Bukhara: The World’s Most Famous Tandoori Restaurant
Nestled within the luxurious ITC Maurya hotel in New Delhi, Bukhara has held the title of the most famous tandoori restaurant in the world for decades. Since its opening in 1977 (some sources cite 1978), this iconic establishment has become a global benchmark for Northwest Frontier cuisine, renowned for its masterful use of the traditional clay tandoor oven and an unchanging menu that celebrates bold, rustic flavors.
Bukhara’s appeal lies in its unwavering commitment to authenticity and consistency. The restaurant’s interior evokes the rugged spirit of the frontier provinces: stone-clad walls, wooden tables, low seating on stools, and an open kitchen where diners can watch chefs expertly maneuver skewers in the glowing tandoor. Adding to the primal, immersive experience, Bukhara enforces a strict no-cutlery policy—guests are provided with bibs and encouraged to eat with their hands, connecting directly with the food in a way few fine-dining venues dare to promote.
At the heart of Bukhara’s legendary status is its menu, which has remained virtually identical since inception. Signature dishes include the world-famous Dal Bukhara, a rich, creamy black lentil preparation slow-cooked overnight with tomatoes, butter, and subtle spices—widely regarded as the most imitated restaurant dal on the planet. Other highlights are the succulent Seekh Kebabs, tender Murgh Malai Kebab (creamy chicken skewers), the dramatic Sikandari Raan (whole marinated leg of lamb), classic Tandoori Chicken, and oversized breads like the enormous Naan Bukhara, often shared with theatrical flair.
The restaurant’s fame extends far beyond India’s borders. It has hosted an extraordinary roster of global figures, including nearly every U.S. President since Bill Clinton—who famously described his meal there as “a meal of a lifetime”—as well as leaders like Vladimir Putin, celebrities such as Sting, Bruce Springsteen, and Mick Jagger, and cricket icons like Sachin Tendulkar. Bukhara frequently appears on lists of Asia’s best restaurants and is recognized as India’s highest-grossing dining destination.
Much of Bukhara’s enduring reputation can be credited to its consistent excellence over generations, a rarity in the ever-evolving world of fine dining. Prominent Indian food critic and journalist Vir Sanghvi has long been one of its most vocal champions, often declaring it the most famous Indian restaurant in the world. In a popular 2024 YouTube video titled “The Most Famous Tandoori Restaurant in the World | Bukhara with Vir Sanghvi,” produced by the channel The Big Forkers, Sanghvi joins for an in-depth exploration of the menu, sharing insights into the restaurant’s history, techniques, and timeless appeal.
For anyone planning a visit to New Delhi, a table at Bukhara is considered essential—but reservations are notoriously difficult to secure, often requiring weeks or months of advance planning due to perpetual demand. More than just a meal, dining at Bukhara is a pilgrimage for food lovers, offering a taste of tradition that has captivated the world for nearly half a century.
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