A Memorable Visit to Qavalli: A Culinary Gem in Aerocity

In this blog post, I explore Qavalli, a Mughlai cuisine fine-dine restaurant in Worldmark 1, Aerocity, New Delhi.


I stepped through the ornate archway of Qavalli in Aerocity as if I were crossing a threshold back in time—a gold-and-amber oasis where the fragrance of rose, jasmine, nutmeg and a whisper of cinnamon and saffron greeted me like an old friend.

Qavalli

From the moment I sank into one of those plush velvet alcoves, it was clear: this wasn't just another dinner out, it was "A Culinary Daawat" in every sense.

Food at Qavalli

Veteran restaurateurs Dinesh and Pooja Arora have poured their passion for mehmaan-nawazi—the time-honored art of Indian hospitality—into resurrecting the Virasaat of our food culture and the Zaika of prized Indian spices. 

Restaurateurs Dinesh and Pooja Arora

Here, every detail whispers of lost recipes and forgotten khansama techniques: the curries gently simmering in burnished handis, the perfectly charred tikkas and succulent kebabs pulled hot from the tandoor, and aromatic biryanis that unfurl clouds of memory with each spoonful.

Kebabs at Qavalli

The interiors—masterfully conceived by Chromed Design Studio under Abhigyan Neogi's vision—feel like an exotic palace borrowed from the pages of a medieval manuscript. Enormous crystal chandeliers dangle over gilded bar fronts; the walls wear vibrant reds and intricate Moroccan-inspired patterns; and a tapestry-like mural pays homage to qawwals of yesteryear.

Bar at Qavalli

All the while, live qawwali music wraps the room in lilting verses that make you want to linger over conversation, cocktails, and nostalgia. Speaking of cocktails, the Indian botanical bar at Qavalli is nothing short of spellbinding. Each drink dances on the palate with house-made tinctures and elixirs distilled from native roots and barks—pairs perfectly with the kitchen's "Dawat" menu, where authenticity meets innovation.

Cocktails at Qavalli

I balanced a smoky, saffron-infused martini against a plate of melt-in-your-mouth murgh makhani, then dove into a plate of kaleidoscopic tandoori vegetables artfully drizzled with pomegranate molasses. And because this experience is built for sharing, the cost for two comes in at just INR 2,000—a price point that feels like a gift when the return is so lavish. 

Over dessert (a silken rose-and-cardamom kheer that practically floated on my tongue), I remembered founder Dinesh Arora's words: 
Qavalli is a canvas on which we've painted the vibrant tapestry of Indian flavors and hospitality. It's an invitation to embark on a regal gastronomic journey, where traditions meet innovation, and every moment is cherished.
By the time I left, night had fallen over Worldmark 1, and the glow from Qavalli’s chandeliers spilled onto the Aerocity boulevard like a silent promise: come back soon, there's more to discover. 

Whether you're a lover of Mughlai classics, a cocktail adventurer, or simply in search of an unforgettable night out, trust me—Qavalli is where Indian hospitality reigns supreme.

[Address
Qavalli 
Lower Ground Floor, Worldmark 1, Aerocity, New Delhi 110037 
⏰ 12 PM – 12 AM 
💰 Cost for Two: INR 2,000 
📸 @qavallidelhi]
 

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