Oudh 1722, a new restaurant in London, is a culinary journey through the Nawabi era, a time of opulence and slow, thoughtful cooking. Chef Aktar Islam, known for his Michelin-starred restaurants in Birmingham, has brought his Awadhi cuisine to the capital, offering a unique dining experience. The restaurant's name, Oudh 1722, pays homage to the year the Nawabi era began, and the menu reflects this rich culinary tradition.
What makes Oudh 1722 truly fascinating is its ability to blend the ancient and the modern. The restaurant's layout is a charming mix of history and contemporary design, with narrow staircases leading to hidden back doors and a bar in the attic. This unique setting adds to the overall experience, making it feel like a journey through time.
The menu is a celebration of Awadhi cuisine, with dishes like lamb shorba, gol guppa, and naashta. The food is labor-intensive and styled with precision, but it is still delicious and generously portioned. The star of the show is the mutanjan dam biryani, a mountain of fragrant rice with melting, slow-cooked oxtail and sweet carrots. The restaurant aims to stuff you, and the Awadhi tradition of incapacitating enemies with slow-cooked dal Bukhara is certainly reflected in the generous portions.
One thing that immediately stands out is the attention to detail in the food. The dishes are carefully prepared and presented, with subtle notes of spices and aromatic blends. The use of slow, thoughtful cooking techniques is a nod to the Nawabi era, and the result is a truly memorable dining experience.
In my opinion, Oudh 1722 is a must-visit for anyone interested in Indian cuisine and the Nawabi era. The restaurant offers a unique blend of history and modern culinary techniques, and the food is truly delicious. The staff is lovely, and the operation is smooth, making it a wholly gorgeous experience. If you're looking for a special-occasion spot, Oudh 1722 is the perfect choice.
What many people don't realize is that the Nawabi era was a time of culinary innovation and opulence. The Awadhi cuisine is a reflection of this, with its slow, thoughtful cooking and luxurious ingredients. The restaurant's approach to Awadhi cooking is a nod to this rich history, and it is a truly fascinating insight into the past.
In conclusion, Oudh 1722 is a restaurant that combines ambition and sincerity with genuinely interesting cooking. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in Indian cuisine and the Nawabi era, and it is a truly memorable dining experience. So, if you're faced with the rumored 4,000-person waiting list at Gymkhana, try Oudh 1722 instead. You won't be disappointed.
