Journal | Sthan - Food Beyond Borders

The story behind Sthan: A time, a place

It all started with an idea at the back of our minds. The idea lingered, and transformed, and changed, and after many brainstorming sessions fueled by cups of coffee and more, it evolved into this. STHAN. You’ll find here the smell of baking naan, the aroma of Chai brewing, the clang of pots and pan, the bustles of breakfast to the magic of dinner time.

The artwork on the walls, in the style of mid-20th century advertising, looks at the great cities and evokes a sense of nostalgia for the erstwhile Frontier Province. The map on the wall calls to the times when there were no borders, no check-posts, no visas. As you moved from Kabul to Karachi to Delhi, the language and the food evolved gradually.

The interiors, with its ample natural lighting and full-length windows, Blue & White floor tiles, the distinct fabric on the sofa and the open kitchen, were created keeping in mind the tandoors of yore. Imagine an open hearth somewhere in a village in Kabul or Karachi or Delhi (it doesn’t matter). Imagine your family & friends coming together around the kitchen, bonding over the food. Imagine the smell of fresh bread and slow cooked meat in a tandoor, made with fresh local ingredients. That’s Sthan.

Food Beyond Borders

Reposting from http://www.foodbeyondborders.org/

Food is the substrate of life. Food defines our very existence and also our survival. Food encapsulates a complete mind, body, heart and soul experience. Food makes us different. Food also makes us alike. Connecting people and places through food culture, although they may be divided by political and human boundaries and borders is what food does best. Food can thus be used to unite.

A global story of food for peace, for health, for a better world. This is Food Beyond Borders.

Whole leg of lamb, marinated overnight with Kabuli spices, slow cooked in oven

Raan Irani

A dish full of delicious history, our Raan Irani or Alexander’s Lamb goes back to the time when Alexander the Great captured the Indian King Porus in battle, around 300 BC. When asked how he wished to be treated in captivity, Porus replied ‘like a King’. Alexander released Porus and they became friends. A special battlefield banquet was prepared to celebrate the new friendship. And this is where Sikandari Raan was first served. Sikander means conqueror, an epithet truly fitting for Alexander.

Traditionally, the Raan was wrapped in cloth, buried in a deep pit and covered with mud and coal. This would slow cook the meat for several hours resulting in a dish which is subtle, juicy and flavorful. Rann Sikandari, the Sthan version is our one indulgence. Succulent spiced whole leg of lamb, braised and roasted in Tandoor. A dish truly fit for a King.

Chai ki Dukan

Chai (pronounced as a single syllable and rhymes with 'pie') is the word for tea in many parts of the world. It is a centuries-old beverage which has played an integral role in many cultures. Even in the most remote places you may not be able to get food or filtered water but there will always be someone offering you a hot cup of chai.

Oft repeated lines from an old enamel sign board showing a mustached young fellow sipping hot tea goes like this,
Yeh shakhs aur iska bhai (This young man and his brother)
Peeta hai hamesha chai (Always drink tea)

For tea drinkers, nothing beats the heady aroma of piping hot chai filled into a warm glass clasped between your hands. The earthy Dudh Patti smells of leisurely conversations, candid confessions and old friendships. The possibilities are endless.

Whether it is your first chai or the millionth, come down to Sthan for a cuppa. Our Menu offers six varieties of delicious, heart-warming, conversation-starting Chai; from Pahadi Mountain Tea, to Strong Military Coffee, to Kadak Elaichi Kullad. Chai ki Dukan is a Sthan Special Friends & Family pot of Chai for the entire table. Apparently, we are the leading cause of the chai-ddiction in the UAE. Talk about starting a Tea Revolution!

All Day Everyday

Begin the day with a cup of chai and small sides. For Lunch, follow it up a quick Kata-Kat (is it Taka-Tak?) and Naan or go in for the whole deal. Refresh your afternoon with cup of Military Coffee and Chaat.

Experience a familiar authenticity with honest, unpretentious, soul-loving food. Our fiery chefs – flown in from the Frontier – cook up a feast of flavor and texture each day. We love to dine and laugh with the people we love, which is why our dishes are perfect for sharing.