There is no sincere love than the love of food.– George Bernard Shaw

For the same love, we have discovered a not-so-hidden gem in The Westin, Gurgaon, that is Bara Darhi. A rooftop restaurant inspired by the bylanes of Purani Dilli brings forth the nostalgia of the old city.

Bara Darhi is an amalgamation of the traditional vibes of Delhi 6 and the modern city, Gurgaon. Westin doesn’t only serve you the flavours from old Delhi but has also brought the culinary history of the old city to their hotel. With the live kitchen and tandoor, it gives you the authentic experience of the ambiance of Jama Masjid area.

The menu conceptualised by Chef Umez Javed Khan offers authentic Mughlai dishes, which have been prepared using the same traditional cooking techniques and spices. Chef Umez belongs to one of the old gharanas, who has brilliantly brought the essence of Mughlai food on a platter.

Coming to the food, the aroma of the spices will lure you to gobble down the flavorsome dishes. Beginning with the starters, Bara Darhi has the mutton kebab, chicken kebab, and paneer Kebab, the last one is a must try for vegetarians. Paneer seekh kebab is made in the same form as the other sheek kebabs and you may not find this taste anywhere else. The kebabs are finely cooked and just melt in your mouth.

Feast on the main course, which embodies mutton nihari, paneer Changezi, chicken korma, devour the spice-filled delicious nosh with the faintly sweet sheermal roti.

End your meal with the only and best dessert, Phirni, a thick rice sweet dish. The phirni has a smooth texture and the dry fruits take it up a notch. The beverages section of the menu offers only a few drinks but they are worth gulping down this summer season. You can also go for the fusion cocktails which look tempting and are palatable.

Bara Darhi doesn’t have a lavish menu but the ones it offers do retain the authentic taste of Mughlai dishes, which justifies quality over quantity.

(Fun fact: The chefs have amazing stories to tell about the Mughlai food, do ask them to serve the tales along with the lip-smacking dishes)

Recommended dishes: Paneer sheek kebab, Mutton sheek kebab, Paneer Changezi, Mushroom tikka, Mutton Nihari, Sheermal, Phirni, Kala Khatta

Rating: 4/5

Cost for two: Rs. 1800