𝐏𝐔𝐊𝐇𝐓𝐀𝐀𝐍 𝐊𝐀𝐋𝐊𝐀 𝐉𝚰 - 𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐂𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐏𝐀𝐃𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐇𝐑𝚰 𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐅 𝚰𝐌𝐓𝚰𝐀𝐙 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐇𝚰 — Restaurant in Kalkaji

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗕𝘂𝗸𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝘂𝗸𝗵𝘁𝗮𝗮𝗻: 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗳 𝗜𝗺𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘇 𝗤𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵𝗶 In 2011-12, I embarked on my professional journey as a food writer, during which I discovered the culinary artistry of Chef Imtiaz Qureshi and the renowned Bukhara restaurant at ITC Maurya in Delhi, celebrated for its exquisite tandoor-based dishes. While editing a colleague's review of Bukhara, I was introduced to the iconic Dal Bukhara—a dish that has become synonymous with the restaurant's legacy. The editor had cleverly titled the piece "Dal Capital," a pun merging Dal Bukhara and Das Kapital. This piqued my desire to experience Bukhara's offerings firsthand. Over the years, I immersed myself in numerous videos featuring the late Chef Imtiaz Qureshi, notably his collaboration with Gordon Ramsay. Chef Qureshi, a luminary in Indian gastronomy, was instrumental in reviving the Dum Pukht style of cooking—a traditional slow-cooking method that enhances the flavors of Awadhi cuisine. His contributions earned him the Padma Shri in 2016, making him the first chef to receive this honor in the culinary category. Recently, I learned about the opening of Pukhtaan—Legacy of Padma Shri Chef Imtiaz Qureshi, a restaurant established by his son, Ashfaque Qureshi, to honor his father's legacy. This inspired me to visit their Kalkaji outlet, where I had the pleasure of meeting Ashfaque Qureshi himself. The meal commenced with Murgh Peshawari Tikka, a dish that, despite its apparent simplicity, requires meticulous preparation to achieve perfection. Having savored exceptional Murgh Tikka at select establishments in Delhi, including Al Qureshi’s in Alaknanda and Al Kausar, I can attest that Pukhtaan's rendition is exemplary, with tender, melt-in-the-mouth pieces. Dal Bukhara, a signature creation of Chef Imtiaz Qureshi, is a testament to the chef's mastery in elevating humble ingredients to legendary status. While it may initially seem akin to Dal Makhani, its depth of flavor and creamy texture set it apart, reflecting the meticulous slow-cooking process that defines Dum Pukht cuisine. The Mutton Nihari commanded attention with its rich aroma and complex spice profile. Originally a common man's dish, Nihari has been elevated to regal status through intricate preparation techniques. The Khamiri Roti, distinct from the usual offerings, provided a perfect accompaniment, enhancing the overall dining experience. Pukhtaan is a must-visit for aficionados of Awadhi cuisine, offering an opportunity to savor the legendary dishes crafted by the late Chef Imtiaz Qureshi. The restaurant stands as a testament to his enduring legacy, meticulously preserved and presented...

I had a below-average experience at this Padamshri awarded Legacy Restaurant. Honestly, it didn’t live up to its name , I couldn’t find even 10% of the “legacy” it claims to have.

When I sat down, I used a tissue to clean my plate and was surprised to see it covered in dust ,clearly, the plates weren’t properly cleaned.

I tried the Kakori Kebab and Tandoori Chicken Tikka, but both dishes were quite ordinary .

When I asked for Coke or Pepsi, they didn’t have any , only Limca was available, so I had to settle for a lemon soda (shikanji) instead.

To top it off, the mouth freshener (saunf) served at the end looked spoiled completely powdery and stale.

Overall, the food, hygiene, and beverage options were disappointing. Definitely not what you’d expect from a place calling...

Pukhtaan is a paradise for North Indian and Mughlai food lovers! We tried their chaap, kebabs, false drink, butter chicken, and dal makhani—and everything was absolutely delicious.

The chaap was perfectly marinated and smoky, the kebabs were tender and flavorful, and the false drink was super refreshing. For mains, the butter chicken was rich and creamy, while the dal makhani had that slow-cooked, earthy goodness we love. Paired with buttery naans and jeera rice—pure comfort food!

The staff was warm and attentive, and the ambience made the whole experience even better. Highly recommend Pukhtaan for a satisfying, soul-soothing meal! Do not forget to try their best selling rajma...