Stepping into Daryaganj for lunch, I was immediately enveloped by the warm and inviting ambiance that perfectly sets the stage for a memorable culinary experience. As a lover of North Indian cuisine, I was eagerly anticipating the feast ahead, and Daryaganj did not disappoint.
Starters: A Flawless Beginning
Our lunch began with an array of starters that showcased the restaurant's expertise in tandoori cooking. The Tandoori Malai Jheenga was a standout, with succulent prawns marinated to perfection and grilled to a smoky, creamy finish. The Sole Fish Tikka followed suit, offering tender pieces of fish that were both flavorful and light.
Next came the Amritsari Mutton Chop, a dish that was the epitome of indulgence. The chops were beautifully spiced and incredibly tender, falling off the bone with each bite. For the vegetarians at our table, the Bharwan Paneer Tikkaand Tandoori Malai Broccoli were nothing short of spectacular. The paneer was soft and stuffed with a delightful mix of spices, while the broccoli had a creamy, charred exterior that was irresistible.
Mains: A Symphony of Flavors
The main course was a true celebration of North Indian culinary heritage. The Butter Chicken was rich and creamy, with tender chicken pieces bathed in a luscious tomato gravy that was perfectly balanced. Equally impressive was the Mutton Biryani, a fragrant and hearty dish with well-cooked mutton that melted in the mouth.
The Dal Makhani was another highlight, with its silky texture and deep, complex flavors. Paired with naan or rice, it was comfort food at its finest. The Butter Paneer offered a vegetarian counterpart that was just as satisfying, with chunks of paneer simmered in a velvety sauce that was a delight to savor.
Desserts: A Sweet Finale
No meal at Daryaganj would be complete without indulging in their delectable desserts. The Kesar Pista Kulfi was a delightful treat, with its creamy texture and subtle saffron and pistachio flavors providing a refreshing end to the meal. The Phirni was equally enjoyable, with its creamy, fragrant rice pudding offering the perfect balance of sweetness and richness.
Cocktails and Mocktails: A Toast to Excellence
Our dining experience was elevated further by a selection of expertly crafted cocktails and mocktails. The Shan-e-Daryaganj was particularly lovely, with its vibrant flavors and perfect balance of sweetness and tang. The Tim Collins was highly refreshing, a perfect companion to the rich dishes we enjoyed.
For those who enjoy a stronger drink, the Jantar Mantar might be appealing, though it was a bit too strong for my palate. The Daryaganj Taazgee mocktail was a delightful non-alcoholic option, offering a refreshing burst of flavors that complemented the meal beautifully.
Lunch at Daryaganj was an exceptional experience from start to finish. Each dish was meticulously prepared and bursting with flavor, making it a true feast for the senses. Whether you're a fan of traditional North Indian cuisine or looking to explore new culinary delights, Daryaganj offers an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates the rich heritage of Indian cooking. I can't wait to return and savor more of their...
Read moreA Taste of Legacy: My Visit to Daryaganj Restaurant in Gurugram
Nestled on the 1st floor of Iris Broadway, Sector 85, Gurugram, Daryaganj isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a living, breathing tribute to a golden era of Indian culinary history. Founded by Raghav Jaggi and Amit Bagga, this iconic dining destination brings to life the timeless flavors of authentic Punjabi Tandoori cuisine—crafted with love, nostalgia, and a commitment to culinary purity.
A Journey Through Time and Taste
Daryaganj is more than just a name. It’s a heartfelt homage to Late Mr. Kundan Lal Jaggi, Raghav Jaggi’s grandfather and one of the original pioneers behind legendary dishes like Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani. His story is rooted in the early 20th century, when he worked at a modest restaurant in Peshawar. Post-partition, he found himself in Delhi, where he co-founded a restaurant in the locality of Daryaganj—giving birth to dishes that would become global sensations.
Today, Daryaganj restaurant is an honest attempt to recreate those original recipes—uncomplicated, rich with tradition, and made using the purest ingredients. The experience truly feels like a walk through a forgotten era, where every bite tells a story.
What I Relished
Starters:
Amritsari Fish Pakora Boneless chunks of River Sole fish, fried to perfection, seasoned delicately with carrom and crushed coriander seeds. A true crowd-pleaser with a nostalgic zing.
Dahi Kebab Velvety-soft hung yogurt kebabs, infused with cardamom and fresh coriander, deep fried to golden bliss. The texture and flavors were an instant mood-lifter.
Main Course:
The Original 1947 Butter Chicken (Half) A legendary dish, brought to life with hand-crushed vine ripe tomatoes, a touch of butter, and succulent on-the-bone tandoori chicken. The fresh tempering of green chillies and ginger juliennes elevated it beautifully—comforting, spicy, and indulgent all at once.
The Original 1947 Dal Makhani Another classic that lived up to the hype. Slow-simmered overnight, the black lentils were creamy and soulful, with subtle notes of dry fenugreek leaves and tomatoes. Pure nostalgia in every spoon.
Daryaganj Mutton Curry A robust, deeply flavored curry made with on-the-bone mutton, onions, tomatoes, and a symphony of whole spices. Hearty, wholesome, and unapologetically rich.
Breads:
Lal Mirch Parantha A spicy red chilli-laced, multi-layered wholewheat bread. Flaky, fiery, and perfect for scooping up the curries.
Hari Mirch Parantha Similar in texture but with green chilli—a tad less intense but equally enjoyable.
If you’re someone who appreciates the authentic taste of Punjabi Tandoori cuisine, Daryaganj is a must-visit. It’s a place where food isn’t just served—it’s remembered, respected, and celebrated.
Pro tip: Go with an empty stomach and an open heart—you’re about to savor a slice of India’s...
Read moreThe restaurant chain is famous. This particular outlet location is just not stepping up to the standards. The ordeal started while trying to book a table. The online system guided us to their Whatsapp chat, which gives out the phone number for the manager at the location who refuses to answer your calls.
None the less, we visited the places as a party of 2 at about 7.30 PM in the evening. For appetizers, we placed the order for their Original Tandoori Chicken. 30 minutes later, we had our dish served after following up with the server several times. The chicken was just too dry and lacked any flavours once you bite in. Getting Tandoori chicken wrong in Delhi for a restaurant like Daryaganj should be criminal.
For the main course, we decided to go with The Original 1947 Butter Chicken. My next comment should sum up the quality and taste - for restaurants like Daryaganj, if you can't maintain the same standards that earned you your name, don't try to scale your business. Your food standard should come before your ambition of expanding your outlet count.
Service quality was horrible. At roughly half the tables seated with guests, we literally had to call out to the servers 6 to 7 times before they would even look at us. The bill took over 15 minutes to arrive at the table.
One last comment which is not really to do with Daryaganj but the location they choose to be in. There is no handicap access to the place. You are expected to climb on flight of stairs before you can take the elevator. Feels like they missed some basic checks before finalizing the location
Pretty sad...
Read more