The much-dreaded peak of summer is finally here and has confined most of us indoor, at least during the day. Adding to the misery is the consistent water and electricity loadshedding. But one aspect that may get us some respite can easily be food, from juicy melons and watermelons to the refreshing lassi, sattu and so many more.

Besides these Desi, home-based remedies to beat the heat, some of the many restaurants also make their own little effort to help the food-crazy Lahoris by introducing special summer menus.

“The dishes I introduced for the summer menu are mostly a fusion of Thai, Mediterranean and Asian cuisines. It’s a fusion because we have to keep in mind the local palette. We also have to keep in mind the ingredients available locally,” says Chef Aneela Rabbani Khar who manages the menu at one of Lahore’s upmarket restaurants, Polo Lounge, Golf Road.

When introducing a summer-specific menu, restaurants have to take into account the ingredients they use, as they have to give the food the light, not-too-heavy-on-the-tummy touch. And that’s the kind of food a lot of people generally prefer during summers. They don’t want to end up gulping glasses of water after the meal, especially lunch.

Part of Polo Lounge’s menu is Spanish Cooler, Mediterranean Chicken, Green Pesto Chicken, Prawn Pomelo Salad and Thai Beef Salad among other offerings.

“I have used a lot of fresh herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, free range chicken and fresh seafood,” Chef Aneela adds.

Nisar Chaudhry, director of Yum and English Tea House, Gulberg, says their summer menu is a “value-added service” besides their “executive” menu. He claims this isn’t happening at any other restaurant. “Some just add a drink or two, but we introduce an entire menu,” he adds.

The summer special menu at Yum Chinese and Thai Restaurant includes soups with chicken, spinach, sweet corn, mushrooms; Chicken Casserole in Szechuan Style; Prawn Manchurian; Chicken with Galangal Sauce and Thai Tofu Sung Kang among others.

“While customers are enjoying the summer additions, they haven’t ignored the usual menu. Such value-added services make our client feel the company is doing something for them. Our focus for this menu is health, quality, seasonal fruits, less oil and spice. We have added some fruity beverages also,” Chaudhry explains Yum’s ‘special service’.

To the question what kind of food do people prefer while eating out in summers, Chef Aneela says: “In the summers, customers don’t feel like having heavy food. They prefer light dishes such as salads, soups and burgers, as well as refreshing drinks such as our Spanish Cooler (a lemon & mint margarita).”

Meanwhile, at another one of Lahore’s popular restaurants, Chez Nur, the summer menu is almost out. In an exclusive chat with Dawn, its Executive Director Samira Ahmed says the focus at Chez Nur, MM Alam Road, is on light, fresh, fruity salads for the summer.

“We have tried to incorporate healthy, light dishes in our summer menu. Like our steaks are light, cooked with fresh sauces and veggies. We have avoided a lot of fried food and offer lighter, easily digestible dishes as per the weather as well as refreshing drinks,” she says.

Suggested by Chef Nur Fatima, who takes cooking classes in Paris, the extensive and exotic menu includes Mango Fruit Salad, full of Italian herbs and vegetables, that has a “very soothing effect”, Fish Tikka, Peri Peri Boti, Cannelloni di Polo, Fettuccine Alfredo, Chicken Steak with Mushroom Sauce and Sautéed Vegetables and Chicken Newburg among many other offerings, including fruity desserts.

“You see our primary ingredient is vegetables, which we have cooked in light, milky, less-spicy sauces for a summery, satisfied dining experience,” Samira adds.

What kind of food would she suggest customers have during summer? “Whatever you eat, eat healthy. Have lots of vegetables, especially for lunch. Salads and fruits should also be an important part of one’s diet in summers to keep you hydrated and fresh.”

As long as this hot, humid weather persists and the mercury tests one’s patience, carefully form your meals when eating out and the above advice from experts might just help in doing so. Make your decision to step out of the house worth it by selecting the right place with the right kind of food. Bon appétit!

Published in Dawn, June 22nd, 2014