Restaurant India News: Conrad Bengaluru’s Indian Durbar Revives Punjabi Flavours with Regional Focus

Conrad Bengaluru has reintroduced its Indian specialty restaurant, Indian Durbar, with a new dining format centred on Punjab’s culinary traditions. Drawing from the three regions of Majha, Malwa, and Doaba, the restaurant is presenting a menu built around heirloom recipes, seasonal ingredients, and regional cooking practices, with an intent to create an experience that reflects Punjab’s food culture.

The updated concept has been shaped by Executive Chef Eliyaz, who envisioned a dining space rooted in authenticity but delivered with a contemporary approach. The execution has been led by Chef Harmeet Singh, who has revisited traditional recipes and incorporated them into a curated menu that balances familiarity with innovation. Each dish reflects Punjab’s regional diversity, designed to showcase the area’s culinary identity in a refined dining format.

The new menu includes signatures such as Dal Pindi Gosht, a dish linked to Amritsar’s railway gali, and Gud ka Halwa, prepared with desi gud and Verka ghee. These sit alongside a beverage programme led by Ajeet Kumar, Beverage and Banquets Operation Manager, featuring cocktails influenced by Punjab’s ingredients and festive culture. Signatures include the Gajar ka Halwa Cocktail, Gulkand Old Fashioned, Patiala Sour, and selections crafted with Mahua spirits. The beverage programme mirrors the kitchen’s philosophy—rooted in tradition but interpreted for contemporary diners.

Eliyaz, Executive Chef, Conrad Bengaluru, said, “This has been an inspiring journey of bringing authentic Punjabi flavours to life. Together, we have worked to create a menu that captures the richness of Punjab’s culinary heritage while presenting it with the signature elegance of Conrad Bengaluru. It is a true celebration of tradition, artistry, and the joy of sharing great food, now served with warmth at Indian Durbar.”

Harmeet, Chef de Cuisine, Conrad Bengaluru, added, “This is not just Punjabi food; this is what Punjab truly represents. It is the result of years spent tasting, learning, and preserving recipes from both my family and the vibrant streets of Punjab. Each dish tells a story of traditions passed down, of kitchens filled with laughter, and of flavours that feel like home.”

Ajeet Kumar noted, “Our newly crafted beverage menu is more than just cocktails – it is a celebration of Punjab’s three lands, its harvests, its spices and its festive spirit reimagined with a contemporary twist. Curated with thought and crafted with care, each cocktail reflects the philosophy of our kitchen – deeply rooted in tradition yet refreshingly inventive. From the comforting charm of the Gajar ka Halwa Cocktail, to the playful nostalgia of Gulkand Old Fashioned and Patiala Sour, and the indulgence of the finest Mahua spirits, our signatures capture the essence of India in a glass. Just as our cuisine celebrates heritage through innovation, each drink is designed to elevate the dining experience, offering guests something truly distinctive, authentic, and memorable from the grassroots of India.”

Digvijay Singh, General Manager, Conrad Bengaluru, said, “Indian Durbar has long been a part of the hotel’s identity, and we are delighted to see it return with such authenticity and emotion. The team has created an experience that is deeply personal yet widely resonant, inviting our guests to discover a rich and rarely explored side of Punjabi cuisine — served with the same warmth and generosity that defines Punjabi hospitality.”

With its renewed focus, Indian Durbar is positioned to showcase Punjab’s regional flavours and culinary heritage, pairing recipes rooted in history with a modern dining environment. The restaurant aims to offer guests an experience that is both culturally grounded and designed for contemporary hospitality.