Capital Fare

The Murg Malai Tikka in Mughlai fare is what Butter Chicken is to quintessential Punjabi cuisine.

The famed Rahims chain comes to the city with its Mughlai cuisine

The Murg Malai Tikka in Mughlai fare is what Butter Chicken is to quintessential Punjabi cuisine. There are in fact many dishes like the Malai Tikka that which most of us across the country associate Mughlai food with but Tahir Ismail,a restaurateur from Delhi is looking to make the unusual his USP. I started Rahims with the aim of offering lesser-known fare that is flavoursome and fresh, says Ismail who has four branches of his Mughlai chain in Delhi. Though we are just a two-year-old brand,our food has been well appreciated and now we are spreading wings to Chandigarh, said Tahir who got Nek Chand,the creator of Chandigarhs Rock Garden,to inaugurate the joint over the weekend.

Situated in a booth in Sector 35,space might seem a constraint but not when you view Rahims four-page menu which has over 100 dishes listed. Our specialties are plenty but this is the menu we are starting with in Chandigarh, says Ismail who recently held a kebab festival in Delhi that offered over 100 varieties of kebabs. The take – away joint brings in specials like Chapli Kebab (Rs 160 for four pieces),Kakori Kebab (Rs 180 for four pieces) and the Mutton Burra (Rs 260 for eight pieces). The menu offers a mixed line-up of Mughlai and Awadhi fare. Apart from the flavours,we emphasise on quality. Not many know that a chicken weighing over 600 gms doesnt cook well and is presumed to be unnaturally healthy, he says. Further,all spices used in Tahirs kitchen are homemade. We grind all masalas fresh. In fact,a dish called Murgh Nahari is made using 58 spices and is marinated overnight, he adds. If ones not aware of the brand or are overwhelmed with the list of unfamiliar dishes that run into pages,Ismail has a few suggestions. Apart from the kebabs,one can try the Kabuli Gosht Biryani or Rahims special vegetarian biryani. Also in the list of specials is the Baqarkhani (Khameeri),a soft spongy roti (Rs 45) thats a must-have. It takes a long time to prepare and we make a few during the day, he adds.

Meal for two: Rs 400 (including taxes) Location: Shop No 433/B,Sector 35-C,Chandigarh
Contact: 0172-6530002/6530008

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram