Dum Must Must

We chose to lunch (pre-winter,it’s all about lunches) on an early afternoon. The restaurant is part of a Lucknow-based chain and markets itself as offering “authentic” flavours and recipes from Awadh.

Once past the heavy wooden doors,you realise the restaurant takes its theme very seriously,extending it to the ambience as well. Ornately carved furniture,dimly lit coloured-glass lanterns,heavy drapes and Ghulam Ali playing out on the music system — the old-world charm of Lucknow is packaged and presented well.

To add privacy,something most restaurants don’t bother fussing over,Naushijaan has wooden partitions which we found a good prop. As for the menu,it’s clearly a lot that has been packed in for a single cuisine restaurant with sections on Kebabs (as many vegetarian options as non-vegetarian),Grill-Barbeque,Shawarmas,Biryani and breads — to list a few.

We started off with a Tomato Dhania Shorba (Rs 80) that was fiery and boasted of the right flavours. It was paired with a platter of Kakori Kebabs. The kebabs were succulent and flavoursome but extremely spicy and a mint chutney to dunk them in was missing. For main course,we ordered a Dumpukht Chicken Biryani (Rs 200),Mushroom Masala (Rs 195) and on recommendation of the steward,the ulta-tawa parantha. The mushroom dish was nothing spectacular but the gravy was a perfect accompaniment to the paranthas. The latter was a real treat unlike the fat and layered laccha parantha most places serve,this was buttered but slim (not as rubbery as a roomali roti either). We really wanted to taste the Sheermal but it was not available at that time. The biryani arrived in handi and was cooked well. We relished it down to the last grain.

In the dessert,a portion of Feerni (Rs 80) was light and delightful. The other Awadhi option is Shahi Tukda,which we thought,is best reserved for another visit or a at a time when one’s looking to try their home delivery services.

Meal for two: Rs 1,000 (including taxes) Location: SCO 91,Mansa Devi Complex,Sector 5,Panchkula Contact: 0172-4007666