Bukhara, a name synonymous with culinary excellence, stands as a beacon for food enthusiasts seeking the ultimate North-West Frontier cuisine experience. Nestled within the famed ITC Maurya in New Delhi, Bukhara has long set the standard for rustic, robust, and unforgettable flavors rooted in the rich traditions of the northwestern regions of the Indian subcontinent.
Stepping into Bukhara is more than dining; it is an immersion into a world where time-honored recipes and meticulous techniques have been preserved and perfected over decades. The restaurant’s iconic open kitchen, bustling with the aroma of charcoal-grilled meats and hand-pulled breads, offers guests a rare glimpse into the artistry that defines each dish.
The Bukhara food menu is a testament to the power of simplicity, where a handful of carefully selected spices and the finest ingredients unite to create legendary dishes. From the legendary Dal Bukhara to the celebrated Sikandari Raan, every offering is steeped in robust flavors and authenticity.
The menu is thoughtfully curated, focusing on a handful of signature dishes that elevate the dining experience to a whole new level. For lovers of hearty fare, smoky aromas, and the warm hospitality for which India is renowned, Bukhara promises an unforgettable culinary journey.
The Philosophy Behind Bukhara’s Menu
At the heart of Bukhara’s enduring appeal lies a culinary philosophy that values tradition, simplicity, and the authentic spirit of the North-West Frontier. The menu is not merely a list of dishes but a carefully woven narrative celebrating the essence of tandoori cooking.
Here, the emphasis is on letting natural flavors shine, with minimal intervention and maximum respect for each ingredient.
This philosophy manifests in the restaurant’s focus on a select range of dishes, meticulously prepared and presented without excessive garnishes or embellishments. Each menu item is crafted to evoke the nostalgia and comfort of home-cooked meals, while still offering the sophistication expected of a world-class dining establishment.
The chefs at Bukhara adhere to time-tested recipes, ensuring every bite transports diners to a place of tradition and heritage.
A defining feature is the use of the clay tandoor oven, which imparts an unmistakable smoky flavor and tender texture. The menu’s brevity is intentional, allowing the kitchen to perfect every element, from marinades to the slow-cooked lentils.
By focusing on just a few dishes, Bukhara guarantees consistency and excellence, a rarity in the world of fine dining.
- Authenticity: Time-tested recipes and cooking methods
- Simplicity: Minimalist presentation for maximum flavor
- Quality: Prime ingredients and meticulous sourcing
“Bukhara is not just a restaurant; it’s a culinary institution—where every dish tells a story of the land and its people.”
Signature Starters and Appetizers
The journey through Bukhara’s menu often begins with an array of appetizers that set the tone for the meal ahead. These starters are designed to awaken the palate, offering a tantalizing glimpse of the flavors to come.
The emphasis remains on robust, earthy tastes, with a focus on charcoal grilling and careful seasoning.
One of the most iconic appetizers is the Murgh Malai Kebab, a delicate chicken preparation marinated in cream, cheese, and mild spices. Its tender texture and subtle flavors provide the perfect prelude to heartier fare.
Guests also frequently opt for the Pudina Paneer Tikka, where cubes of paneer are marinated in a fragrant mint and coriander paste before being seared to perfection over live coals.
For those seeking a true taste of the frontier, the Barrah Kebab is a must-try. These lamb chops, steeped in a robust marinade of spices and yogurt, are grilled until juicy and charred.
The smokiness of the tandoor, combined with the succulence of the meat, embodies the Bukhara ethos.
- Murgh Malai Kebab: Creamy chicken kebabs with a subtle smokiness
- Pudina Paneer Tikka: Herbaceous, vegetarian delight with mint and coriander
- Barrah Kebab: Juicy lamb chops with bold spices
Vegetarian Options
Bukhara’s menu, while meat-forward, ensures that vegetarians are equally indulged. The Tandoori Aloo—baby potatoes marinated in spices and roasted—offers a hearty, satisfying start.
The Subz Seekh, a spiced vegetable skewer, combines the earthiness of root vegetables with the gentle char of the tandoor.
“Even the simplest of ingredients, when treated with care and respect, can shine as the star of the table.”
Main Course Highlights: The Heart of Bukhara
The main course at Bukhara is where the restaurant’s culinary mastery takes center stage. Each dish is a celebration of robust flavors and slow-cooked perfection, reflecting the traditions of the North-West Frontier.
