Raag: A culinary voyage into Mughal splendour

Stepping into the newly opened Mughal themed restaurant, Raag, feels like a journey back in time to the opulent courts of the Mughal emperors. Located in the heart of Delhi, Raag has quickly captured the imaginations of food enthusiasts and history buffs alike. 

With its grand decor, traditional recipes, and impeccable service, this restaurant offers a dining experience that is as rich in history as it is in flavour. 

Opened in Rajouri Garden, this pan-Indian restaurant, founded by Richa Malhan, has quickly capti-vated the imaginations of food enthusiasts and history buffs alike since its opening in July. 

Raag offers a diverse menu that celebrates authentic flavours and healthy cuisine from various re-gions across India. While the restaurant serves Bengali, South Indian, coastal, and North Indian dish-es, it is best known for its Mughlai cuisine. The restaurant’s specialisation is a pan-Indian menu with a Mughlai touch, reflected in its name, Raag. 

Upon entering, guests are greeted by a breathtaking display of Mughal grandeur. The interior is a meticulous recreation of the splendour associated with the Mughal era. Ornate chandeliers dangle from intricately painted ceilings, while the walls are adorned with lamps and beautiful frescoes depicting scenes from Mughal history. Rich colours and luxurious decor create an atmosphere of regal comfort. 

One standout feature is the traditional sitar mounted on a wall, accompanied by Sufi music in the background that evokes the dining ambience of Mughal gatherings. 

The Mughlai cotton sheets hanging from the ceilings and latticed jali screens further enhance the Mughal theme. The utensils in which food is served are made of copper, while the spoons on the table evoke the grandeur of a royal lineage. 

The wallpaper has intricate floral and geometric patterns in rich colours like deep reds, golds, and greens, with designs inspired by Mughal art and architecture. Paisleys, arabesques, and regal motifs evoke the grandeur of Mughal palaces, enhancing the opulent atmosphere. 

The service at Raag matches the decor in its excellence. The staff, dressed in attire reminiscent of the Mughal era, are attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. Their warmth and courtesy make guests feel like honoured visitors in a royal court. 

From the moment you are seated, they offer recommendations, explain the origins of various dishes, and ensure an exceptional dining experience. 

The menu is a journey through Mughlai and various other cuisines, showcasing the rich flavours and culinary traditions of the Mughal era. The restaurant prides itself on using authentic recipes and high-quality ingredients, resulting in a diverse and enticing menu. 

For starters, the Chenna Dahi Kabab and Paneer Sukka Tacos are a must-try. In the mains, the Baby Potatoes, Paneer Khatta Pyaz, and Pinwheel Paneer Kundan Kaliyan are particularly popular. Non-vegetarian options include Murgh Handi Korma, Old School Butter Chicken, and Ek Taar Ki Nihari. The rice dishes, such as Nizami Tarkari Biryani, Dum Murg Biryani, and Gosht Murgh Biryani, also reflect Mughal culinary traditions. 

Complementing these meticulously crafted dishes is a diverse cocktail menu featuring regional ingredients and spices. Notable cocktails include King of Limes, Spice Garden, Delhi Belly, Paloma, and Espresso Martini. 

No Mughal-themed restaurant would be complete without decadent desserts, and Raag delivers with its Zauq E Shahi and Kesari Phirni, which are in high demand. 

Dinesh Bisht, the head chef, notes, “Dishes like Dal Makhni, Butter Chicken, and Veg Galouti Kebabs are most loved by our guests.” 

Amit Paliwal, the restaurant manager, adds, “We ensure to serve the best quality and provide a service that encourages customers to return time and again.” 

Also Read: Visualising the resilience of Kashmiri Pandits

Richa Malhan, the founder and CEO, emphasises the restaurant’s commitment to blending heritage with innovation. 

“Our approach includes thorough research into regional culinary practices, carefully selecting authentic ingredients, and training our team to excel in both traditional and contemporary techniques,” she said. 

Raag offers more than just a meal; it provides an immersive experience of the world of Mughal luxury and cuisine. The combination of opulent decor, attentive service, and meticulously crafted dishes creates a memorable and enchanting dining experience. 

Whether you are a connoisseur of Mughal history or simply a lover of exquisite food, Raag promises to be a standout addition to the city’s dining scene. Its dedication to authenticity and quality makes it a worthy destination for anyone looking to indulge in a royal feast.