A Restaurant With A Difference

Kathmandu has of late become a city of fiercely competitive restaurants and it goes without saying that location is often crucial to success. The just over one year old Raj Gharana Gazal Restaurant is in a rather unique position. It is close to the office lunch crowd. Located in the brand new gleaming monument known as the Kathmandu Plaza in Kamaladi, it is best approached on foot by foreign visitors staying in hotels around the Durbar Marg area. It is at most a pleasant five minutes walk to the place.

The Raj Gharana Restaurant is located on the fifth floor of the Kathmandu Plaza, accessible by a side elevator, that is if your eyes are sharp enough to locate it. Mine weren’t. The adventurous ones of course will prefer to take the stairs right to the top, like I did, and arrive breathless before a sign that announces the restaurant. Should you take the lift, you not only avoid the climb but also the crowd of shoppers that throng the other floors of the building. The private elevator whisks you up from either the first floor or from the building’s spacious underground parking area. As you step out of the elevator you land plum inside the restaurants elegant main dining area facing the well stocked bar that serves a variety of both local and foreign beverages. The bar is spacious, warmed by gracious hospitality and quiet lighting with seats ringing a square service area presided over by the bartender. A good place to unwind and begin the evening.

The first thing that strikes the unwary visitor about the restaurant is the feeling of space, a palatial red carpeted dining hall brightly lit with artistic stucco work on the walls, ceiling and columns. Three huge Indian paintings done in oil and strategically placed alongside murals depicting traditional Indian themes, besides adding character, contributes to the overall atmosphere and philosophy that the restaurant is supposed to exude. To the left is a soothing cascading indoor waterfall about nine feet high, probably the only one of its kind in Kathmandu, artistically done in stone - no doubt one of the major attractions of the place. While the bar serves as the rendezvous point, the inner sanctum of Rajgharana with its neatly arranged chairs and tables are set in such a way that almost everyone can see everyone couple of sofas that occupy the centre space, encourages lolling and unwinding. As you wine and dine, the pleasure is augmented by the sound of the waterfall and the equally soothing rhythm of gazals and popular Hindi and Nepali numbers belted out by local and foreign artists from Calcutta of India. The live band that provides the music performs every evening, and according to the locals that frequent the place, it is an added attraction. Though that may be the case, it is a pity it should be allowed to dominate the soothing splash of the waterfall. Rather harmonious blend of the two sounds would be sublime especially for warm summer evenings.

Raj Gharana, which means royal household, is a rare Indian specialty restaurant that is almost everything that the name evokes. The lavish, yet not vulgar, decor and the extensive menu of Raj Gharana inspired by the rich tastes and extravagant lifestyles of Rajas and Maharajas of bygone years exudes sheer luxury and class. The equally spacious outer terrace garden full of flowers and greenery, besides total relaxation, also offers a spectacular view of the city.

“This place has also come to be known as a family restaurant “ says Mr. Hamal, a sportsman turned restauranter.” And to provide that personal touch, there is always a waiter stationed outside hovering over the children in case of accidents.” In general, the smart style of Raj Gharana is indeed impressive: the place is dotted with families and kids, as well as a fair smattering of shoppers, business people and young couples. The place is also ideal for those with time on their hands and a penchant for restaurant culture.

However, its not only the atmosphere and picturesque setting of Raj Gharana that takes you back to former kingly households of India. The food, when it comes, is indeed a royal treat. The restaurant’s chefs conjure up a sizable list of spicy vegetarian and non- vegetarian Indian delicacies fit for the nobility. For those not wishing to explore the spicy trail of Indian cuisine, the restaurant also offers a selection of equally mouthwatering Continental dishes. Food aside, the service at the Raj Gharana is also worth mentioning: the waiters neither hover nor do they disappear when you need them.

The menu offers a wide variety of choices and is refreshingly free of the fanciful food combinations that can mar other innovative menus. Besides serving fixed lunch, there is also a wide choice of cold or hot appetizers and these go down well with light eaters who can simply order two or even three and skip a main course. The fancier appetizers include Sabji Seek Kawab, Vegetable Pakoda with Chips, Reshmi Chicken Kabab, Prawn Cocktail, Chicken Chat, Mutton or Vegetable steamed/ fried Kothey etc. The main course consists of some sixteen varieties of chicken dishes, seven varieties of mutton and eleven varieties of vegetables done in typical north Indian style! The thirteen different kinds of Roti and Naan, and seven varieties of rice go exceedingly well with any of the above mentioned meat or vegetable dishes of your choice. Though the restaurant is also said to serve equally good Chinese cuisine, the overall atmosphere, setting, and moreover, the distinct aroma of Indian cooking emanating from the spotlessly clean transparent kitchen made. The famous Gajar ka Haluwa, and as expected, it proved a befitting end to a sinfully good meal.

Dining at the Raj Gharana is a gourmet’s delight. There is no doubt that most customers will come away refreshed by the variety of live music, beverages and dishes on offer. All in all it is an unusual restaurant: something created for itself, out of sheer enthusiasm for good food and just the right ambience.

A Raj Gharana dining experience is worth every minute of it.