The Mahmudabad food festival, Dilli 32, The Leela East Delhi is a must visit
There are a lot of hidden cuisines across India. Ancient recipes lying forgotten and often not made due to the availability of fast food. We all know how regional cuisines are slowly dying or becoming fusion recipes but the real culinary gems were the kitchens of Maharajas who feasted on elaborate and royal food.
Chef Ashwani at Dilli 32, The Leela East Delhi is taking a yearlong culinary journey and reviving those royal cuisines and hidden recipes which have gathered dust over the last few decades. And the journey is going to be one epic one. The first stop is the now unknown nizam capital called Mahmudabad. Mahmudabad was closer to Lucknow and the food was all about slow cooking, dry fruit-laden dishes, and creamy rich desserts.
Dilli 32 has a 15-day long food festival showcasing these hidden gems, the food changes every day and you get to feast on some authentic kebabs from the era, shahi zarda rice and slow-cooked desserts.
The restaurant has been converted into a royal dinner hall, if those existed, with plush red seats, velvet drapes, candle lights, live music and servers dressed in royal costumes. Get ready to play king for dinner!
Must try: The navrattan paneer kebab is a must try and so is the dry fruit laden savory samosa for all vegetarians. The non-vegetarians get more than ample options from a karche ka anda (which is an egg cooked on a ladle) to khade masale ka keema (the best keema I have had, juicy, flavorsome and soft) also the kebab miyanpuri and boti kebab are amazing.
In the mains their special Dilli 32 dal is a must have along with an interesting set of Mahmudabad inspired dishes. The nirhari, quorma and salans are the perfection and show the dedication by the chef to nail ancient yet ideal flavours. Mahmudabad is also known for its milk rich desserts and you will taste the best milk burfi and chane ka halwa here. If the food is amazing the desserts are par excellence. They also have a special chutney and condiment section which has some unique chutneys ever.
Dilli 32 is a dinner dining restaurant with a buffet of some 50 plus items which are all inspired by Mahmudabad. The food festival is on for the next few weeks.
Where: Dilli 32, The Leela East Delhi (open for dinner)
Cost: 1699 PP
