Delhi is known for its lively nightlife, and it is no secret that the city has a plethora of clubs and restaurants that cater to the night owls of the city. Saturday club nights are a common occurrence in the capital, and every weekend, partygoers flock to the best clubs to dance the night away. However, post-pandemic, things have changed drastically. Nightlife has taken a hit, and people have become more cautious about venturing out. But with the world slowly opening up, it is heartening to see that the nightlife scene in Delhi is picking up again. And one of the best places to experience this is at Khubani, located in Andaz, Aerocity.
Decor of Khubani
Khubani is a modern Indian restaurant that offers a diverse range of Asian and Italian cuisines as well. From the moment you step inside, you are transported to a different world. The interiors are a blend of modern and traditional, with beautiful hand-painted walls and stunning chandeliers. The ambience is both inviting and alluring, promising an unforgettable dining experience.
The restaurant is thoughtfully divided into multiple sections, each with its unique design and vibe. Whether you prefer a cosy, intimate dinner or a lively night out, you'll find your perfect spot here. The main dining area offers a romantic setting for an intimate dinner, while the bar area is the ideal spot to sip on a handcrafted cocktail and enjoy the sounds of lively music. For a more secluded and intimate dining experience, head to the first-floor seating area, where you can indulge in a private dinner or host a gathering with your closest friends and family.
Food at Khubani
Khubani is not just about the ambience. It is also about the food. The menu is curated by Chef Narender Singh Latwal, who has years of experience in the culinary industry. The dishes are a fusion of traditional and modern, with a focus on using local, seasonal ingredients. The presentation of the food is artful, and each dish is a masterpiece.
To kick off our meal, we tried a few appetisers that truly set the tone for the rest of our dining experience. First up was the Khubani ka paneer, which is a traditional Indian dish that combines succulent pieces of paneer (a type of Indian cheese) with a sweet and tangy apricot-based sauce. The sweetness of the apricot paired perfectly with the creamy, slightly salty paneer, creating a mouthwatering flavour explosion.
Next, we tried the Old Delhi Charred Chicken, which was a standout dish. The chicken was perfectly grilled, resulting in a smoky flavour that was complemented by a blend of aromatic spices. The dish was served with a cooling mint chutney that provided a refreshing balance to the heat of the spices.
For something a bit heartier, we tried the Shalgam Gosht - Wraqi Bun, which consisted of tender chunks of lamb cooked with turnips in a rich and fragrant gravy. The dish was served with Wraqi Bun, a type of soft Indian bread that was perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
We also tried the Pan Seared Fish, which was a light and refreshing dish that perfectly balanced the richness of the other dishes. The fish was cooked to perfection, with a crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior. It was served with a light and tangy tomato-based sauce that provided just the right amount of acidity to cut through the richness of the other dishes.
In the main course, first, we indulged in the decadent Truffled Risotto, a classic Italian dish that was executed to perfection. The creamy risotto was infused with the distinct flavour of truffle oil and garnished with grated parmesan cheese for added depth of flavour. The risotto was cooked to perfection - each grain of rice perfectly al dente and creamy, with a rich and earthy taste that lingered on our palates. Next, we tried the Thai Red Curry, which was served with fragrant Jasmine Rice.
While we savoured every bite of our main courses, the Thai Red Curry lacked the depth and complexity of flavour that we had hoped for. The curry was too thin and the rice was slightly overcooked. However, this was quickly forgotten when we delved into our dessert course, which featured heavenly Caramel Popcorn. Cheese Cake. This decadent dessert was a work of art, that combines the rich and creamy taste of cheesecake with the sweet and crunchy texture of caramel popcorn. It was the perfect end to a truly delightful meal.
What else at Khubani?
Apart from the food, Khubani is also known for its dance performances, including belly dance and jazz. The performances add to the overall vibe of the restaurant, and it is not uncommon to see guests get up and dance along. The music is a blend of Indian and Western, and the DJs know how to get the crowd going.
Overall, Khubani is a must-visit for anyone who loves good food, a great ambience, and a lively atmosphere. The restaurant is perfect for a romantic dinner, a night out with friends, or even get-togethers. The staff is friendly, attentive and accommodating.
After a delightful dining experience at Khubani, we're happy to report that this restaurant has earned a solid four stars out of five in our books. While some dishes might not have hit the mark, the majority of our meal was outstanding and left us wanting more.
Where: Gate No. 8, Andaz Hotel, Aerocity
Price for two: Rs 6,000 for two people (approx.) Without alcohol