December 2021 | 752 words | 3-minute read
George Bernard Shaw once said, “There is no sincerer love than the love of food.” The pandemic, however, has brought to a halt the joy of eating out. You miss the smoky haze from barbecues and sizzlers at popular restaurants, or the subtly appetising aromas of Thai cuisine wafting through the air at your favourite eatery.
Food lovers cheer up! Qmin is now on the move with its brand new food truck ready to drive down to your residential complex packed with mouth-watering dishes that will leave you craving for more.
In June last year, the Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) launched Qmin, its food delivery platform with the aim to take iconic food experiences from their signature restaurants to their patrons’ homes. Following stringent protocols of safety and hygiene, including contact-less delivery and the mandatory use of protective gear for its dedicated delivery fleet, Qmin made its way into people’s hearts and stomachs. Meals are packed in environmentally sustainable packaging using bio-degradable material and customised insulation boxes, to retain the flavours of the food being delivered. Catering to the demand for on-the-go meals, the Qmin food truck has been servicing business districts and large residential complexes with a variety of comfort food options for the discerning palate.
"We are overwhelmed by the positive response to the Qmin food truck. It has always been our endeavour to offer only the best to our patrons. Wherever the Qmin food truck travelled, it has left guests absolutely delighted. This unique culinary concept has helped spread excitement and joy in local neighbourhoods, bringing delectable gourmet experiences to the doorsteps of valued customers, with the assurance of the highest standards of safety and hygiene." —Rohit Sangwan, executive chef, Taj Lands End, Mumbai
Qmin food truck
One Sunday afternoon on the way back from our weekly grocery shopping, my friends and I noticed a bright red and beige truck, with foodie artwork on its exterior, parked near our residential complex. Folks from the neighbourhood were excitedly ordering and collecting their parcels from the service window.
We decided to see for ourselves what was going on. It was the Qmin food truck with a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes on the menu. The courteous and approachable staff were serving comfort foods like hot dogs, sandwiches, gourmet burgers, loaded fries, nachos, crispy waffles and more. For vegetarians, the options included jalapeno poppers, unique mac and cheese tacos.
From a distance, we could see the chef rustling up tasty dishes inside the truck, and the ordering process was simple and easy.
Bill of fare
We decided to order a paneer kathi roll, chicken burger, hummus with pita bread, chicken fried rice and a Dutch truffle for dessert. Each food item, except the dessert, was cooked on the spot and served in a recyclable and bio-degradable container. Waste separator bins were also placed outside the truck, so as to not dirty the surroundings.
Paneer kathi roll – Decently sized, the paneer kathi roll was quite delish! The soft and well-seasoned paneer pieces were rolled in a layered paratha, with chutney as a perfect accompaniment. What I liked best was the use of caramelised onions instead of raw onions to elevate the taste of the roll.
Hummus with pita bread – Flavoursome and well balanced, the hummus dip had a creamy and smooth consistency to it. The extra virgin olive oil poured over the dip imparted the perfect richness and taste. Served with hot pita bread, this dish from the Middle East, was great for a starter.
Chicken burger – The wholesome burger was of a good size and quite filling. The chicken patty was tender and juicy, perfectly marinated and fried. The tasty burger bun was well browned on the outside and soft inside. A great afternoon snack!
Chicken fried rice – Diced chicken, mixed with veggies and spices, was delicately cooked in rice making for a satiating meal; the serving was generous.
Dutch truffle – The chocolate pastry with layers of rich chocolate ganache was divine. The gooey pastry just melted in the mouth. A must try for chocolate lovers.
The Qmin food truck brings comfort foods that you would love to binge on, so go ahead and indulge yourself!
The menu changes weekly and is determined by location. The food truck is currently stationed at residential complexes and outside offices in Mumbai only, but will soon be introduced in Bengaluru, New Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata, among other cities. Qmin food truck services can be availed for corporate functions, weddings, birthday parties, and festivities.
—Sarika Kapoor Chokshi
