- From the Lanes of Old Delhi to the Tables of ITC Narmada — A Nine-Day Culinary Journey Begins
- Legendary Street Bites, Royal Mughlai Classics and Forgotten Heirloom Recipes Come Alive
- Master Chef Mohammad Mofid Curates an Authentic Feast Inspired by the Historic Kitchens of Shahjahanabad
- Signature Dishes, Rustic Kebabs, Slow-Cooked Nihari and Nostalgic Desserts Promise a Festival of Flavours
- A Rare Opportunity for Ahmedabad to Experience the Soulful Food Heritage of Delhi’s Legendary Bazaars
NE FOOD & HOSPITALITY BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, MAR 13
Food lovers in Ahmedabad are in for an extraordinary gastronomic celebration as ITC Narmada unveils “Dehlnavi Dawat”, a vibrant culinary festival that brings the timeless flavours of Old Delhi to the city.
Hosted at the hotel’s signature all-day dining restaurant Adalaj Pavilion, the nine-day food festival from March 14 to March 22 promises an immersive exploration of Delhi’s legendary street food culture and royal Mughlai kitchens.
The special dinner buffet, served from 7 pm to 11:30 pm, showcases heirloom recipes, slow-cooked delicacies and robust flavours inspired by the bustling lanes and historic culinary traditions of Shahjahanabad, once the heart of Mughal gastronomy.
A master chef brings Delhi’s heritage to Gujarat
The culinary showcase is helmed by Mohammad Mofid, a senior master chef from Sheraton New Delhi Hotel, known for his deep expertise in Awadhi and Dehlnavi cuisine.
Hailing from Faizabad, Chef Mofid belongs to a traditional family of chefs and began his culinary journey at home, learning time-honoured cooking techniques from his parents. Over the years, he has showcased authentic North Indian cuisine on global culinary platforms, helping preserve and popularise the rich flavours of Old Delhi.
A menu that captures the soul of Old Delhi
Guests will be welcomed with Mohabbat Ka Sherbet, the iconic Old Delhi drink made with chilled milk, watermelon and rose — a refreshing start to a nostalgic culinary journey.
The experience then moves to a lively chaat counter, echoing the bustling street food stalls of Delhi, featuring favourites such as:
- Kulle Ki Chaat
- Dahi Gujiya
- Aloo Ki Tikki
The appetiser selection highlights both vegetarian and non-vegetarian delights including:
- Teekhe Matar Ke Kebab — spiced green pea patties finished on the griddle
- Jimikand Ki Malai — creamy yam patties with delicate seasoning
- Sil Batte Ki Shammi — hand-pounded lamb and lentil kebabs
- Quile Mohalle Ki Seekh — charcoal-grilled lamb seekh inspired by Old Delhi’s famed kebab houses
Slow-cooked classics and aromatic mains
The main course celebrates rustic comfort food and Mughlai richness with dishes such as:
- Paneer Laung Latika — stuffed cottage cheese sealed with clove
- Lehsooni Palak Motia — paneer dumplings in velvety garlic-infused spinach gravy
- Hing Dhaniye Ke Chatpate Aloo — baby potatoes tossed with asafoetida and fenugreek
- Kunni Dal — slow-cooked Bengal gram and black lentils
Rice lovers can relish Nimona Mirch Pulao, a fragrant basmati rice preparation enriched with green chillies and pea paste.
Non-vegetarian highlights include:
- Gosht Nihari — slow-braised lamb in a deeply spiced brown onion gravy
- Murg Ishtoo — tender chicken simmered with curd, tomatoes and whole spices
- Sarai Ki Gosht Biryani — aromatic lamb and basmati rice layered with spices and crisp fried onions
Sweet endings from Delhi’s royal kitchens
The feast concludes with timeless desserts that evoke the grandeur of Mughal dining traditions:
- Shahi Tukra — saffron-soaked bread topped with creamy reduced milk
- Motia Zarda — fragrant saffron rice studded with khoya dumplings
Chefs speak: Celebrating Delhi’s culinary soul
Executive Chef Sumeet Rohela said: “At ITC Narmada, we constantly strive to bring authentic regional culinary traditions to our guests. Dehlnavi Dawat celebrates the rich and layered food heritage of Old Delhi — a cuisine shaped by history, bustling bazaars and time-tested recipes. With Chef Mofid curating this experience, diners in Ahmedabad can savour the rustic warmth and robust flavours that define Dehlnavi cuisine.”
Master Chef Mohammad Mofid added: “Dehlnavi cuisine reflects the soul of Old Delhi — its streets, its families and its centuries-old culinary traditions. Many dishes featured in this festival are inspired by recipes passed down through generations. Through this menu, I hope guests experience the authenticity, nostalgia and depth of flavour that make Delhi’s food so beloved.”
Through this limited-period culinary showcase, ITC Narmada aims to recreate the nostalgia, generosity and vibrant spirit of Old Delhi’s legendary food culture — offering Ahmedabad’s gourmands a rare chance to taste the capital’s most cherished flavours under one roof.
