Nothing quite completes a Sunday like a meal with your family. Recently, Rahul Gandhi took to Instagram and shared a picture from a lunch with his family on Sunday. What stood out to his fans the most that it was at the iconic Kwality Restaurant in Delhi. In the caption, Gandhi recommended his followers to enjoy their chana bhatura—a hands down favourite among Delhiites.
Gandhi also shared images of the balloon-like bhature that the restaurant is known for and another image of his mother, Sonia Gandhi, relishing the delicious, old-school tutti fruity ice cream.
While the restaurant's smooth-to-the-touch wooden interiors would not give away its age, Kwality is an iconic establishment that has been around since 1940. While today it stands in Connaught Place as a much-loved family restaurant with a presence across other cities in India, in its early days, it was only a humble ice cream shop set up in the Regal Building by Pishori Lal Lamba, who had just moved from Lahore.
However, it was during the subsequent years, with the onset of World War II, that the restaurant took on a new avatar as American GIs stationed in the city began frequenting the outpost. It was also during this time that the soldiers exposed the founders to quintessential Western creations that are served till date, such as the Sicilian cassata and tutti fruity sundae. During this time Lamba also brought another classic to the Indian foodies with Gaylords, giving India's culinary scene a kickstart even before Independence. While Gaylords has now shut down, Kwality continues to regale gourmands with its no-frills yet nostalgic creations true to Delhi's food map.
In fact, even the interior, while revamped with plush velvet furnishing and sleek wooden accents, nods to the glorious days of the restaurant being one of the only few fine-dining establishments in the city. The walls are covered with black-and-white photos of Connaught Place captured by the renowned Indian photographer Madan Mahatta and the floors are covered with Italian marble as old the restaurant. There is also an epic maharajah-style polo bar that brims with fine antiques, a piano lounge where magic happens every evening while you are completely taken aback by the grand look of an infantry soldier's uniform from the Napoleanic era on display.
Kwality stands true to its name and ensures you're served only the best. However, there are a few dishes that are absolute standouts, especially if you are visiting for the first time. Besides the perfectly spiced and fluffy chana bhatura, reserve your appetite for dishes like burrah kebab, rara chicken balti, and taar gosht, if you're a fan of Mughlai and North Indian cuisines. If you want to enjoy Anglo-Continental flavours, then go for the crispy cheese balls and angrezi chops.
No.7, Regal Building, Sansad Marg, Hanuman Road Area, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Monday to Sunday, from 12 pm to 11 pm
Approximately INR 2,000 for two