CT Review: Delhi’s New Zariya Redefines Indian Dining With Prawn Pakodas, Mutton Kakori Kebabs & More

I recently had the chance to visit the newly opened Zariya by DAL Samarkand in South Delhi’s Kailash Colony, and it turned out to be one of those dining experiences that stays with you long after the meal is over. The restaurant is designed to be a warm, contemporary Indian dining space that celebrates comfort, familiar flavours, and creativity. The moment I walked in, I felt a sense of comfort, as if the place had been designed to welcome me like an old friend. Coming from the team behind the much-loved Dal Samarkand, this place feels like a fresh yet nostalgic spin on Indian dining.

The Soulful Flavours Of Zariya By Dal Samarkand

 

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The restaurant is spread across two levels, and each part has its own charm. On the ground floor, you’ll find a cute bakery and café that feels like the perfect place to grab a quick dessert or coffee. The real magic, though, is upstairs on the first floor, where the main dining area is located. As I climbed the stairs, I couldn’t help but notice how well-designed the space is. Even though it’s compact, the layout makes everything feel airy and comfortable.

The seating is cosy, the bar is simply stunning, and the walls have a subtle artistic charm that practically calls you to take pictures before you even start clicking the food. The interiors bring together modern minimalism with hints of Indian warmth. There’s a lot of thought put into the details, which makes you want to settle in for hours. What really stood out, though, was the hospitality. Tarun Kapoor, the co-founder of Zariya, personally hosted us, which added such a personal and warm touch to the whole experience.

A Menu Built On Seasonal Goodness

Zariya follows an ingredient-first philosophy, where every dish is built around fresh, seasonal produce. Their menu feels like a mix of familiar Indian comfort food with modern touches that keep things exciting. I was curious to see what kind of flavours this place would bring to the table, and let me tell you, I was not disappointed.

Starters That Stood Out

I started with the Mango Champagne Salad, which turned out to be way more interesting than I expected. It was a fresh, tropical mix of sweet mangoes, crunchy candied walnuts, and fresh greens, all tied together with a champagne vinaigrette and a touch of honey dressing. Every bite had layers of flavour – sweet, earthy, nutty, and tangy – all blending beautifully on one plate.

Next came the Avo-Mango-Salsa Pani Puri, and honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect. We all love the street-style pani puri, but this was a twist I did not see coming. The avocado-mango salsa filling inside the puris was creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet, pairing perfectly with the spiced water. It was light, refreshing, and surprisingly addictive.

Then came one of the stars of my meal: the Fried Chicken with Maple Sherry Bacon. This isn’t the kind of fried chicken you get at fast-food joints; this one had depth and soul. The chicken was brined to perfection, juicy on the inside, and had that beautiful, crunchy coating on the outside. The maple sherry bacon added just the right amount of sweetness and smokiness. Paired with a slightly spicy sauce, this dish was a winner in every bite.

Since it was pouring outside, I couldn’t resist ordering Prawn Pakoras, and I’m so glad I did. The prawns were coated in a spiced batter and fried until golden brown and crispy but still perfectly juicy inside. They were the kind of snack that instantly lifts your mood on a rainy day.

Another dish that stole my heart was the Mutton Kakori Kebab. These kebabs were so soft that they practically melted in my mouth. The flavours were perfectly balanced; not too spicy, but still rich and aromatic. They were served with flaky Varki Parathas and a mango chutney that added just the right amount of sweetness to the bite. The Fish Tikka was another must-try. The sole fish had a smoky flavour that worked beautifully with its delicate texture.

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The Main Course That Won My Heart

By the time the main course arrived, I was already full, but the dishes looked too tempting to resist. I knew I had to try their signature Dal Samarkand, which is nothing like your regular dal makhani. It’s slow-cooked with whole spices, creamy without being overloaded with butter and cream, and has this rich, earthy flavour that makes it unforgettable. Served in a traditional barni, it truly felt like comfort in a bowl.

I also tried their Prawn Curry with Malabar Parathas, and it was simply heavenly. The curry was rich, creamy, and spiced with South Indian flavours, with coconut milk giving it a velvety finish. The flaky Malabar parathas were perfect for soaking up the curry. Another dish I loved was the Kashmiri Mutton Curry. The lamb was tender and cooked in a beautiful mix of Kashmiri chilli, cardamom, and other spices, giving it a deep, warming flavour.

Desserts & Drinks That Ended It On A High

I paired my meal with a Picante cocktail, which had the right balance of spice and freshness to complement the food. By the time dessert arrived, I thought I was too full, but one look at their desserts and I couldn’t resist. The Cinnamon Churros were served warm with a chocolate ganache—crispy, chewy, and absolutely divine. The Bada Jaleba, an oversized crispy jalebi, was indulgent and perfectly sweet. Finally, their Chocolate Brownie Fudge with Vanilla Ice Cream completely stole my heart. Even if you’re not a dessert person, this trio will change your mind.

Delhi NCR sees new restaurants opening almost every week, each trying to woo diners with either their interiors or their food. Zariya by Dal Samarkand is one of those rare places that nails both. The space is as Instagram-worthy as it is inviting, and the menu offers a symphony of flavours that leave you wanting more. If you’re in Delhi and looking for a place that combines familiarity with fresh excitement, Zariya is worth every visit.

Trust me, you’ll want to go back for another round of their kebabs, pakodas, and that unforgettable Dal Samarkand.

Cover Image Courtesy: Supplied and Mallika Khurana