The menu’s focus on a few signature offerings ensures an unparalleled depth of flavor and consistency.
The undisputed star is the Sikandari Raan, a whole leg of lamb marinated with a blend of spices and slow-roasted for hours in the tandoor. This dish is renowned for its fall-off-the-bone tenderness and deep, layered flavors.
It is a feast unto itself, often ordered for sharing among groups.
Vegetarian guests are treated to the legendary Dal Bukhara, a slow-cooked black lentil dish simmered overnight with tomatoes, ginger, and cream. Its creamy texture and smoky undertones have earned it a cult following, both among regulars and first-timers alike.
The Paneer Tikka—thick slabs of cottage cheese marinated and grilled—rounds out the main course offerings for those seeking a meatless option.
| Dish | Main Ingredient | Cooking Method | Signature Flavor |
| Sikandari Raan | Leg of Lamb | Slow-roasted in tandoor | Smoky, Spicy, Tender |
| Dal Bukhara | Black Lentils | Simmered overnight | Creamy, Earthy, Rich |
| Paneer Tikka | Cottage Cheese | Char-grilled | Smoky, Mellow, Spiced |
Noteworthy Combinations
Pairing the main course dishes with signature breads like Roomali Roti or Butter Naan enhances the experience, allowing diners to savor every last bit of sauce and marinade. The menu encourages sharing, making it ideal for families and groups who wish to sample multiple dishes in one sitting.
Breads and Accompaniments: The Unsung Heroes
No Bukhara meal is complete without its renowned selection of breads and accompaniments. These elements, often understated, are vital to the overall dining experience, providing texture and balance to the menu’s robust flavors.
The breads are prepared fresh in the tandoor and served piping hot to the table.
The Bukhara Naan is an oversized, pillow-soft bread perfect for sharing. Its chewy texture and subtle smokiness make it the ideal companion to rich gravies and succulent meats.
Equally popular is the Roomali Roti, a paper-thin bread expertly stretched and cooked to order. Its delicate structure allows it to wrap around kebabs or scoop up lentils with ease.
Accompaniments such as onion salad, mint chutney, and mixed pickles offer bursts of freshness and acidity that cut through the richness of the main dishes. These small but significant touches elevate the meal, ensuring every bite is balanced and satisfying.
- Bukhara Naan: Oversized, soft, smoky
- Roomali Roti: Thin, delicate, versatile
- Mint Chutney: Refreshing and herbaceous
- Onion Salad: Crisp and sharp
“The breads at Bukhara are as legendary as the meats—each one a testament to the skill of the tandoor chef.”
Vegetarian Delights: More Than Just Sides
Bukhara’s reputation may be built on its meats, but the vegetarian section of the menu stands equally tall. Here, vegetables and legumes are treated with the same reverence as meats, resulting in dishes that are both satisfying and memorable.
The use of the tandoor brings out unique flavors and textures in even the simplest ingredients.
The Dal Bukhara is the crowning glory of this section, its creamy texture and smoky aroma earning it a place at nearly every table. The Tandoori Phool—a smoky, charred cauliflower dish—delivers a satisfying bite and an earthy depth.
Similarly, the Paneer Tikka offers a hearty, protein-rich option for vegetarians seeking something substantial.
Beyond these, Bukhara features a rotating selection of seasonal vegetables, each prepared with minimal spices to let their natural flavors shine. The kitchen’s commitment to quality sourcing ensures that even the humblest of ingredients are elevated to star status.
| Vegetarian Dish | Main Ingredient | Preparation Style |
| Dal Bukhara | Black Lentils | Slow-cooked, creamy |
| Tandoori Phool | Cauliflower | Char-grilled, spiced |
| Paneer Tikka | Cottage Cheese | Marinated, grilled |
The Vegetarian Experience
Many guests are surprised by the depth and satisfaction offered by the vegetarian menu. The slow-cooking process, combined with a judicious blend of spices, creates dishes that are hearty enough to be main courses in their own right.
“At Bukhara, vegetarian cuisine is not an afterthought but a celebration of India’s rich agricultural bounty.”
Specialty Meats and Seafood: The Pinnacle of Tandoor Cooking
For fans of hearty, meat-centric fare, Bukhara’s menu delivers a veritable feast of specialty meats and seafood. These dishes showcase the art of tandoor cooking, where intense heat and smoky flavors transform simple ingredients into extraordinary meals.
The restaurant’s commitment to sourcing the finest cuts ensures that each preparation is both luxurious and satisfying.
