‘Bad stuff gets a heads up’

Rockky Sharma, co-host of Highway On My Plate, says partner Mayur and he always warn viewers about places ‘not to visit’ along the national highways.

Highway On My Plate, shot at eateries along the country’s national highways, has entered its ninth season on NDTV Good Times. And nothing stops the show’s “hungry” hosts Rockky and Mayur Sharma from grabbing another plate at yet another eating joint to fill their empty tummies.

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When asked to list the 10 worst joints visited over the seasons, Rockky says he doesn’t remember any. “Mayur and I specialise in finding and eating at the best places. Bad food at legendary highway spots is rare. But in case we come across some bad stuff, we make it a point to give our viewers a heads up and warn them against visiting the joint,” says Rockky, who readily recalls the 10 best food items at highways across the country through the show’s last eight seasons.

Here’s what got Rockky’s taste buds excited while being on-the-go…

Meen Polichhattu (fish in banana leaf) in Kerala, Rs 70 for a whole pomfret
The succulent pomfret picks up on the unique spices from the region and the banana leaf does wonderful things to the fish and the spices. This is a dish that every meat lover must have at least once.

Raan (whole leg of lamb) at Karim’s, Delhi, Rs. 350 approx
The flavours of the last Mughal rulers of India are maintained and preserved at Karim’s, near Jama Masjid in Delhi. The Raan or the whole leg of the lamb must be eaten there. Do not get it packed. This dish has minimal flavour but is huge on taste. The Raan is an old recipe and the saying, ‘old is gold’, applies in this case for sure.

Daab Chingri (prawns in coconut) at Bhoji Hari Manna, Kolkata, Rs. 65
The flavour of delicate prawns in gentle coconut curry that is flavoured by the soothing spices of Bengal will make you, I bet, float away on a little cloud. And yes, the chefs at the joint insist it is an easy dish to make and goes well with hot rice. Till date, we haven’t found reason to challenge it.

Gilawati Kebab at Tundey Kebabi, Lucknow, Rs 28 for four pieces of buffalo meat
There are 158 spices, herbs, roots, leaves in every little piece of goodness at this place called the Tundey Kebabi. The blend is unbeatable and the preparation is immaculate. This is a magnificent dish and something I wouldn’t mind having again and again and again… Burrp! It comes highly recomended.