Qavalli: A Feast of Flavours, Fragrance and Song in South Delhi

There are restaurants that feed you well, and then there are those that transport you. Qavalli, which opened at Epicuria in Nehru Place in January, falls firmly into the latter category. From the moment you step through its intricately carved doors, the aroma of saffron, nutmeg, and rosewater sets the stage for a dining experience that is both opulent and intimate—a culinary daawat that feels like stepping into another era.

The interiors evoke a bygone world of nawabi mehfils, with marble fountains glistening softly under custom chandeliers and hand-painted walls that shimmer with old-world charm. The décor is inspired by Founder Mr. Dinesh Arora’s appreciation for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s works and the mastery of architect par excellence Abhiyan Neogi. Mr. Arora has been an aficionado of ‘Heera Mandi,’ where the grandeur of the sets remains unforgettable. His travels have inspired the Moroccan elements, and his love for the historical architecture of India can be seen across 6,500 sq. ft. of space.

Dinesh Arora shares, “Qavalli is not just a restaurant; it is an experience that brings together the rich legacy of Indian food and culture in a setting that feels magical. With this new edition, we aim to revive the forgotten treasures of our culinary heritage while providing a space where people can come together to create memories over timeless food and soulful music.”

Co-founder Pooja Arora adds, “Every detail of Qavalli has been designed with immense love and thought, from the menu to the décor, to ensure that our guests feel like they’ve been transported to another era. This is our tribute to India’s culinary and cultural brilliance, and we are thrilled to bring this vision to life for South Delhi.”

But it’s really the food—and the music—that make Qavalli unforgettable. On Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, the restaurant comes alive with live qavalli performances. The notes of harmonium and tabla swirl around the room, their intensity building with every verse, until you feel yourself surrendering to the magic. It’s not background music; it’s an experience, and dining here without it would be missing half the story.

The menu is a celebration of Indian culinary heritage, with dishes that revive forgotten recipes and breads alongside Mughlai stalwarts. The Batak ki Shami melts on the tongue, rich with spiced duck and slow-cooked to perfection. Kathal Haleem brings unexpected depth from jackfruit, proving that innovation doesn’t need to compromise authenticity. The Shahi Mewa Tukda, draped in saffron-scented rabri, closes the meal with indulgence that borders on regal.

The first thing that struck me as I walked into Qavalli at Epicuria was the sheer transportive quality of the space. The air itself felt perfumed, carrying hints of saffron, rose, and jasmine, while the gleam of chandeliers reflected off marble fountains and hand-painted walls. It didn’t feel like just another restaurant opening in South Delhi—it felt like I had stumbled into a mehfil from another time, where the architecture whispered of palaces and the mood promised a night steeped in indulgence.

What truly made the evening unforgettable, though, was the live qavalli performance. The harmonium rose, the tabla followed, and soon the singers had the entire room swaying with their soaring, soulful verses. Between mouthfuls of Batak ki Shami, tender and fragrant, and spoonfuls of the rich Kathal Haleem, I felt the music binding the experience together into something almost theatrical. By the time dessert arrived—an opulent Shahi Mewa Tukda draped in saffron rabri—I wasn’t simply dining, I was part of an unfolding daawat, one that lingers in memory long after the last note faded.

Of course, no daawat is complete without good pairings. The cocktail list at Qavalli takes its cues from the kitchen—fragrant, complex, and deeply rooted in Indian botanicals. The Mallika Jaan, with its subtle floral notes, and the bold Tajdaar are standouts, balancing beautifully with the smoky kebabs and rich gravies.

Dining at Qavalli is more than a meal; it’s an immersion into a culture of hospitality, music, and food that insists on being savoured slowly. In a city overflowing with new restaurants, Qavalli stands apart—not just as a place to eat, but as a place to remember.

ddress: Concourse, TDI South Bridge, C-1, Epicuria, Nehru Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110019

Cost for Two: INR 3000 + Taxes

Instagram: @qavallidelhi