Nawab’s Indian Cuisine, Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Hockessin, Delaware

Warning: This restaurant is hazardous to people with peanut allergies. They add peanut to recipes that typically don't have peanuts in them in most other Indian food restaurants. Don't assume (like I did) that just because you've ordered a dish in 50 other Indian food restaurants over the years, across the country, and it's never been an ingredient in that dish before, it won't be included in the recipes of this restaurant. There are no warnings on their menu about that surprise special ingredient.

Our first impression of this place was extremely good. The atmosphere is lovely and the service was prompt and friendly. However, things went downhill from there.

The first irritating thing was that the waitress kept trying to tell us what to order even when we weren't asking. That was a bit weird but we embraced it and took some of her advice. I mentioned at the end of our order that we really like spicy food since she didn't ask us how spicy we wanted anything as is typical. Indian food is our family's favorite food and we like it really spicy. She proceeded to say that she'd just written mild for everything and argued with us about whether we really could handle spicy food - probably because we are white. She even sent the manager over to argue with us about it. He then interrogated us about where we are from before allowing us to have spicy food. We chose to find this amusing rather than take offense. Then the appetizers came out and they were delicious. We were sure this was going to be our new favorite Indian food restaurant.

But... one of the appetizers she talked us into apparently had peanut in it and 3 out of 4 of us have an anaphylaxis response to peanuts - so this was very not good. Fortunately, I had medication on hand and none of us had a severe reaction this time. The dose must have been small. I didnt blame the restaurant, of course, since it was my responsibility to tell them about the allergy issue and I didn't. I foolishly assumed that because I'd never encountered peanut in other Indian food in other restaurants, it wasn't necessary to be cautious. Just after we noticed our throats swelling up, the rest of the food came out. I told the waitress about the allergy at that point and she cheerfully tells me that 3 out of the 4 main dishes we ordered all have peanuts as an ingredient.

I didn't expect them to give us anything for free or replace our food or anything, since I definitely should have notified them of our allergies before hand. However, when I tried to explain why I didn't say anything - because we eat these Indian food dishes regularly at various other restaurants, and follow recipes at home also, and peanut has never been an ingredient in them - she proceeded to argue with me and say that peanuts are always added to most Indian food dishes everywhere and that I must just not have noticed before.

The audacity of that comment and to argue with me about it was just absurd. Then, to top it all off, not only did they not suggest or offer that we order other food without peanut, they kept coming back and asking how we liked our food. I kept having to repeat that most of us couldn't eat it - only one of four of us had that luxury. They'd shrug and leave.

So... my husband who got to try everything did say all the food was delicious but the rest of us got to try very little of it and were poisoned by what we did accidentally consume. This was mostly my fault, I acknowledge, but the pushy gaslighing argumentative stereotyping waitress made the whole...

Nawab: A Culinary Journey to Hyderabad in the Heart of Newark, DE Emerging from Nawab restaurant in Newark, Delaware, the vibrant flavors of Hyderabad lingered on my palate, a evidence to an exceptional dining experience. This wasn't just a meal; it was a journey into the heart of authentic Hyderabadi cuisine, and a story beautifully told. From the moment the appetizers arrived, it was clear that Nawab’s was dedicated to delivering an unforgettable culinary adventure. The Chicken Malai Kebab was tender and subtly spiced, a delightful introduction to the richness that was to come. Complementing it perfectly were the crispy and flavorful Veg Samosas, each bite a satisfying blend of spices and textures. The main courses were a masterclass in Hyderabadi cooking. The Mutton Curry was a symphony of aromatic spices, the meat meltingly tender and steeped in a rich, flavorful gravy. The Mutton Shahi Korma was equally impressive, a creamy and decadent delight that showcased the culinary artistry of the chefs. Perfectly complementing these dishes was the freshly made Tandoori Roti, warm and pliable, ideal for soaking up every last drop of the delectable sauces. But the experience at Nawab extended far beyond the food. Shortly after our meal arrived, Amith, the owner of the restaurant, graciously came over to our table and shared the unique story behind Nawab. His passion for authentic Hyderabadi cuisine and his commitment to delivering a memorable dining experience were evident in every word. Beyond the captivating food and the personal touch of the owner, the ambiance of Nawab was truly remarkable. The restaurant's design was meticulously crafted, with impeccable attention to detail that spoke volumes about the dedication poured into its creation. We learned that it took months to build this space, a sign to the commitment to creating a truly special atmosphere. The soothing instrumental music playing softly in the background further enhanced the overall experience, creating a relaxed and sophisticated ambiance. Even as we savored our meal, we four of us couldn't help but notice the smooth and efficient way the takeout orders were being handled. A dedicated team worked seamlessly, ensuring that customers both dining in and taking out received the same level of exceptional service. Overall, our experience at Nawab was truly outstanding. It was a culinary journey that transported us to Hyderabad, complete with authentic flavors, a beautiful ambiance, and a passionate team dedicated to providing a memorable experience. If you're looking for a taste of authentic Hyderabadi cuisine in Newark, DE, look no further than Nawab. You won't be disappointed. a table overflowing with diverse tastes, were a true highlight. apricot juicy, perfectly balanced dessert –cake truly made my mouth water. The combination of textures and sweetness was simply divine. Following our delightful dinner, the peaceful ambiance of Nawab, combined with the exceptional experience A heartfelt salute to the dedicated chefs working hard behind the scenes and the servers who greeted us with such warmth and smiles. I have to...

