𝐏𝐔𝐊𝐇𝐓𝐀𝐀𝐍 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑 𝟐𝟐- 𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐂𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐏𝐀𝐃𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐇𝐑𝐈 𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐅 𝐈𝐌𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐙 𝐐𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐇𝐈 — Restaurant in Gurugram District

I recently visited Pukhtaan, located in Udyog Vihar, Sector 20, Gurugram, and I was blown away by the experience. Pukhtaan isn't just another restaurant; it’s a culinary journey that honors the 220-year-old legacy of Dum cuisine. Drawing inspiration from Padmashri Chef Imtiaz Qureshi, known as the creator of Dal Bukhara and the pioneer of Dum cooking, Pukhtaan brings an authentic taste of royal heritage. They have outlets in various locations like Gurgaon, Kalkaji, Satya Niketan, Karol Bagh, and Rajouri Garden, but this was my first experience with their Udyog Vihar location.

The restaurant is a beautiful blend of tradition and culinary artistry. From the warm ambiance to the aromas wafting through the air, every detail reflects the rich heritage of North Indian cuisine. Here's a glimpse of the dishes I tried:

PUKHTAAN KAKORI

The meal began with Pukhtaan's signature melt-in-the-mouth mutton kebabs, known as the Pukhtaan Kakori. Delicately wrapped on skewers and infused with flavors of clove, mace, and cardamom, these kebabs were slowly cooked to perfection. The softness and depth of flavor in each bite were simply mesmerizing – true mastery of the Dum tradition.

MURGH PESHAWARI TIKKA

Next up was the Murgh Peshawari Tikka. Each piece of chicken was marinated overnight in Pukhtaan’s unique blend of spices, then grilled to tender perfection on a red amber grill. The result? Juicy, flavorful chicken morsels that were subtly spiced yet bursting with flavor. It’s hard not to appreciate the depth and patience that went into this dish.

DAL BUKHARA

Dal Bukhara is a classic dish that Pukhtaan handles with the respect it deserves. This creamy, rich blend of tomatoes and black lentils is slow-cooked overnight, resulting in a harmonious balance of flavors. The buttery finish added the perfect richness to this heartwarming dish, and I savored every spoonful.

LAHORI MURGH KARAHI

For the main course, I had the Lahori Murgh Karahi. This dish featured succulent chicken cooked in a karahi with chopped green herbs and fresh cream, adding a delicious freshness and creaminess that brought it to life. The bold flavors of this dish were enhanced by a subtle heat, making it an absolute standout.

WARQI PARATHA

To pair with the rich gravies, I ordered the Warqi Paratha – a layered paratha delicately scented with aromatics and cooked on a dome-shaped tawa. It was flaky, buttery, and the perfect accompaniment to soak up the flavors of the Lahori Murgh Karahi and Dal Bukhara.

JAAN-E-AZAM

No meal is complete without dessert, and Pukhtaan’s Jaan-e-Azam did not disappoint. This honey-soaked khoya dumpling, centered with nuts and saffron, was indulgent and delightful. The sweet flavors paired perfectly with the warm spices, creating a lovely balance.

KULF-E-MASHOOQ

I wrapped up the meal with Kulf-e-Mashooq, a traditional Indian ice cream served in a matka. This dessert was rich, creamy, and subtly sweet with a unique texture, thanks to the traditional preparation method. It was a perfect end to a memorable meal.

Each dish at Pukhtaan is crafted with care and respect for tradition, and it’s clear that they aim to keep the royal heritage of Dum cooking alive. I left the restaurant not only satisfied but also feeling like I had experienced a piece of culinary history. For anyone who appreciates North Indian cuisine, Pukhtaan is a must-visit, a place where tradition truly meets...

I visited the Sector 62 outlet with my family for dinner on July 27, 2025. While the restaurant presents a pleasant appearance from the outside, our experience was far from satisfactory.

The dining environment was uncomfortable, as the premises were infested with fleas and mosquitoes. Although the food itself was of good quality, the overall atmosphere significantly detracted from the experience.

To make matters worse, there was a power outage that lasted more than 10 minutes, during which time the situation became increasingly unpleasant. My children and I were bitten by mosquitoes, and fleas were visibly present around our food.

Given the conditions, we chose to leave after receiving only our starters and paid accordingly.

While the restaurant promotes the involvement of a Padma Shri-awarded chef in its branding, the level of service and basic hygiene standards unfortunately did not reflect...

Pukhtaan is a newly opened authentic Mughlai restaurant in Sector-22, Gurgaon, inspired by the recipes of Padma Shri Chef Imtiaz Qureshi. They serve lip-smacking Lucknowi delicacies from an exquisite menu.

Everything I ordered was really good. We tried: Sheekh Gilafi Kebab – juicy, tender, and full of flavour. Roti pe Boti – delicious kebabs served on small rotis. Fish Tikka – nicely marinated with a soft, juicy texture. Dal Bukhara – just amazing. Butter Chicken – perfect balance of spices and sweetness. Doodh Naan – soft, well-textured naans. Atte ki Khamiri – something unique that I tried after a long time. Sharbate Shireen – a slightly tangy Roohafza-based sharbat. Galauti Kebab Roll – loved the taste. Malai Phirni – could be improved; it lacked the rice flavour.

Everything was worth the price. The food hygiene, quality, and quantity were well-maintained, and the staff was courteous...