ITC Hotels have consciously carried the culinary-advocacy of heritage and modernist India; through an ever-evolving research on native dining experiences that transcends the anecdotal to actual achieved through the scrupulous supervision of groups Master Chefs. 

This time the group is taking the iconic Dehlnavi trail all around India, with its multicity culinary tour bringing the cross-border melange of erstwhile Capital City- in a handpicked curation of unaltered taste influenced from Mughal, Baniya, Kayasth, Punjab and many more. Served at homes, by food carts or at the high table, Delhi’s flavours, like her unique gharana, tells the story of the city. Successive settlers have invested the city with their own heirloom flavours and sense of urbanity. 

The four-day Dehlnavi trail dinner pop-up in Mumbai can be enjoyed ITC Maratha at Sahar Andheri East and ITC Grand Central Dishes at Parel in its award-winning restaurants Peshwa Pavilion & Hornbys Pavilion respectively giving an ease proximity access to gourmet enthusiast from North, Central and South districts of Mumbai. The culinary showcase is led by cuisine authority Chef Rais – ITC Maurya & Chef Mofid – Welcomhotel Sheraton New Delhi  Hotel to Mumbai. 

The food trail will start off with chaats such as papdi chaat, and the unique kulle ki chaat, Bhe ke Kebab, Tulsi ke kebab from the walled city. Kulle ki chaat, for the unversed, is made by scooping out the centres of boiled potatoes, sweet potatoes or summer specials like watermelons, and filling them with a mixture of chickpeas, pomegranate seeds, spices, and tangy chutneys. The stuffed potatoes or watermelon are then garnished with a variety of toppings such as sev, coriander leaves, and chaat masala, which is a spice blend commonly used in Indian cuisine.  

Besides the chaats, Dehlnavi cuisine trail will also feature kebabs and fish fry. While bhey ke kebab or lotus stem kebabs will stand true to the earnest effort for uniqueness, the other offerings on Purani Dilli Fried Chicken and Fish Fry will reflect the vast diaspora of Mughlai kebabs and street foods of Delhi.

The main course, however will remain the highlight of the fare and perhaps for the first time ever, the vegetarian side will seem more enticing with Dal Dehlnavi served with a crisp biscuitty roti will catch your fancy. Imagine the tantalizing fragrance of slow-cooked moth and split moong dal, infused with the pungency of chopped chillies, roasted cumin, and ginger juliennes. As you dip the sweet, biscuit-like roti into the creamy and thick textured dal, a heavenly blend of flavours dances on your taste buds.

The nimona pulao will be as intriguing as the dal and biscuitty combination, since the usual nimona pulao has green peas (matar), it is given a unique spin with matar stuffed inside the salan mirchis! The matar paneer naize would be the perfect nod to rustic flavours and a smooth, creamy-like texture thanks to the pine nuts. The chatpate soya charra aloo mime the mock meat hype in Mughal corterie introduced by Bania community. While kunni dal which is slow cooked on a gentle flame with a blend of Bengal gram and black lentils is infused with a handful of secret spices and a hint of garlic, is sure to comfort you to no end.

The non-vegetarian fare on the other side will be as royal as it could get. Expect the all-time favourite Dilli Butter Chicken in luscious gravy with a velvety texture and an indulgent buttery taste that coats the tongue. The juicy and tender boneless chicken pieces perfectly cooked and complemented the buttery goodness of the dish, will guarantee a lasting impression on the taste buds. The extravagant Nihari and Gosht Pulao too irresistibly delicious and added the perfect touch of Mughlai to the unforgettable experience.

The dessert platter will be the perfect conclusion to the hearty meal – full with Barf Ki Handi and decadent kheer (Khurchan) and gulab jamun.  

The Dehlnavi Food Trail can be experienced for dinner buffet from 11th May 2023 to 14th May 2023 for 2400 plus taxes at Peshwa Pavilion, ITC Maratha, Mumbai.

Date & Timing : 11th – 14th May 2023, 

Dinner – 07:00pm -11:00pm

Priced at : INR 2,400 + Taxes 

For Reservation : +91 022 28303030