I recently had the pleasure of enjoying a delightful Indian meal at NAWABS featuring Veg Manchow Soup, Crispy Corn, Shahi Paneer, Dal Tadka, Paneer Pulao, Naan, Mango Lassi and Apricot Delight. It was an absolute treat!!! 🙂

The food was exceptionally fresh and of high quality, with rich flavors and carefully selected ingredients. (Tired of the sticky, rubbery paneer elsewhere, here the paneer felt so fresh and soft and would melt in mouth every bite, I’ve never come across a place that serves desserts as rich and fresh as this one.) I’m someone who truly craves fresh, high-quality food bursting with flavor and made with care, and dining here felt like a dream come true.

The ambiance was exceptional, offering a nostalgic Hyderabadi touch that beautifully blended traditional charm with modern elegance.The service and hospitality were exceptional.

Veg Manchow Soup – A Flavorful Delight!

I tried Veg Manchow Soup and it was an absolute treat for the taste buds! The soup had a rich, deep flavor with the perfect balance of spice, tang, and umami. The consistency was just right—not too thick or too watery—allowing the flavors to shine through.

Crispy Corn – This appetizer was a perfect start to the meal. The corn was fried to perfection, giving it a satisfying crunch with every bite. The seasoning had the right balance of spices, making it both tasty and mildly spicy.

Shahi Paneer – A rich and creamy delight! The paneer was soft and fresh, while the gravy was luscious, infused with aromatic spices and a subtle sweetness. The sauce/gravy made it indulgent and paired beautifully with naan. This has quickly become one of our favorite paneer dishes, both for me and my kids.

Dal Tadka – Comfort food at its best! The lentils were cooked to a smooth consistency, and the tempering added a smoky, flavorful touch. It had just the right amount of spice to complement the rest of the dishes.

Paneer Pulao – Fragrant and well-seasoned, the paneer pulao was a standout. The rice was perfectly cooked, with each grain separate and infused with subtle spices. The addition of paneer cubes made it even more delightful.

Naan – Soft yet slightly crispy on the edges, the naan was just the way it should be. It had the right amount of fluffiness and absorbed the gravies beautifully.

The desserts were so fresh(rare find compared to other places I’ve dined at so far) I could taste the quality in every sip and bite.

Mango Lassi - Served chilled, it was incredibly refreshing and a great complement to any meal. The presentation of the Mango Lassi was beautifully done, with its vibrant color served in an elegant glass cup, making it as visually appealing as it was delicious.

The Apricot Delight - was a pleasant surprise! The texture was smooth, with bits of apricot adding a nice bite. A perfect choice for those who enjoy fruity and mildly sweet treats.

Overall, this meal was a perfect blend of flavors, textures, and aromas. Every dish complemented the other, making a satisfying dining experience. I recommend this to anyone who craves freshness, quality ingredients, and...