Bukhara: A culinary icon that has stood the test of time

Consistency. That is what makes Bukhara the culinary icon that it is. Everything it delivers – quality of food, experience, ambience and even the menu – has same consistency as it had 30 years ago when it was started. Over these years it has created for itself a royal fan case including the likes of Bill Clinton, Tony Blair, and Vladimir Putin. 

Photo Courtesy: ITC Maurya

Bukhara serves you the cuisine of Northwest Frontier, now the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. It is credited for playing a major role in exposing a section of North Indian cuisine to the world. It was, in fact, one of the first entrants in that kind of cuisine. The waiters too wear the same distinctive Pathan suits, jackets embellished with gold braid and Peshawari sandals on their feet to add to the feel.

The 30-Year Old Menu

Bukhara has the most limited bill of fare you can get in a high-end restaurant. The variety seems limited as compared to the usual four page menus available at other restaurants. But then you don’t go to Bukhara looking for variety.

The menu looks unique, painted on a wooden plank that has the vegetarian options on one side and non-vegetarian choices on the other.

The Celebrated Food

A meat lover is spoiled for choice when at Bukhara. The best way to experience Bukhara’s celebrated cuisine is to order an assorted kebab platter. From Murgh Malai Kebab and the tender Sikandari Raan (marinated leg of lamb) to Murgh Tandoori and Barrah Kebab, all the delicacies are marinated and grilled to perfection. Have these with different varieties of naan.  

For vegetarians options are limited but are a treat. The grilled vegetarian platter comprises cottage cheese, bell peppers, tomatoes & pineapple; then there are Tandoori Aloo, Cauliflower and Bell Peppers. Breads included Stuffed Kulchas, Naans and Khasta Rotis. Then of course, there is the famous Dal Bukhara, which itself has become a brand within a brand. Rice lovers would be disappointed as there are no rice dishes.

You also get the much famous Clinton, Hillary, Obama and Chelsea Platters. You wouldn’t see them on the menu but can order and pride yourself in having ‘what the President had’. Whether you have a sweet tooth or not, phirni is a must try.  Kulfi with hot Gulab Jamun is also highly recommended. Sip in a cup of green tea to end the meal perfectly.

The Ambience

 



Stone walls, cushioned stools, wood beams, undersized tables, copper urns – all make for an upscale dhaba setting! And when sitting her you don’t eat with forks and knives at Bukhara. In contrast, to the ‘high-end, upper-scale’ positioning, you sit on cushioned stools, tie an apron around and enjoy the delicacies with your hands the desi way. You can see the delectable cuisine being prepared in the ‘open kitchen’.



Don’t feel embarrassed about using the apron and relishing food sans the cutlery. That is the Bukhara way of eating! Even Bill Clinton, the then President of America, during his visit did not hesitate in doing so.



The restaurant prides itself in serving hosts of royal guests. Just a day before I visited, John Key, Prime Minister of New Zealand enjoyed a meal here. Such an unmatched experience at Bukhara comes at a price but is worth every penny.

Loation:  ITC Maurya, Delhi

Timings: 12.30 p.m.-1.45 p.m. and 7 p.m-11.45 p.m

For Reservation call: 011-26112233

Meal for two: Rs 4,000