My sojourn in Andaman was just for a couple of days, but the experience I took away from it was worth a lifetime. The flight journey from Chennai is less than two hours and the breath-taking views of the islands from the aircraft with blow your mind. The pristine blue waters and the lush green forest will welcome you with open arms. The hotel I stayed in is Keys Select Aqua Green, in Port Blair; just a few minutes away from the airport. The hotel boasts 48 rooms under different categories – Keys Room, Indulge Room, Studio Room and Suite. For women travelling alone, you also have rooms fitted with doorbell security camera which have close access to the elevator.
You are offered a detox drink when you arrive and the food options at their restaurant – The Cascade, leave you spoilt for choices. Mr. Shamsher Singh Chauhan, General Manager of Keys Hotel, Port Blair says, “People from all countries stay here and our aim was to put out food that can be enjoyed by everyone. We have South Indian, North Indian, Oriental and Continental as well. Further, we have also crafted dishes for diabetic patients and those who are in strict diet as well. People who miss their home-cooked food can experience it here with our food.”
Surrounded by water on all sides, it is synonymous of Andaman to have the best catch of aquatic animals. From crabs, lobsters to different variety of fishes, the hotel serves fresh sea food meal every day. “Our chefs start their work as early as 6 am everyday and till 8.30 pm. We also serve our handmade breads with condiments. We have also sought permission to open our bar which is already set up,” adds the manager. For starters, I ordered veg manchow soup and it was a perfect beginning for the meal.
Their murg malai tikka which is chicken marinated in white creamy marinade was yet another appetiser that got my palate ready for the next course. For the main course, I had Penne Arrabiata. The pasta was cooked al-dente and the flavour of basil came through in the tomato sauce. Their chicken pepper stroganoff was cooked to perfection and their pepper jus went well with the roasted vegetables. Finishing the meal with Cinnamon Cream Caramel was a perfect dish to cleanse. Walnut brownie with flaky crust was the best choice for the dessert — thus making my Andaman food and stay experience great!
