By Suman Tarafdar
The opening of the latest outlet of Oudh 1590 brings the popular chain to Delhi
If its Awadhi cuisine you desire, especially in Kolkata, there has been a clear favourite – Oudh 1590. The brand which began in 2013, has nine restaurants in Kolkata and has, most recently set up their first outlet outside Bengal’s capital - in Delhi NCR, Noida to be precise. The 4,500 square foot, 64-cover restaurant is located in Noida’s most visited market and is spread over two levels.
Just as the name suggests, and the claim of being ‘India’s first period dining restaurant’, the chain brings alive the nostalgia for the coveted cuisines by serving some of the best known dishes from the cuisine – and quite a few lesser known ones. From an array of kebabs and tikkas as starters to mains that include a range of biryanis, there’s a lot of offer on the extensive menu, and affordable despite being in the premium segment. Think favourites such as Kakori Kabab, Galawati Kabab, Gosht Burra Kabab, Awadhi Sugandhi Mahi, Shahi Dahi Kabab to Murgh Qalmi Kabab. Mains include Murgh Musallam, Murgh Irani, Nalli Nehari, Lasuni Palak, Awadhi Daal and more. The range of biryani’s is commensurately extensive, including favourites such as Murgh Awadhi Handi Biryani, Gosht Awadhi Handi Biryani, Awadhi Palak Biryani, Oudh Special Raan Biryani and Moti Biryani. The royal courts were inordinately skilled in their dessert preparations, and this includes the Shahi Tukra and Phirni.
Why a lot of satisfied customers have been repeat customer lies perhaps largely due to the expert chefs - raqabdars from Lucknow, traditionally trained in the unique cooking styles of the region, including Dum Pukht. The flavours stand out, subtle, evocative of the region’s rich traditions influenced from centuries of mixing of cultures from different parts of the world. “Our bawarchis are expert in making age - old Awadhi delicacies that will should appeal to the taste palates of the people of this part of the country. We are hopeful that, very soon, people from Noida and other parts of Delhi will surely make this place an indispensable food haven”, said cofounders Shiladitya and Debaditya Chaudhury, brothers who launched the brand a decade ago.
They stress that Oudh 1590 is a feel-good brand, a destination restaurant which aims to provide a holistic experience. This is evident from the interiors as well. Oudh 1590’s heritage and ‘royal crafting’ was spearheaded by acclaimed art director Nitish Roy and executed by Khayrul Islam. Awadhi touches – from jharokha type windows, extensive use of tableware, lighting, lamps, period art – at each touch point the aesthetic is designed to reflect Awadh at its peak. The service staff is also suitably attired. Add to that Begum Akhtar’s timeless classics that play in the backdrop, and the customer is transported to a different era – at least temporarily.
The Chaudhury now want to roll out the restaurant chain to pan India and say this is their initial foray outside Kolkata. Over the next three to four years, the group plans to increase its presence and have an outlet of Oudh 1590 in all the metro cities of India. Delhi can expect more outlets, say the founders. Till then, Noida is the Awadhi cuisine fans go to destination.
Rating: 4/5
Location: Sec - 18, Noida
Phone: 8100862120 / 21
Timing: 12 noon to 10.30 pm
Table to two: ₹1,200
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