New Delhi houses state guest houses called Sadans of all states and UT’s. New Maharashtra Sadan at KG Marg is one state guest house that can easily be called as an iconic marvel of culture and Marathi pride. With ultra modern facilities offering four-star facilities and spread in an area of 6.18 acres it is a sprawling building built on the design that replicates the traditional “Waadas” built by the Peshwas during the Maratha regime in Maharashtra. From the central courtyard, the layout is spread out on either side to let in as much natural light as possible.

It is adorned with the larger than life statues of the great Maratha icons like Baba Saab Bhim Rao Ambedkar, Maratha pride Shivaji Maharaj, Savitri Phoole and many more.

Lord Ganesha’s brass and wooden statues adorn the Sadan at every place mirroring the richness of Maratha culture and art. Much space has been allotted to green cover with manicured gardens and a lavish spread of potted plants that line the interiors of the Sadan.

The highlight of Maharashtra Sadan that cannot be missed is its food. I can vouch for it. It’s a must go for all foodies. The menu is exhaustive. We started with Sol Kadi, a refreshing digestive drink made of kokum (a plant of the mangosteen family), a speciality of Konkan region that extends from Goa through Maharashtra. (The kokum fruit is largely produced in this Konkan region and used as an astringent or souring agent in many of the specialties of the area. This Sol kadhi uses coconut along with kokum.)

Every place has its speciality. So after inquiring with the staff of their speciality I zeroed in on Kolhapuri chicken. It was a dish of not so spicy chicken with curry.  But a lip licking dish for sure.

Having heard good words about their fish and prawn, that was to be tried. So a plate of Koliwada Fish and Koliwada prawn was a sumptuous delight. Although they form part of the main course they are great as starters too. Koliwada fish coated with light spices and poppy seeds and prawns fried into a crispy snack, is a moderately spiced, lightly tangy with a juicy inside, is a must try.

Other mouth watering Marathi dishes, very local, that need to be tried in Maharashtra Sadan and are all time favourites are Chach or Butter Milk (beverage), Zhunka (powdered dish made out of gram flour), Mutton Malwani, Dal (Sweet & spicy), their special bread called Bhakar, Sapji chicken and Puran Poli, the famous sweet dish of Konkan region and South India.

If you are a local food admirer Maharashtra Sadan is the place to enjoy Konkan food in the heart of Delhi.