When The Muse Strikes!

A Memorable Visit to Qavalli: A Culinary Gem in Aerocity

noreply@blogger.com (Rahul Prabhakar) — Wed, 07 May 2025 13:00:00 +0000

In this blog post, I explore Qavalli, a Mughlai cuisine fine-dine restaurant in Worldmark 1, Aerocity, New Delhi.

I stepped through the ornate archway of Qavalli in Aerocity as if I were crossing a threshold back in time—a gold-and-amber oasis where the fragrance of rose, jasmine, nutmeg and a whisper of cinnamon and saffron greeted me like an old friend.

Qavalli

From the moment I sank into one of those plush velvet alcoves, it was clear: this wasn't just another dinner out, it was "A Culinary Daawat" in every sense.

Food at Qavalli

Veteran restaurateurs Dinesh and Pooja Arora have poured their passion for mehmaan-nawazi—the time-honored art of Indian hospitality—into resurrecting the Virasaat of our food culture and the Zaika of prized Indian spices.

Restaurateurs Dinesh and Pooja Arora

Here, every detail whispers of lost recipes and forgotten khansama techniques: the curries gently simmering in burnished handis, the perfectly charred tikkas and succulent kebabs pulled hot from the tandoor, and aromatic biryanis that unfurl clouds of memory with each spoonful.

Kebabs at Qavalli

The interiors—masterfully conceived by Chromed Design Studio under Abhigyan Neogi's vision—feel like an exotic palace borrowed from the pages of a medieval manuscript. Enormous crystal chandeliers dangle over gilded bar fronts; the walls wear vibrant reds and intricate Moroccan-inspired patterns; and a tapestry-like mural pays homage to qawwals of yesteryear.

Bar at Qavalli

All the while, live qawwali music wraps the room in lilting verses that make you want to linger over conversation, cocktails, and nostalgia. Speaking of cocktails, the Indian botanical bar at Qavalli is nothing short of spellbinding. Each drink dances on the palate with house-made tinctures and elixirs distilled from native roots and barks—pairs perfectly with the kitchen's "Dawat" menu, where authenticity meets innovation.

Cocktails at Qavalli

I balanced a smoky, saffron-infused martini against a plate of melt-in-your-mouth murgh makhani, then dove into a plate of kaleidoscopic tandoori vegetables artfully drizzled with pomegranate molasses. And because this experience is built for sharing, the cost for two comes in at just INR 2,000—a price point that feels like a gift when the return is so lavish.

Over dessert (a silken rose-and-cardamom kheer that practically floated on my tongue), I remembered founder Dinesh Arora's words:

Qavalli is a canvas on which we've painted the vibrant tapestry of Indian flavors and hospitality. It's an invitation to embark on a regal gastronomic journey, where traditions meet innovation, and every moment is cherished.

By the time I left, night had fallen over Worldmark 1, and the glow from Qavalli’s chandeliers spilled onto the Aerocity boulevard like a silent promise: come back soon, there's more to discover.

Whether you're a lover of Mughlai classics, a cocktail adventurer, or simply in search of an unforgettable night out, trust me—Qavalli is where Indian hospitality reigns supreme.

[Address:

Qavalli

Lower Ground Floor, Worldmark 1, Aerocity, New Delhi 110037

⏰ 12 PM – 12 AM

💰 Cost for Two: INR 2,000

📸 @qavallidelhi]

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Roma by Unplugged: A Roman Holiday in the Heart of Connaught Place

noreply@blogger.com (Rahul Prabhakar) — Sat, 26 Apr 2025 06:07:00 +0000

In this blog post, I explore Roma by Unplugged - a new fine-dining restaurant in Connaught Place, New Delhi.

Roma by Unplugged

There's something magical about stepping into a space that instantly transports you to another part of the world—and that's exactly what happened the moment I walked into Roma by Unplugged.

Nestled in the ever-buzzing Connaught Place, Roma isn't just another new restaurant in town. It's a slice of Europe—elegant, warm, and buzzing with energy. Conceptualized by Dinesh and Pooja Arora (the same folks who brought us Chica and Qavalli), Roma blends the opulence of Roman architecture with the chic flair of a modern European bistro. It's bold, it's beautiful, and oh, the food? Absolutely divine.

First Impressions

The exterior is straight out of a Roman postcard—stone walls, cascading florals, and a tranquil water body reminiscent of the Trevi Fountain.

Roma by Unplugged

Step inside, and you're greeted with a gorgeous play of deep blues, earthy tones, and warm golds. Chromed Design has truly outdone themselves. The interiors are effortlessly elegant, marrying rustic textures with sleek contemporary elements that scream la dolce vita.

The Culinary Experience

Now let's talk about the food—because that's where the real love affair began.

Habanero Chilli Chicken

To start things off, I had the Peas & Quinoa Tikki—a delicate little patty packed with mashed peas, toasted quinoa, and a creamy chèvre that added a lovely tang. It was followed by the Corny Hummus, a creative twist featuring corn fritters and sesame lavash. Earthy, hearty, and full of textures—each bite was comforting yet refined.

For mains, the Kerala Mutton Pepper Fry came with soft, flaky Malabar parottas that soaked up every bit of the fiery, peppery goodness. Then came the surprise star of the night—the Burrata Black Daal. Think your favorite dal makhani, but elevated, creamy, and paired with smoked butter naan that melted in the mouth.

Burrata Black Daal

And dessert? The Baklava Cream Roll was indulgence personified. Phyllo pastry wrapped around saffron cream and candied pistachios—it had that perfect balance of crunch and creaminess.

Cocktails & Vibes

The bar, led by mixologist Kunal, is an experience in itself. With a cocktail menu that marries the classics with inventive twists, each drink felt intentional—crafted to complement the meal and elevate the mood.

Margarita

Whether you're there for a pre-dinner drink or staying for a post-dinner buzz, you're in for something special.

The Bigger Picture

Roma spans a massive 9,000 square feet but still manages to feel intimate. Every corner tells a story—from the cozy nooks to the open social spaces perfect for celebrations.

Bar at Roma by Unplugged

It’s clear that Dinesh and Pooja Arora haven’t just built a restaurant—they’ve curated an experience. One that appeals to the after-work crowd, the date-nighters, the weekend brunchers, and even those just looking for a bit of European charm in the city.

Final Thoughts

Roma is a fresh, bold addition to Delhi’s dining scene. It’s where history and contemporary creativity meet in a dance of flavors, design, and hospitality. I walked in curious and left completely smitten.

Roma by Unplugged

If you’re in or around Connaught Place, do yourself a favor—book a table at Roma. Whether you’re there for the food, the drinks, the vibe, or just the escape, you’ll walk away with a full heart and an even fuller belly.

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Elevate Your Wardrobe with Slowave's Stretch Denim Jogger Pants

noreply@blogger.com (Rahul Prabhakar) — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 02:53:00 +0000

I recently placed an order from Slowave, and I'm thrilled to share my experience with their Stretch Denim Jogger Pants. As someone who values style and comfort, these pants immediately caught my eye, and after receiving them, I can confidently say they're a game-changer for any wardrobe.

A Timeless Addition to Your Wardrobe

Denim has always been a classic, but Slowave has taken it to the next level with these jogger pants. They blend the timeless appeal of denim with modern-day comfort, making them a must-have addition to my daily wear. Whether running errands, heading to work, or simply lounging around, these pants are versatile enough to keep you looking effortlessly stylish.