Journalism of Courage
The recently-opened restaurant,No. 9 Park in Kalyani Nagar aims to popularise authentic Awadhi cuisine
Located in the tranquil Lane No 12 in Kalyani Nagar,No. 9 Park provides a perfect fine dining experience. While the Joggers Park located next to it lends to the ambience of the restaurant,the interiors done in ebony wood,with walls in a two-tone brown and yellow,and the low lightening,emulate the aristocratic sheen associated with the Nawabs of Lucknow and Awadh. No.9 signifies an auspicious beginning and the Park refers to the Joggers Park located on the opposite side of the road, says director Rishi Kapoor,explaining how the name of the restaurant was ideated.
Our own experience was pleasant. Dishes like Til Dahi ke Kebaab,Murgh Ajwaini Tikka and the traditional Galouti and Kakori kebab live up to their authentic names. The chicken biryani is worth a try. The meat cooked on dum along with the rice,without spices,is not heavy but light and aromatic. Unlike Hyderabadi food,Awadhi is not heavy on the spices and garam masala. The dishes in Awadh tend to be very succulent and tender. For instance,even today kebabs like the Kakori kebabs and Galouti kebabs are made by traditionally beating minced meat with a wooden mallet to achieve fine consistency. These are little things that have to be done to ensure authenticity, says Kapoor,narrating an anecdote. The Nawabs back then were spoilt by the luxurious lives they led. Owing to their addiction to tobacco and other vices,they were unable to chew their food,so the cooks were instructed to make the meats and the vegetables as tender as possible, he adds.
Spread over 1500 sq ft,the 40-cover restaurant can accommodate more people if needed. We opted for couches and six-seater tables instead of smaller tables so that the place does not look too congested. However,when we have special party orders we can accommodate over 60 people, notes Kapoor.
