Birthday Dinner at Dum Pukht, ITC Maurya Delhi

Yesterday I turned 31, and believe me once you cross 30 each birthday reminds you of growing old. Some people suggest you to look at the brighter side that god gave you another year of happiness and life ! Good part is that I got to celebrate my birthday at one of the most luxurious and royal restaurants – Dum Pukht, ITC Maurya New Delhi.Dum Pukt ITC Maurya New DelhiRestaurant depicts pure luxury, I was totally in love with the Regal decor and Royal Blue theme of the place !

About Dum Pukht

‘Dum’ means to ‘breathe in’ and ‘Pukht’ to ‘cook’. Dum Pukht cooking uses a round, heavy – bottomed pot, a handi, in which food is tightly sealed and cooked over a slow fire

Dum Pukht brings you the intense flavours and leisurely luxury of slow cooked food made from authentic recipes garnered from the royal kitchens of Awadh. Sample the most delicately wrought qaliyas, quarmas and salans along with a delicious array of biryanis, pulaosand Indian breads, all cooked to perfection by our talented team of chefs.Dum Pukt ITC Maurya New Delhi (2)Dum Pukt ITC Maurya New Delhi (3)Dum Pukt ITC Maurya New Delhi (6)We decided to go by Rajesh Sahni (Maitre De Chef) suggestions, I must say he took care of our interests served us the best on the menu ! I also liked how he took us through “Dastaan E Dum Pukht”, inception of the cuisine. It’s a very fascinating story of how the technique that was used to cook food for the masses made it way to royal kitchen.

In starters He served Mahi Dariya (Fillet of River Sole marinated with green chilli, butter milk and fried), Murgh Chandi Tikka & Kakori Kabab.Dum Pukt ITC Maurya New Delhi (7)Fish was served with Navaratna Chatni . It was the best Fish Fillet I have ever had. It was so flaky, not oily and had a crisp crust and with that chutney it tasted delicious. Other stand out dish was Kakori Kabab, It had such a soft and “melt-in-your-mouth” texture , I am telling you picking it from plate (to eat) was a good task, it was served with sweet saffron bread, both tasted too good together. We all know what a Murg Tikka is, it had subtle flavours, very succulent and delicious. By the time I finished starters my stomach was half full already !

For main course we were served – Murgh Khush Pardah (Dum cooked boneless chicken), Koh-e-avadh (Dum Cooked Mutton Qorma), Mirch Baigan Ka Salan, Subz Miloni (Mixed veg cooked in puree of spinach) & Dal Dum Pukht (Arhar Lentil)Dum Pukht New DelhiOh I loved the breads he served main course with, soft moist and flavorful ! Everything was appropriately spiced and delicious. I specially liked Murgh Khushk Purdah, koh-e-avadh & Mirch Baigan Ka Salan. I never thought a dish made of eggplant can taste this good !

Now it was time for oh-so-famous “Dum Biryani” ! We were served Dum Biryani & Murgh Yakhni Pulao with Raita. Dum Biryani was prepared in Ceramic Pots sealed with Pastry.Dum PukhtDum Biryani had aroma of whole spices and saffron. Murgh Yakhni Pulao tasted equally good. My Husband licked his plate clean (Literally) .

For desserts we had Gulab Kheer & Shahi Tukra.‘Dum’ means to ‘breathe in’ and ‘Pukht’ to 'cook'. Dum Pukht cooking uses a round, heavy – bottomed pot, a handi, in which food is tightly sealed and cooked over a slow fireITC team also didn’t forget to make this day more special and surprised me with a birthday cake !IMG_7236Its me !! Desperate to dive into the chocolate cake.IMG_7237What I wore – Blue & White Polka Dot Short, Denims, Studded Flats (Sam Edelman), Leopard Print Tote (Juicy Couture) & My all time favorite Ruby Woo (MAC).  Oh and yes that’s my Husband next to me 🙂IMG_7264I had a wonderful time at Dum Pukht and its the best place to have such celebrations. Staff is attentive and courteous. Food is delicious and the whole place has a feel of luxury ! Perfect Blend of Good Food & Regal Ambience. Highly Recommended !

Here are my ratings

Ambience – 5/5

Service – 5/5

Food – 5/5

Cuisines– North Indian Cuisine

Opening Hours – 7:00 PM – 11:45PM

Location – ITC Maurya, New Delhi , Diplomatic Enclave, Sardar Patel Marg,

Overall Score – 5/5, Highly Recommended

 *Dinner was Complimentary.

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