The second restaurant that we went to for this edition of RWI was Dum Pukht. Located in the ITC Windsor, the entire hotel has a very royal feel to it, and Dum Pukht The Jolly Naboobs is born of elegance and aristocratic class. We reached a tad early, and waited in the patio outside till the restaurant was open. The high ceiling, soft hues and subtle music transports you to almost a different era. Ushered in, we took a corner table, and started off with some wine for the evening while deciding what to start with.

The plaque at the entrance

The regal interiors

The menu for RWI 2015

The first round of appetizers comprising of Murgh Chandi Tikka and Shikhampor Kabab. The food came in beautiful China ware, presented impeccably. The Tikka was soft, freshly off the tandoor, was served in 4-5 pieces, while the lamb kabab flavoured with cardamom and saffron was one thick chunk of finely minced lamb with cream. The Kakori Kabab was a signature option in the menu, available at an additional price. Given the reviews we heard of this particular delicacy, we opted for one portion. We were served 4 large pieces of finely minced mutton with cloves, cinnamon and served with a drizzle of saffron, served with small breads. To say that this melts in the mouth would be about as accurate as it gets. Soft, immensely flavorful, and made to perfection, this dish alone can make your visit to Dum Phukt worth it.

Kakori Kabab with bread

Murgh Chandi Tikka

Shikhampor Lamb

Papad and papaya chutney

The main course came after a little while at our request. We were already quite full, so indulged in idle conversation to pace ourselves for the next set of dishes. We were served some papaya chutney for the table, and that was just sweet and mildly tangy, and I couldn’t keep my hands off of it! Our mains had the Raan-E-Dumphukt, a leg of lamb slow cooked on dum, making the meat amazingly tender. We also got their signature dal – Dal Dumphukt – lentils cooked with yogurt, chillis but not spicy, just a classic dal. We also opted for the Signature Main Course of the famous Gosht Ki Biriyani, with lamb in mace, ittar and kewra, served in a sealed handi. This was possibly the only disappointing dish of the evening, or that could be because we had such high expectations. The rice was flavorful, while the meat was well cooked in dum, but the best biriyani? Perhaps not.

Raan-E-Dumphukt

Dal Dumphukt

Gosht Biriyani

The dessert, however, was more of an anticlimax. The shahi tukra was rich, and heavy, but the radbi flavor was not as good or sweet as I would have wanted. The other option we got was the zauq-e-shahi which was small jamuns cooked in rabdi and garnished with pista, badam and saffron. This was alright, nothing notable.

Shahi Tukda

Zauq-e-shahi

The service was prompt and impeccable. Surprisingly they don’t have a service charge. The wine list is exhaustive, and has exclusive offerings, while the liquor selection is almost obscenely expensive! The food, especially the starters and main course were fabulous. The amazing ambiance, soft lilting music and the period décor almost transports you to another time and place. The place is perfect for special occasions and celebrations. It is quite an unparalleled restaurant.

Dum Pukht Jolly Nabobs

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