Delhi Darbar - Restaurant & Bar

Critic´s Review

• Food: 3.5 / 5
• Service: 3.5 / 5
• Decor: 3 / 5

-By Odette Mascarenhas

This is a darbar of good food. The Moghuls did it in style. In fact the witty navaratnas Raja Birbal who was appointed to the court of Akbar for his intelligence, was liked for his wit and humour. One of the witty exchanges between the monarch and his minister was that Birbal even demonstrated the art of slow cooking in one of Emperor Akbar's darbars in the famous narration Birbal ki Khitchdi. Let the resplendent doorman invite you into a warm, cozy action packed place. The buzzing and movement is not of the courtiers but of contented guests and servers. Proprietor Munish Nayyar has worked on a detailed menu to bring the taste of Mughlai food to your table. And unlike the famous Khitchdi of Birbal the food arrives quickly once you have ordered. Dine on kebabs well presented on glass platters, the Malai Murgh is worth a mention. It's a meal fit for the kings, nay emperors. Old favourites like Mutton Roganjosh, Handi Gosht and Murgh Makhni rule the kitchen. Vegetarians do not despair - the Vegetable Platter, Kadai Paneer and the Dal Makhni - spices and condiments vie with each other to create havoc with the salivary glands. Like all darbars, Delhi Darbar believes in regular celebrations. There are monthly festivals to showcase the rich variety of food available in our country and food that is enjoyed by the family as a whole. And while you are on the sweet predicament - kulfi, rasmalai or gulab jamun - remember Birbals reply to the Emperor's question: what punishment should be given to the person who pulls my moustache? Quote Birbal: "Give him sweets cause the only person to do that is your grandson." A family place for culinary enjoyment…preparations relished by one and all.