PEAKLIFE

By PEAKLIFE

As the sultry August air settles over New Delhi, Indian Accent, the trailblazing restaurant that redefined modern Indian cuisine, is celebrating its 15th anniversary. True to its innovative spirit, it’s marking this milestone with a special menu featuring iconic dishes from its 2009 debut, crafted by Chef Shantanu Mehrotra.

From humble beginnings in a quaint corner of the capital, Indian Accent has evolved into a global culinary icon. The restaurant that once had food enthusiasts trudging to its original location is now a must-visit destination for gourmands worldwide. In 2016, it opened a wildly successful outpost in New York, bringing its unique brand of modern Indian cuisine to the USA. More recently, in 2023, it set up shop in Mumbai at the prestigious Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, further cementing its status as a national treasure.

The accolades speak for themselves. Voted the No. 1 restaurant in India by Conde Nast Traveller in 2023, Indian Accent has been a fixture on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list since 2013. It has also earned its place on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list and was recognized by Time Magazine as one of the world’s 100 greatest places.

To commemorate its 15-year journey, Indian Accent has unveiled a special anniversary menu. The culinary experience begins with a selection of snacks like whole wheat and semolina puchkas, served with three different waters, paneer tikka chaat, and khakra mille-feuille with bell pepper mayo or chicken tikka chaat for meat lovers.

The menu progresses to include panko-crusted stuffed peppers with goat cheese mousse and mango chutney, smoked duck shaami with crispy vermicelli, and barberry chutney. Fish enthusiasts can savor tandoori Scottish salmon with dill and Greek yogurt, while vegetarians might opt for the peanut butter beetroot tikki with caper wasabi chutney.

Main course offerings include masala morsels with water chestnut, asparagus, and paper roast dosai for vegetarians, and garlic and whole spice roast chicken with a salad raj kachori side for meat eaters. Alternatively, diners can choose between paneer lasagna with smoked eggplant and goji berry makhani or rice-crusted john dory moilee with local greens and pine nut poriyal.

The menu, featuring dishes that helped establish Indian Accent as a pioneer in contemporary Indian cuisine, is the brainchild of Chef Shantanu Mehrotra in New Delhi and Chef Rijul Gulati in Mumbai.

While speaking to PEAKLIFE, Chef Rijul shared that his favourite dish from the 2009 menu is the wholemeal and semolina puchkas with masala couscous.

“This dish stands out for me because it’s a playful and thoughtful reimagining of a beloved street food,” he said. “The dish brings together nostalgia and innovation in the most delightful way, perfectly capturing the spirit of creativity and tradition that we strive for at Indian Accent.”

Indian Accent’s culinary philosophy centers on honouring its roots while constantly pushing the envelope. This is evident in dishes like the paneer lasagna, a clever marriage of Italian technique and Indian flavours.

Discussing the creative process behind such fusion dishes, Rijul explained, “We take the time to truly understand the essence of each dish—what makes Lasagna comforting, and what gives the Punjabi Baingan Bharta its distinctive character. From there, it’s about finding the right balance between these elements, ensuring that the flavours and textures complement each other.”

In a bold move to celebrate its 15th anniversary, Indian Accent is taking its culinary magic on the road. The restaurant is set to embark on a culinary odyssey spanning 15 cities across India and the world, showcasing its unique take on Indian food to global audiences. The journey kicks off on August 22, 2024, at Nadodi, Four Seasons, Kuala Lumpur, with more exciting destinations to be announced soon.

Reflecting on Indian Accent’s longevity and success, Rijul attributes it to the restaurant’s unwavering commitment to innovation while staying true to its traditional roots. “We’ve always sought to blend global influences with the rich culinary heritage of India, creating a dining experience that feels both fresh and authentic. Our ability to evolve and adapt, while preserving the essence of who we are, has allowed us to carve out a distinct identity in a competitive culinary landscape,” he said.

From August 15th to 31st, food lovers in New Delhi and Mumbai can indulge in this gastronomic time travel, with the 6-course tasting menu priced at 5400++ INR for vegetarians and 5500++ INR for non-vegetarians. American Express card members can enjoy the special anniversary menu at lunch for the nostalgic price of Rs. 1800++, offering a delicious trip back in time that won’t break the bank.

As Indian Accent embarks on its next chapter, one thing is clear — with each dish, each new location, and each culinary innovation, it continues to push the boundaries of what Indian cuisine can be.