In this blog post, I cover one of the most iconic restaurants of Delhi, Kwality Restaurant, that has reopened with a new look and menu, transporting you to the bygone golden era of the 1940s.
Imagine visiting a restaurant whose roots go way back in time - a place where Delhi first learned how to dine. In every aspect, my visit to the Kwality restaurant last week was all about reliving old traditions. Delicious and authentic fuss-free food served with simplicity yet elegance.
The brainchild of legendary PL Lamba, Kwality is Delhi's single oldest restaurant, which has been standing strong for the last 80 years. From the 1940s to the early '90s, for many locals, eating out only meant going to Gaylord or Kwality; the popular restaurant has continued to enjoy the rare privilege of laying the foundation stone of India's post-independence food landscape, introducing patrons to the countless delights of ice-creams, hotels, and fine dining.
For many Delhiites, the restaurant is still symbolic, bringing back fond memories of dining through their childhood. Over the years, Kwality has spread its wings not only across the country but also beyond the borders, under the capable leadership of Divij Lamba, Director - Kwality group.
Adapting to the modern-day challenges and evolving preferences of food connoisseurs, the brand is all set to bring back the old-world charm of having a fine place to dine at, which is comfortable and nonintimidating. The idea centers on enjoying good family time and bonding with friends over hearty meals and conversations. At Kwality, it isn't unusual to spot three generations of a family having a ball together on the same table.
Hailed as the pioneers of Anglo-Indian Continental cuisine, Kwality reintroduces a menu that does not deviate much from its tried and trusted authentic yet traditional roots. Enjoy a royal dining experience with a full-scale breakfast and a traditional colonial high tea menu that suits the perfect wintery feel of the capital.
The food is served in bespoke crockery and cutlery from Villeroy & Boch Germany. Kwality's new menu delivers innovative ideas in the preparation and presentation of food and drinks, combining the best flavors, tastes, and aromas. My personal recommendation includes the Chana Bhatura, Tandoori Pomfret, Kakori Kebab, and Taar Gosht.
The artistic interiors, designed by Mandira Lamba with the touch of Manuu Mansheet, reek of historical authenticity. Behind a heavy velvet curtain entrance, get ready to be transported into a time warp, with original period furniture, a piano lounge and a typical Maharaja style polo bar littered with original antiques. There are nearly 70 original photographs of Connaught Place (CP) adorning the walls, courtesy famous photographer Madan Mahatta. These photographs span over a period of 40 years and have thoughtfully captured the essence of CP. The part of the restaurant which is curated around an equestrian and polo theme radiates of a time and sport that so was popular around that period. The floor is covered with checkered wood and Italian marble.
The entertainment offers an equal vantage into time travel, with weekend Jazz band performances and daily grand piano accompaniment during high tea and dinner.
Kwality is buzzy and happily sunlit in the day, with piano tunes coming alive during the high tea, and the night is accompanied by jazz, dimmed lamps and utter elegance. The newly opened restaurant is the place to be all day, every day, for delectable nostalgic food, at its very best.
From dress code of the servers to foreign brass bands, from formal high teas to midnight dances, it is hard not to fall in love with Kwality. The restaurant has nostalgia written all over the place!
[Fact Sheet:
Address: 7, Regal Building, Parliament Street, New Delhi 110001
Phone: 011 23742310 / 23742352
Time: Noon to Midnight
Meal for Two: INR 1400++
Total Covers: 96
Credit Cards: Accepted
Parking: Valet Parking
Instagram: @kwalitydelhi
Website: http://www.kwalitygroup.com/restaurants/default.aspx]
Imagine visiting a restaurant whose roots go way back in time - a place where Delhi first learned how to dine. In every aspect, my visit to the Kwality restaurant last week was all about reliving old traditions. Delicious and authentic fuss-free food served with simplicity yet elegance.
The brainchild of legendary PL Lamba, Kwality is Delhi's single oldest restaurant, which has been standing strong for the last 80 years. From the 1940s to the early '90s, for many locals, eating out only meant going to Gaylord or Kwality; the popular restaurant has continued to enjoy the rare privilege of laying the foundation stone of India's post-independence food landscape, introducing patrons to the countless delights of ice-creams, hotels, and fine dining.
For many Delhiites, the restaurant is still symbolic, bringing back fond memories of dining through their childhood. Over the years, Kwality has spread its wings not only across the country but also beyond the borders, under the capable leadership of Divij Lamba, Director - Kwality group.
Adapting to the modern-day challenges and evolving preferences of food connoisseurs, the brand is all set to bring back the old-world charm of having a fine place to dine at, which is comfortable and nonintimidating. The idea centers on enjoying good family time and bonding with friends over hearty meals and conversations. At Kwality, it isn't unusual to spot three generations of a family having a ball together on the same table.
Hailed as the pioneers of Anglo-Indian Continental cuisine, Kwality reintroduces a menu that does not deviate much from its tried and trusted authentic yet traditional roots. Enjoy a royal dining experience with a full-scale breakfast and a traditional colonial high tea menu that suits the perfect wintery feel of the capital.
The food is served in bespoke crockery and cutlery from Villeroy & Boch Germany. Kwality's new menu delivers innovative ideas in the preparation and presentation of food and drinks, combining the best flavors, tastes, and aromas. My personal recommendation includes the Chana Bhatura, Tandoori Pomfret, Kakori Kebab, and Taar Gosht.
The artistic interiors, designed by Mandira Lamba with the touch of Manuu Mansheet, reek of historical authenticity. Behind a heavy velvet curtain entrance, get ready to be transported into a time warp, with original period furniture, a piano lounge and a typical Maharaja style polo bar littered with original antiques. There are nearly 70 original photographs of Connaught Place (CP) adorning the walls, courtesy famous photographer Madan Mahatta. These photographs span over a period of 40 years and have thoughtfully captured the essence of CP. The part of the restaurant which is curated around an equestrian and polo theme radiates of a time and sport that so was popular around that period. The floor is covered with checkered wood and Italian marble.
The entertainment offers an equal vantage into time travel, with weekend Jazz band performances and daily grand piano accompaniment during high tea and dinner.
Kwality is buzzy and happily sunlit in the day, with piano tunes coming alive during the high tea, and the night is accompanied by jazz, dimmed lamps and utter elegance. The newly opened restaurant is the place to be all day, every day, for delectable nostalgic food, at its very best.
From dress code of the servers to foreign brass bands, from formal high teas to midnight dances, it is hard not to fall in love with Kwality. The restaurant has nostalgia written all over the place!
[Fact Sheet:
Address: 7, Regal Building, Parliament Street, New Delhi 110001
Phone: 011 23742310 / 23742352
Time: Noon to Midnight
Meal for Two: INR 1400++
Total Covers: 96
Credit Cards: Accepted
Parking: Valet Parking
Instagram: @kwalitydelhi
Website: http://www.kwalitygroup.com/restaurants/default.aspx]
I have heard much about the restaurant from my circle of Delhite friends. Now I know exactly what calls for this popularity of the restaurant.
ReplyDeleteKwality restaurant looks quite impressive. I bet your photography skills are making it even more awesome.
ReplyDeleteThis is such an amazing place. Rooted deep in the history and traditions of Delhi this place looks like heaven only. Beautiful clicks.
ReplyDeleteI know about this place but sadly I never managed to dine in here ever. I am very much keen to try this restaurant atleast once, probably on my next visit to delhi.
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate nostalgia with Quality restaurant as this place holds so many memories from my college days 👍
ReplyDeleteOh my God. I fell in love with the restaurant just seeing your pictures. how amazing it would be to be there in person. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDelete