Qavalli Aerocity — Restaurant in New Delhi

A Memorable First Visit to Qavalli: A Culinary Gem in Aerocity

I had the pleasure of dining at Qavalli, a Mughlai cuisine fine-dine restaurant in Worldmark 1, Aerocity, New Delhi. Created by the esteemed Dinesh Arora, who was recently crowned Restaurateur of the Year 2024, Qavalli has already earned prestigious titles such as Best Indian Premium Dining Restaurant and Restaurant of the Year at the Times Food and Nightlife Awards 2024. Naturally, my expectations were high, and I was eager to experience what the buzz was all about.

Upon entering Qavalli, I was immediately captivated by the ambiance, which perfectly encapsulates the essence of Indian hospitality and culinary heritage. The restaurant aims to offer an extraordinary dining experience that transcends the ordinary, and it certainly delivers on that promise. The decor is a beautiful blend of traditional and contemporary elements, creating an inviting and sophisticated atmosphere.

One of the standout features of Qavalli is the live Sufi performances that take place every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. These soulful performances add a magical touch to the dining experience, enveloping you in a serene and enchanting atmosphere.

The bar program at Qavalli is another talking point that sets it apart. It pays homage to herbs, flowers, and spices used to create special cordials, tinctures, and elixirs, resulting in beverages that tantalize the palate and awaken all the senses. Bar Manager Bawa Guru served some of the best cocktails I've ever tasted, including the Nazar, Kaala Khatta, and Bhaang. Each drink was a sensory delight, beautifully crafted and presented.

Qavalli's menu is a testament to their commitment to preserving the rich culinary traditions of North India. Carefully curated to complement the cocktails, the menu pays homage to the bounty of Indian produce. The Qavalli kitchen is where authenticity meets innovation, maintaining the integrity of fine Indian food while offering a fresh perspective.

The concept of serving food as a 'Dawat' (feast) is deeply rooted in Qavalli's philosophy. The feast we enjoyed was indeed divine, starting with perfectly grilled tikkas and kebabs and continuing with soulful curries, rich breads, and deeply aromatic biryanis. It was an experience that will stay with me for a long time to come.

Here's a glimpse of what we tried:

Starters: Dhungari Salmon Boti: Smoky, tender, and bursting with flavor. Alamgiri: A regal dish that was a delight to the senses. Maas Sambusa: Crisp on the outside, succulent on the inside. Nawabi Galawti Kebab: Melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Dhuandhaar Khumb: Smoky mushrooms with a delightful texture.

Main Course: Danedaar Gosht Korma: Rich and flavorful, a true Mughlai classic. Gucchi Malai Matar: Earthy morels in a creamy sauce, simply exquisite. Daal-e-khaas: A special lentil dish that was both comforting and luxurious. Shajhanabadi Murgh Biryani: Fragrant, perfectly cooked, and deeply satisfying.

Desserts: Royal Kheer: Creamy, luscious, and fit for royalty. Kesri Phirni: Delicate, aromatic, and the perfect end to the meal.

Chef Siraj-ul-Haq took great care of our table, ensuring that each dish was presented beautifully and tasted incredible. The attention to detail and the passion for excellence were evident in every bite.

My first visit to Qavalli was nothing short of extraordinary. From the exceptional food and drinks to the enchanting ambiance and live performances, every aspect of the experience was meticulously crafted to offer something truly special. I highly recommend Qavalli to anyone looking for an unforgettable dining experience that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of...

Review of Qavalli, Aerocity

Qavalli, located in Aerocity, Delhi, is a sophisticated dining establishment known for its elegant ambiance and diverse menu. It offers a premium experience for guests looking to enjoy fine dining in a chic and contemporary setting.

Ambiance and Decor

Qavalli features a modern and stylish decor that combines luxury with comfort. The restaurant’s interior is thoughtfully designed, with elegant furnishings, ambient lighting, and tasteful artwork. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet inviting, making it suitable for both casual meals and special occasions.

Dining Experience

The dining experience at Qavalli is characterized by its attention to detail and high-quality service. Key aspects include:

Cuisine: Qavalli offers a diverse menu that includes a range of Indian and international dishes. The cuisine is crafted with fresh ingredients and presented with artistic flair. Signature dishes often include a variety of appetizers, main courses, and desserts. Service: The service at Qavalli is attentive and professional. The staff are knowledgeable about the menu and are happy to provide recommendations or accommodate special requests. The service is prompt and courteous, enhancing the overall dining experience. Ambiance: The restaurant’s ambiance is enhanced by its elegant decor and soothing background music. The setting is perfect for a relaxed meal, whether for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a business lunch.

Highlights

Bar: Qavalli has a well-stocked bar offering a selection of cocktails, wines, and spirits. The bar area is stylish and serves as a great spot for pre-dinner drinks or socializing. Outdoor Seating: The restaurant offers outdoor seating options, allowing guests to enjoy their meal in a pleasant, open-air environment. Special Menus: Qavalli often features special menus for festive occasions, brunches, and themed events. These menus showcase a curated selection of dishes and beverages.

Location and Accessibility

Qavalli is located in Aerocity, a bustling area known for its hotels and business establishments. The location is easily accessible from various parts of Delhi and is convenient for both locals and travelers. The restaurant’s proximity to major hotels and business hubs makes it a popular choice for dining out.

Value for Money

Qavalli provides a premium dining experience with a focus on high-quality food, elegant ambiance, and exceptional service. While it is on the higher end of the dining spectrum, the overall experience justifies the cost. The quality of the food, the ambiance, and the level of service make it a worthwhile choice for special occasions or a luxurious dining experience.

Overall Experience

Qavalli in Aerocity offers a refined and enjoyable dining experience with its elegant setting, diverse menu, and excellent service. Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated place to dine, celebrate a special occasion, or simply enjoy a high-quality meal, Qavalli provides a memorable and satisfying experience. Its combination of modern decor, attentive service, and delicious cuisine makes it a standout dining...

Delightful place - amazing food even for a seasoned Punjabi ! Great cocktails to begin with - fig Bellini came in an Ethnic metallic champagne glass and another one an amazing take on an Old Fashioned - served in a glass with a lotus shaped base for the added drama ! topped it was a Genda Phool ( a marigold) in the glass and lighting a small incense pot next to it ! Totally worth the price !

We ordered our starters to go with the drinks - in true punjabi style - The Alamgiri chicken tikka -a take on the afghan tikka and Nawab’s Galouti kebab .

The chicken was soft, not over soft , marinated well with saffron cream ( the hints of saffron made for a delightful look and flavour) and infused with Kewra (screw pine) . 
 The Galouti kebab, as succulent as it can be and with he perfect hint of spices ! The Salmon done Indian style was surprising - like bringing home a Scandinavian girlfriend and she killing it in a traditional Indian outfit - the churidar ! 

The Chapli kebab was a relatively modest cousin of the most amazing ones I have been lucky to have elsewhere in the country. For the mains we decided to have the most famous and yet most difficult to get perfect dish - Haleem and Lagan ka Batair Quail)

I may be spoilt - the haleem i have had at friends’ houses and the streets of Old Delhi is probably richer , heavier and more aromatic - and this one was slightly thinner in consistency and the aroma of the ginger and cilantro was a little subdued for my taste . 8/10 for this .

The Quail was well cooked , the gravy was absolutely finger licking . For chicken lovers looking to try a slightly softer meat , this would be a lovely choice .

 The dal makhni and the shahi paneer did absolute justice to the classic recipes .

The breads we took was an assortment of sheer mal ( sweet, slightly fried) , Warqi parantha - the classic tandoor ( clay oven ) paratha with a silver foil, Both these off beat breads were sheer perfection and went very well with the dishes we ordered .

 Dessert was a quick kulfi which was probably the best justice we did to our palette to have something cold and soothing after such rich delights !

The restaurant is famous for the accompanying Qawaalli ( singing style common with elements of both worship and entertainment ..and the pictures of great Qawalli and sufi singers adorn the walls. The band was in a warm up mode when we went - and would probably be a highlight for entertainment when you want conversations to take a back sea. All in all - a delightful evening thanks to the attentive and prompt service by the team ! 

If you are in Aerocity for a quick layover and want to sample the best of North Indian food - this would be as good as it gets . And for my fellow Delhi-ites- you won’t be...