Sisters Krutika and Pragati Khatri are excited to share the flavors of their heritage with their new restaurant, Nabhya Indian Restaurant and Bar, which recently opened its doors at 120-85 83rd Ave. Located in Kew Gardens, New York, Nabhya aims to fill what the sisters see as a gap in the local dining scene for authentic North Indian cuisine.
After finalizing their deal to take over the space previously occupied by Eternity, another Indian restaurant, on November 15, 2024, the Khatri sisters quickly made the necessary arrangements. They officially opened Nabhya just one day later, determined to offer their unique touch to the traditional flavors of Indian cooking. “We realized the neighborhood didn’t have genuine North Indian flavor, and we wanted to bring something different,” Krutika shared.
While many restaurants have become synonymous with dishes like chicken tikka masala and butter chicken, Nabhya plans to diverge from these common staples. Krutika added, “We’re excited to introduce our new menu, which goes beyond just these basic offerings to showcase the rich and diverse culinary traditions from India.” The sisters cite their family’s dream of opening their own restaurant as the motivation behind this venture.
Although Nabhya is still settling in, the sisters are already enthusiastic about giving back to the community around them. “We’re aware of the Homestead Senior Living facility nearby and aim to engage with them once we’re more established here. Our goal is to contribute positively to the neighborhood,” Pragati explained.
With their commitment to offering dishes characterized by “rich flavors and impeccable presentations,” Nabhya features various offerings, ranging from traditional curries to Indo-Chinese favorites and fragrant biryanis. Positive feedback is already rolling in, with early reviews on Google highlighting the authenticity of the food. One patron hailed it as “amazing authentic Indian food! The staff was super nice and attentive. Definitely worth checking out!”
Others chimed in, praising the delectable Kathi rolls, the perfectly crisp samosas, and the warm hospitality from the restaurant’s staff. Customers are thrilled at Nabhya’s elegance and the spacious environment they created for diners. “They really brought Indian food back to Kew Gardens, and it’s refreshing to see such high-quality flavors being presented so beautifully,” said another satisfied customer.
Nabhya keeps its doors open from noon to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, extending their hours on Fridays and Saturdays until 11 p.m., giving residents ample reason to pop by anytime for authentic Indian fare.
On the other side of the world, another exciting Indian food experience is set to graces Hyderabad until mid-December. The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace is gearing up to host the beloved dining venue Indian Accent, known for its modern takes on traditional Indian cuisine, from December 14 to December 15, 2024.
The Westin Hyderabad, well-regarded for its luxurious ambiance and sophisticated approach to fine dining, extends its culinary repertoire through this special event. With Kangan, its signature restaurant already delighting patrons with North-West Frontier flavors, the Westin aims to enrich the gastronomic scene by featuring Indian Accent’s signature dishes during this two-day pop-up.
Shantanu Mehrotra, the Executive Chef at Indian Accent, expressed enthusiasm for bringing the distinctive concept of modern Indian cuisine to Hyderabad. “This event is all about connecting with people through our food and creativity. Each pop-up lets us share the essence of our culinary philosophy with new audiences,” he remarked.
The curated menu will showcase Indian Accent’s renowned dishes, thoughtfully blending traditional flavors with contemporary preparations. Some highlights include the tofu medu vadai served with sambar cream, arbi galawat accompanied by crispy sevai, and the beet and peanut butter chop with bespoke chutneys. For non-vegetarians, offerings include kanyakumari crab spiced with telicherry pepper and duck shaami served with potently flavored accompaniments.
Sweets are not overlooked; desserts such as daulat ki chaat and roasted almonds are part of the luxurious experience. Dessert connoisseurs can also indulge themselves with the doda burfi treacle tart paired with creamy vanilla bean ice cream.
The enticing flavors and vibrant atmosphere of these two establishments spotlight the flourish of Indian cuisine across continents. Where Kew Gardens welcomes Nabhya and its authentic North Indian dishes, Hyderabad prepares for the culinary mastery of Indian Accent, demonstrating the globally appealing nature of Indian gastronomy.
Events like these reflect the both cities’ growing appreciation for diverse culinary experiences and the establishment of restaurants like Nabhya, spotlighting the push for authentic dining experiences rooted deeply in cultural history. Whether one is savoring the layered spicing of Nabhya’s Indian dishes or enjoying Indian Accent’s modern takes, the future for Indian dining hangs bright, presenting countless opportunities for food enthusiasts to indulge their appetite for authenticity and quality.