Among the most celebrated offerings is the Tandoori Jhinga, featuring large, succulent prawns marinated in a blend of yogurt and spices before being roasted to perfection. The result is a dish that is simultaneously smoky, juicy, and brimming with flavor.
The Murgh Tandoori is another staple, its crisp skin and juicy interior a testament to the skill of Bukhara’s chefs. For those seeking a more adventurous option, the Champ Tajdar—a rack of lamb marinated overnight and cooked until tender—offers an unforgettable experience.
- Tandoori Jhinga: Smoky prawns with yogurt marinade
- Murgh Tandoori: Classic, juicy roasted chicken
- Champ Tajdar: Luxurious rack of lamb
“The mastery of the tandoor is evident in every bite—the perfect balance of char, tenderness, and flavor.”
Seafood in the Tandoor
While Bukhara is famed for its meats, the seafood selection is equally noteworthy. The use of the tandoor imparts a unique flavor to delicate ingredients like prawns, ensuring they remain moist and flavorful.
Guests are encouraged to pair seafood dishes with lighter breads and fresh accompaniments, allowing the subtle flavors to take center stage.
Beverages and Desserts: The Perfect Finale
A meal at Bukhara is incomplete without a thoughtful selection of beverages and desserts to complement and conclude the experience. The beverage menu features both traditional Indian drinks and international favorites, ensuring there is something for every palate.
Among the most popular choices is the Masala Chaas, a spiced buttermilk that refreshes the palate and aids digestion. For those who prefer something sweeter, the Mango Lassi—a creamy yogurt-based drink—offers a cooling counterpoint to the menu’s robust flavors.
The wine and cocktail selection is carefully curated to pair harmoniously with the smoky, spiced dishes.
Dessert at Bukhara is an experience in understated elegance. The Phirni, a creamy rice pudding flavored with cardamom and saffron, provides a soothing end to a hearty meal.
The Kulfi, a dense Indian ice cream, is another favorite, available in classic flavors like pistachio and saffron.
- Masala Chaas: Spiced buttermilk
- Mango Lassi: Sweet, creamy yogurt drink
- Phirni: Cardamom-saffron rice pudding
- Kulfi: Traditional Indian ice cream
“A meal at Bukhara lingers long after the last bite—the flavors, the aromas, and the memories it creates.”
Dining Experience and Ambiance
Beyond the menu, Bukhara is renowned for its immersive dining experience. The restaurant’s rustic decor, featuring exposed brick walls and wooden beams, transports guests to the frontier lands it celebrates.
The open kitchen, with its roaring tandoors and skilled chefs, adds an element of theater to every meal.
Guests are encouraged to eat with their hands, in keeping with tradition. This tactile connection to the food enhances the flavors and creates a sense of communal celebration.
The attentive staff, dressed in traditional attire, offer warm hospitality and expert guidance through the menu.
The ambiance at Bukhara is both lively and intimate, making it ideal for everything from family gatherings to business dinners. The focus on authenticity extends to every aspect of the experience, from the table settings to the music that fills the air.
- Open kitchen with live tandoor cooking
- Rustic, frontier-inspired decor
- Emphasis on communal dining
- Impeccable service and hospitality
“Dining at Bukhara is a sensory journey—a celebration of history, flavor, and tradition.”
Conclusion: The Timeless Appeal of Bukhara
Bukhara’s food menu is more than a collection of dishes—it is a living tribute to the culinary heritage of the North-West Frontier. Every item, from the legendary Sikandari Raan to the humble Dal Bukhara, is a testament to the power of tradition and the importance of quality ingredients.
The focus on tandoor cooking, minimalism, and authenticity creates a dining experience that is both rooted in history and relevant to modern palates.
What truly sets Bukhara apart is its unwavering commitment to excellence. By narrowing its focus to a handful of perfected dishes, the restaurant ensures that every guest enjoys a meal of the highest caliber.
Whether savoring smoky meats, indulging in creamy lentils, or tearing into a freshly baked naan, diners are treated to a symphony of flavors and textures that linger in memory long after the meal has ended.
For those seeking a culinary adventure that combines robust flavors, impeccable service, and a sense of history, Bukhara stands as an unmatched destination. Its menu is a celebration—not just of food, but of culture, tradition, and the shared joy of breaking bread.
A visit to Bukhara is not simply a meal; it is an experience, a story, and a journey into the soul of India’s frontier cuisine.
