Dutta and Pallavi Ruia Dutta, the restaurant, at a prime location on Park Street in Kolkata, takes its name from the Swahili phrase, which means 'no worries', and serves what they call 'hand crafted blend of Euro Asian flavour as well as some Indian tadka to American or French cuisine."
Although the rain played spoil sport as the Duttas welcomed their guests aboard the luxury air-conditioned tram waiting at the Ballygunge Tram Depot, decorated with balloons, banners and cutouts of Hakuna Matata mascot --Koko, it could not damp the festive cheer.
As the tram, dubbed the 'Hakuna Matata Express', made its way through some of Kolkata's busiest streets and junctions -- Gariahat, Rashbehari Avenue, Hazra, Alipore, Ekbalpore -- past the Maidan and finally to Esplanade, the jaw-dropping expressions of the onlookers' were a photographers' study while thankfully, the translucent glass hid the flurry of activities inside.
Music heralded the arrival of the first of the five course meal -- Peruvian Root Veggie Ceviche -- a typical seafood dish modified with root vegetables and served with quinoa tossed, feta cheese coated, limoncello vinaigrette dressing.
Next arrived a Chinese Katori, filled with noodles topped with baked apple nori wedge, beetroot quenelle, and a dollop of goat cheese.
Ekbalpore-Mominpur was lost in a blur as the Litti Chokha Shot arrived - chokha filled litti served on a shot glass filled with vodka infused pear salsa.
As the mushroom-filled Orange Polenta Bomb arrived, decked with sun-dried tomato and a pesto cream base, the tram made a brief stop within the green Maidan -- everyone rushing out to click a few selfies and groupfies.
The Choco Moon, a chocolate flower filled with basil infused chocolate sauce, praline, mousse, cream cheese dollop, followed by a Paan Booster rounded up the meal in style.
But a special mention must be made of the chef's team who, almost miraculously, conjured up the plated meals -- each a delight to the eyes and palate -- within the confines of the tram, and served them without a single complaint despite a dozen photographers blocking their way.
The trip ended at the Esplanade Tram Depot but not the celebrations as a birthday cake arrived.
Postscript: The Duttas have promised their mascot Koko a world tour -- every month guests at Hakuna Matata will be able to taste a dish from a country on Koko's itinerary.
(Reporting by Uttara Gangopadhyay)
Images: Food: Hakuna Matata; Tram: Uttara G
- Imagine doing yoga on Hooghly River between two iconic bridges—Kolkata just made it happen
- Crafted in India, Framed in the West
- Bengal's Chingri Malai Curry Outshines Global Rivals, Ranks Among World’s Finest Shrimp Dishes
- From Mumbai to Global Recognition: Ashok Vada Pav Ranks 25th in TasteAtlas' Iconic Sandwiches List
- Digha — A Place Where Waves Speak to the Heart
- Dosa Outshines Global Pancakes! Indian Classic Makes TasteAtlas 2026 Best List
- Step Inside Changi: The Airport That Keeps Winning the World Over
- Butter Biryani? Chef’s Viral Recipe Wins Over Foodies
- Pahari Maggi: How a Swiss Noodle Conquered Every Indian Hill
- From Palaces to Plates: Taj City Centre Launches 'Flavours of Rajasthan' in Kolkata
Airlines major Emirates is introducing a third daily flight between Dubai and Phuket, operated by its new Airbus A350, offering travellers greater choice and extending its award-winning Premium Economy experience in Thailand.
Emirates will deploy its flagship Airbus A380 on the Delhi–Dubai route from October 25, making Delhi the third destination in India to be served by the airline's double-decker aircraft.
Private airlines Air India Express has announced the launch of its ‘Xplore More’ sale across international flights, offering up to 15% savings on Lite and Value fares.
