ITP Indian Travel Places: Food, Travel, Tourism Business Events and Trade Shows
Royal Afghan: Revisited on 30 June, 2023
ITC Windsor houses five excellent food and beverage outlets and none more popular than the Royal Afghan. This decades old restaurant enjoys the advantage of an attractive setting by the hotel’s poolside. It’s particularly fetching at dinner time, in the evening cool of Bengaluru with the place bathed in mellow light. You should reserve your table ahead, for it gets pretty packed with foreigners getting a taste of Indian fare and large family groups.
The fairly small menu has remained unchanged over the years and for good reason. There are customers who have been coming here just for the Dal Bukhara or the Murgh Makhani. They aren’t clamoring for the newest thing or more choice; they simply want robust food that hits the spot every time.
For my meal here I began with the Seekh Kebab. Made from lamb mince, it was tender with the distinct fragrance of shahjeera. There was also the Murgh Malai Kebab, a delicately flavored chicken kebab that’s a definite crowd pleaser.
For main course, the Dal Bukhara is a must-have. It’s a decadent thing, enriched with butter and cream and a few mouthfuls scooped with a roti will leave you sated. I had the Paneer Makhani, enjoying the tang of the gravy. This, too, is a rich indulgence.
Royal Afghan’s Indian breads are worth talking about. There is a layered Khasta Roti and a Pudina Paratha flecked with dried mint. The Naan Bukhara is an Instagram-worthy creation, but should only be ordered if there are at least six people at the table. It’s massive in size.
Desserts top off the richness with more of the same. There’s warm Gulab Jamun, a creamy, silken Kulfi and an excellent Phirnee.
Be prepared to dona bib – red for non vegetarians, green for vegetarians – and dig into this feast with your fingers. Cutlery is not provided and you have to ask for it. You will be judged and deservedly so. Trying to eat Indian food with fork and knife should be as much of a gaffe as picking up jajangmyeon with your fingers.
