A place where Delhi first learned how to dine is now all set to return, hoping to bring back traditions such as delicious and authentic fuss-free food, a dress code, foreign brass bands, formal high teas, and midnight dances.
I am referring to Kwality, New Delhi's single oldest restaurant that has been standing strong in Connaught Place for the last 80 years. Having opened in 1940 by the legendary owner PL Lamba, during the pre-independence time. Kwality has had the rare privilege of laying the foundation stone of India's post-independence food landscape, introducing Indians to the delights of ice-cream, hotels, and fine dining.
The past Republic Day weekend, I had the pleasure of dining at Kwality, of course, it is the perfect time to revel in some national nostalgia, albeit through the culinary route.
Being pioneers of Anglo-Indian cuisine, the menu at Kwality features a selection of Indian and Continental delicacies, with the ambiance exuding unmatched old-world charm, complemented by polite and attentive service.
The service style is presented with bespoke crockery and cutlery from Villeroy & Boch, Germany, and a painstakingly curated silver service.
Designed by Mandira Lamba with the touch of Manuu Mansheet, the interiors reek of historical authenticity. Behind a heavy velvet curtain entrance, one is immediately transported into a time warp with original period furniture, a piano lounge and a typical maharajah style polo bar littered with original antiques.
There are almost seventy original photographs of CP by the famous photographer Madan Mahatta on the walls, spanning over the period of 40 years and have captured the essence of the grand Connaught Place and lifestyles post-independence where strong colonial influences can be seen.
Coming to the gastronomic excellence that is plated with a smile at Kwality...
Beverages:
Kwality Shikanji is one of the in-house specialties, a homemade concoction that refreshes the palate.
Oolong Kangra is one of the warm brews that feature on the high-tea menu at Kwality, a blend straight from the tea estate at Kangra Valley! :)
Appetizers:
Dahi Ke Kebab were appetizing, melt-in-mouth morsels of hung curd complemented by pomegranate and cashew.
Shakargand Ramadana Tikki was a crisp and flavorful preparation of sweet potato and amaranth, one of the unique delicacies on the menu.
Palak Patta Chaat is one of the quintessential and popular street foods in Delhi and its preparation at Kwality was a vibrant and delicious one.
Stuffed Tandoori Mushroom Tikka had button mushrooms enveloping a creamy mix of khoya and dry fruits, which was delightful.
Paneer Boti Tikka was an elaborate preparation off the grill, with the smoked charcoal flavor balancing the creaminess of cottage cheese.
Kashmiri Paneer Kebab was grilled to perfection with the nuttiness of dry fruits.
Khijiya Papad is one of the in-house special accompaniments to an Indian meal when dining at Kwality.
Soups:
Minestrone and French Onion are two of the classic English preparations and both were presented with finesse, and the classic flavors intact.
Main Course:
Grilled Fish is a classic continental preparation that had soft river sole fillets served with a side of grilled veggies and lemon butter sauce.
Desserts:
Kwality Special Pudding
Parsi Dairy Kulfi
Tutti Frutti
Bread and Butter Pudding
All in all, a meal at Kwality resembled warping to the bygone era in the heart of Delhi. :)
The service style is presented with bespoke crockery and cutlery from Villeroy & Boch, Germany, and a painstakingly curated silver service.
Designed by Mandira Lamba with the touch of Manuu Mansheet, the interiors reek of historical authenticity. Behind a heavy velvet curtain entrance, one is immediately transported into a time warp with original period furniture, a piano lounge and a typical maharajah style polo bar littered with original antiques.
There are almost seventy original photographs of CP by the famous photographer Madan Mahatta on the walls, spanning over the period of 40 years and have captured the essence of the grand Connaught Place and lifestyles post-independence where strong colonial influences can be seen.
Coming to the gastronomic excellence that is plated with a smile at Kwality...
Beverages:
Kwality Shikanji is one of the in-house specialties, a homemade concoction that refreshes the palate.
Oolong Kangra is one of the warm brews that feature on the high-tea menu at Kwality, a blend straight from the tea estate at Kangra Valley! :)
Appetizers:
Dahi Ke Kebab were appetizing, melt-in-mouth morsels of hung curd complemented by pomegranate and cashew.
Shakargand Ramadana Tikki was a crisp and flavorful preparation of sweet potato and amaranth, one of the unique delicacies on the menu.
Palak Patta Chaat is one of the quintessential and popular street foods in Delhi and its preparation at Kwality was a vibrant and delicious one.
Stuffed Tandoori Mushroom Tikka had button mushrooms enveloping a creamy mix of khoya and dry fruits, which was delightful.
Paneer Boti Tikka was an elaborate preparation off the grill, with the smoked charcoal flavor balancing the creaminess of cottage cheese.
Kashmiri Paneer Kebab was grilled to perfection with the nuttiness of dry fruits.
Khijiya Papad is one of the in-house special accompaniments to an Indian meal when dining at Kwality.
Soups:
Minestrone and French Onion are two of the classic English preparations and both were presented with finesse, and the classic flavors intact.
Main Course:
Grilled Fish is a classic continental preparation that had soft river sole fillets served with a side of grilled veggies and lemon butter sauce.
Desserts:
Kwality Special Pudding
Parsi Dairy Kulfi
Tutti Frutti
Bread and Butter Pudding
All in all, a meal at Kwality resembled warping to the bygone era in the heart of Delhi. :)
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