Kashmir to Kanyakumari: Indian Accent’s New Tasting Menu in Delhi Is a Culinary Roadmap of India
- Arushi Sakhuja
- 4 hours ago
- 7 min read
It all began in 2009 when Indian Accent first opened its doors at The Manor in New Delhi, changing the way we looked at modern Indian cuisine. Was it a clever experiment in gastronomy? A fusion of global flavours? Not quite. It was more about reimagining traditional Indian dishes with a fresh perspective and unexpected twists. What started as a small restaurant quickly made its mark, eventually shifting base to The Lodhi in New Delhi. From there, Indian Accent only grew stronger, expanding to New York and Mumbai, earning praise and popularity across continents.
The restaurant was led from the very beginning by Chef Manish Mehrotra, whose name became almost synonymous with Indian Accent. So, when he parted ways with the restaurant, it naturally raised questions. Could Indian Accent continue to thrive without him? Many wondered what direction the restaurant would now take. Stepping confidently into the spotlight was Head Chef Shantanu Mehrotra – no relation to Manish – who proved this calibre. Interestingly, Chef Shantanu has been part of Indian Accent since the very beginning, serving as the Executive Chef since its launch in 2009. Though often behind the scenes, he was always considered the restaurant’s backbone.
The restaurant, which made it to Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2025 at number 46, has introduced a new tasting menu helmed by Chef Shantanu. This menu celebrates lesser-known Indian ingredients while staying true to the restaurant’s core philosophy. It takes guests on a journey through India’s culinary heritage, blending modern techniques with international influences.
Chef Shantanu Mehrotra shared, “With this new tasting menu, we wanted to honour the essence of Indian cuisine, while pushing creative boundaries. Each dish is a blend of nostalgia and innovation, crafted to evoke memories while offering fresh, unexpected flavours.”
The seven-course experience is a delightful progression – from bite-sized small plates to indulgent mains, ending with desserts that are nothing short of divine. Each dish may appear simple at first glance, but every bite bursts with flavour and creativity.
The meal
The meal began with a comforting mini jug of Sweet Corn Soup spiced gently with garam masala, alongside Indian Accent’s iconic Blue Cheese Naan – a staple that has remained on the menu since day one.
As we moved into the small plates, three artistic interpretations of chaat were brought to our table. Chef Hitesh Lohia joined us with a smile and said, “Since there are two of you, we’ve brought two of each chaat to get you started.” He thoughtfully explained each dish and the story behind it, setting the scene perfectly.
In front of us were three beautiful small plates – Aloo Tikki, Khakra, and Kothimbir. “The idea behind the entire meal,” shared Hitesh as he continued his storytelling, “is to take you on a journey across the length and breadth of India, without ever leaving your dinning room.” Each element was a nod to a different region of the country. The Aloo Tikki, inspired by the bustling streets of Delhi, was elegantly presented on a wooden spoon. The Khakra, crisp and vibrant, sat on a dry leaf that made the colours truly pop. And the Kothimbir was perched delicately on a bed of red peas, its bold hues catching the eye. We were advised to start with the Aloo tikki, and it didn’t disappoint – a perfect balance of spice, crunch and nostalgia. Next, the Kothimbir, a classic from Maharashtrian homes, answered our cravings for masala. It had just the right amount of heat to warm the soul. The final bite, the Khakra, added a wonderful crunch. Shaped like a delicate tart shell, it paid homage to the flavours of Gujarat and was filled with vatana (white chickpeas) and soft, spongy dhokla, bringing in freshness and contrast. Picking a favourite? That would be a hard task.
Just a few minutes into the meal, we were introduced to the man responsible for the magic at the bar – Ravi. He spoke to us about the restaurant’s new summer cocktail menu, a playful mix of drinks inspired by beloved Indian flavours and dishes. We began with the Kulfi Cocktail, and it smelled exactly like the iconic dessert. The aromas of saffron and cardamom hit us first. Made with milk-washed Bombay Sapphire gin, condensed milk, cardamom, almond, saffron, kewda, and chia seeds, it was unlike anything we’d ever tasted – creamy, fragrant, and smooth. And the icing on top was the crunchy tuille topped with chia seeds. Next came the Jamun Cocktail, a tribute to the tangy-sweet summer fruit. This one was made with Grey Goose vodka, clear jamun juice, mint, lime, Indian Accent’s spice mix, and a dramatic jamun sphere bomb that popped in the mouth just like bubble tea – a fun and clever surprise. We also noted another intriguing drink on the menu – the High-Balling Watermelon, made with Patrón Silver, fresh watermelon, basil, demerara sugar, lime, jalapeños, tajin, and topped with ginger ale.
As our tastebuds adjusted to the explosion of flavours, another dish arrived – Indian Accent’s take on the Mughlai classic, Malai Tikka. This one’s ideal for those who prefer chicken over seafood. Rich, creamy, and tender. The unique twist came when you took a bite and discovered subtle hints of truffle. Thankfully, the truffle didn’t overpower the dish – a common mistake at many places – but instead added a gentle earthiness that made it all the more indulgent. That, for us, was a definite win.
