After its shutdown during Covid, like a homing pigeon the iconic Chor Bizarre returns to its roost in Hotel Broadway on Asaf Ali Road in Delhi’s Daryaganj neighbourhood. While its smitten patrons found their way to Central Delhi’s popular social hub, Bikaner House, for its yummy Kashmiri food the line-up at Asaf Ali Road scripts another story. That the genteel atmospherics of the old-world, Art Deco Hotel Broadway play a pivotal role in enhancing Chor Bizzare’s vintage vibes.
Winding back to the 90s’ you will summon up nostalgia -dripping memories of how restaurateur Rohit Khattar set free India's first theme restaurant, gathering together old recipes to showcase the most delicious Kashmiri delicacies in Daryaganj. Adding more heft to the culinary experience was the liberal introduction of the regional flavours of the legendary valley.
Not an iota of the original aura and retro ambience has been taken away from Chor Bizarre with this long absence. Rather, it’s all very much in place, enhanced by the moody décor, with its scattering of — the antique furniture, vintage trinkets, the iconic four-poster bed, the Singer sewing machine table, and the 1927 Fiat and meals accompanied by retro Bollywood tunes.
Chor Bizarre offers a rare journey into the kitchens of the Kashmiri Pandits with its delectable traditional dishes— rich lamb curries, fresh greens teamed with batt’e (boiled rice) and zamut dod (curd) are the staple food of the people of the valley. You won’t miss the lack of onions, garlic and tomatoes because there are flavours aplenty from the mustard oil, asafoetida, fennel and other spices. Wazwan, that legendary artful 36-dish community banquet too never had such a splendid showcase out of Kashmir as it did at Chor Bizarre in those days.
Helming the kitchen at Daryaganj Chef Srinivas A, the Brand Chef of Chor Bizarre, who has spent 17 years with the group, is a past master at gauging the sensibilities of its patrons when it comes to an authentic culinary experience.
Chor Bizarre is not just about Kashmiri food or North Indian fare. The expanded menu has curated a range of exciting offerings from different parts of India to “once again serve real India on a plate” to an ever-growing clientele. Look no further for a yummy chicken Chettinad, nihari gosht, Malabar prawn curry, sabz biryani, and jackfruit moilee. Chor Bizarre has stepped into this space with its traditional competence. Patrons are excited about Chor Bizarre extensive selection of vegetarian dishes, chaats, and specialities from across India. Tuck into traditional versions of papdi chaat, kalmi vadas, aloo chaat, kachoris, and even the great Japani samosa.
As “India’s Restaurant,” Chor Bizarre also hosts pop-ups all year that spotlight the country’s regional specialities.
Three wazas man the kitchen to ensure an authentic experience of Kashmiri fare. Dive into the two distinct culinary traditions of Kashmir with the Kashmiri Waza Tarami and Kashmiri Pandit Platter. Both capture the rich heritage of the valley, yet each stands apart with unique techniques, ingredients, and flavours.
Chor Bizarre is also India’s first ISO 9002-certified restaurant, underscoring its dedication to quality.