A few years back if a new eatery would open in the Rajouri garden area, its success would totally depend on the taste of the butter chicken and dal makhani the place serves. But now that notion has totally changed, as people have been experimenting more and more with various cuisines and concepts. Thanks to a largely Punjabi community of west Delhi, the eating out culture here has been on the top since many decades. NH44, the 3 month old Pan Indian restaurant in Rajouri garden takes you to a journey of delectable dishes from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. As its name is dedicated to the longest highway that covers the length of our nation, it serves the best of cuisines from different states.
The corner location and the bold signage do not let the restaurant go unnoticed. The ambiance is colourful and vibrant with bare brick, semi plastered walls which give a rustic dhaba feel. The sitting area of the 3000 sq feet space is ample without any congestion. The bright light is given by the bulbs infused in banta bottles and inverted cane domes. The beautifully designed menu card in shape of a truck arrives and each dish is explained in a unique hinglish style. Corporate chef Sanjeev Takyar explains us that each dish has been carefully selected and it is ensured the focus is on the purity of the ingredients used, so that authenticity is not compromised at all.
We were served shots of jaljeera and our appetites were swollen. The NH44 special is a mocktail not to be missed. A blend of guava juice infused with green chilies, coriander and rock salt was a perfect start. Food journey began with some street food specialties, Bombay Vada Pav and Kancheepuram idli, stuffed with pepper corns and heeng. One must not miss to have the Maharaja Patiala Sword Kebab. Robustly spiced, skewered and beautifully presented char grill chicken on a sword flambé style is super delicious. The enormous variety in the main course might confuse you, but it’s recommended to try the tangy chicken chettinaad with a malabari parantha from the coastal section. But the main highlight of the meal is the north Indian fare which leaves you wanting for more. The soft and succulent Rahra meat, nicely wrapped with keema (minced meat) and the uniquely flavored Pudina paneer are also highly recommended. Do not leave your meal without having their deserts. The Beetroot halwa is extremely delicious. It’s prepared with grated beetroot, some sugar and milk which make it healthier too. Another one is the Gil-e-bahisht, a signature dessert which is a combination of rabdi, phirni and kalakand.
NH44 will take you into a fascinating trip for a unique culinary experience and be assured to get lost in flavours from across the nation.