With the second course, we were transported to the sun-kissed coasts of India, celebrating the country’s vast shoreline as the world’s largest peninsula. A delicate soft shell crab, sourced from Kanyakumari, was marinated and cooked in true Konkan style, then placed on top of a bed of congee—Indian Accent’s interpretation of Odisha’s traditional Panta Bhat. Elevating the dish further was a South Indian-style dried pickle duo, vadu, a young mango pickle from Tamil Nadu, and narthangai, a citrusy preserve. Every element on the plate paid tribute to a different corner of the Indian coastline.
Next up was the Lamb Shikampuri. As someone who always leans towards non-vegetarian dishes, I was thrilled to see how the menu honoured meat. If you love melt-in-the-mouth Hyderabad-style kebabs, this is the dish for you. But there was a twist: Chef Shantanu replaced the traditional filling with Boursin cheese from Normandy. This little change made a big difference, giving it a creamy texture that simply melted on the tongue. It was topped with urad dal kataifi, chutney, and pickled onions, adding crunch and tang.
Then came one of my all-time favourites – a classic that’s been on the menu for years: Meetha Achaar Pork Ribs. These sticky, sweet ribs were paired with aam papad (sun-dried mango) and tart green apple. A nod to both sweet-sour Gujarati cuisine and the way pork is often enjoyed with orange sauce in the East, the ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender. Coated in a glossy, spicy-sweet glaze, this dish was a standout and a true winner.
To wrap up the small plates, we were served Indian Accent’s take on the Medu Vada. But this wasn’t your typical lentil-based version. Instead, it was made with tofu, and yet, the texture was light, fluffy, and spongy on the inside. Served with a trio of sides – sambar chutney, onion chutney, and pickled beetroot – the dish struck a perfect balance of flavours and left us pleasantly surprised. For someone who doesn't eat Tofu, I really enjoyed the dish.
Then came a dish that screams Indian Accent without saying a word,– Indian Accent’s iconic Strawberry Kala Khatta Sorbet, served whimsically in a mini pressure cooker. This refreshing, tangy treat acted as the perfect palate cleanser, preparing us for the main course.
Just when we thought we couldn’t possibly eat more, out came the main course – and what a feast it was! First, we had Kashmiri-style chicken seekh, laid gently atop buttered koshikari rice and accompanied by a silky prune and mulberry korma. Each bite transported us to the serene valleys of Kashmir – rich, aromatic, and comforting. Next came a surprise: Smoked Aubergine, Bhujia with Mint Raita (Yes the Aubergine was fried and tasted and looked like aloo bhujia), Alongside this, we were served Indian Accent’s signature Kaali Dal and a selection of their famous kulchas – black garlic, butter chicken, and duck. Each had a distinct flavour profile: the duck leaned slightly sweet and paired beautifully with the dal; the butter chicken naan hit all the nostalgic North Indian notes; and the black garlic naan – rich and umami-laden – was pure indulgence. I simply couldn’t stop myself, even when I was full.
Then was served smoked aubergine, bhujia with mint raita (Yes the Aubergine was fried and tasted and looked like aloo bhujia), the signature kaali dal with as assortment of Indian Accent Kulchas ranging from exquisite and rareBlack garlic naan to Butter Chicken Naan and Duck Naan. While the duck naan leaned towards the sweeter side, but tasted divine when dipped into the dal, the butter chicken naan was one that took us back to our North Indian roots. And the black garlic naan was my biggest sin ,and I couldn't stop even though my tummy told me otherwise!
Though we were bursting, there’s always room for dessert – and for me, that “dessert stomach” is very real. We began with the Tender Coconut & Chocolate, a visual and flavourful tribute to the backwaters of Kerala. Presented to look like a mini coconut, the outer shell was crafted from Idukki chocolate and topped with a refreshing tender coconut sorbet, finished with a chocolate cigar. It was light, tropical, and absolutely perfect for summer. Then came the Malpua Crêpe Suzette, served with flair. A delicate crepe filled with rabri, drizzled with a warm orange sauce, and flambéed with Cointreau right at the table. It had just the right level of sweetness with a citrusy zing that felt like the perfect finale.
But the surprises weren’t over. We came full circle with a final nod to the streets of Delhi – the beloved Daulat ki Chaat. Light as air, playful as childhood memories, and gone before you knew it – just like Hitesh cheekily remarked, “It disappears faster than money!”
Thanks to Hitesh’s witty anecdotes and a menu full of surprising flavours, the meal was a reminder that Indian Accent remains true to its culinary roots while confidently steering clear of fleeting food trends.
Address: New Delhi – Indian Accent, The Lodhi, Lodhi Road
For reservation: +91 1166175151 or reservations.del@indianaccent.com
Price: Vegetarian: INR 5400/- per person | Non-Vegetarian: INR 5500/- per person
Additional INR 5500 for 6 glasses of wine pairings or INR 8900 if reserve wine pairings are preferred
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