If you’ve reached that point where scrolling through menus in Delhi NCR feels exhausting, where every place promises something “new” but ends up serving the same salads, the same cocktails, and the same safe mains, Novy in Gurugram feels like a breath of fresh air. It doesn’t try too hard and definitely doesn’t follow a template. Instead, it quietly pulls you in and lets the food do all the talking.
Novy In Gurugram Brings Back The Joy Of Dining
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From the moment I stepped inside, Novy felt comforting. The space is dimly lit but not dark, cosy but not cramped, and stylish yet warm. There’s a calm, almost inviting energy to the restaurant, the kind that instantly makes you relax, lean back into your chair, and look forward to a long evening.
Conceptualised by Culture Cauldron chefs Ashay Dhopatkar and Neha Lakhani, Novy is all about thoughtful cooking. The name comes from novelty and the Scandinavian word for new, and that idea runs through everything here. The menu isn’t massive, and that’s a good thing. It doesn’t confuse you or force you to overthink. Instead, it invites you to explore dishes that feel familiar at first glance but surprise you once you take that first bite.
A Fun And Bold Beginning
The meal started with an Amuse-Bouche that instantly set the mood: a Passion Fruit & Chilli Sphere with celery salt and kaffir lime oil. It was punchy, tangy, spicy, and playful all at once. One bite and it burst open, making it very clear that this meal was going to be anything but boring.
The Wai Wasabi Wai followed, and it was a clever twist on Wai Wai Sadeko. Crunchy noodles tossed with wasabi mayo turned something nostalgic into something exciting. The wasabi didn’t overpower, but added a sharp kick that kept each bite lively.
Then came the Bread & Butter, and honestly, this deserves its own spotlight. Warm ciabatta paired with three whipped butters: smoked miso, acacia honey with Korean chilli, and truffle with parmesan. Each butter had its own personality. One was savoury and smoky, another gently sweet with a hint of heat, and the third rich and indulgent. It’s simple food done exceptionally well, and sometimes that’s the most satisfying kind.
Mains That Steal The Show
The Aubergine Hummus was a surprise favourite. Served with assorted crisps, it was smoky, earthy, fresh, and slightly spicy. Every scoop felt comforting but interesting. The Wild Mushrooms were grilled beautifully. Earthy and umami-rich, this dish felt elegant without trying too hard. It let the mushrooms shine, proving how powerful simplicity can be when the ingredients are treated with respect.
The Delhi-Bombay momos were pure joy. It was comforting, creamy, mildly spicy, and deeply satisfying. The Scallop Ross Omelette was indulgence on a plate. Nothing felt excessive. Every bite was smooth, luxurious, and incredibly well thought out. Then came the Pearl Barley Porridge, warm, hearty, and nourishing. It’s the kind of dish that makes you slow down and truly enjoy what you’re eating.
One of the most memorable dishes of the evening was the Nihari en Croûte. Slow-cooked mutton nihari wrapped in flaky puff pastry, it was rich, deep, and intensely flavourful. Cutting into the pastry and reaching the warm, spiced nihari inside felt incredibly satisfying.
Dessert kept things indulgent but balanced. The Bailey’s Brûlée was smooth, creamy, and comforting, with a perfectly caramelised top.
Cocktails That Truly Complement The Food
Novy’s cocktails deserve special mention because they don’t overpower the food, they enhance it. The Green Negroni is Novy’s playful take on a classic, and it’s easily one of the most enjoyable versions I’ve had in a while. It keeps the familiar bitterness that Negroni lovers crave but softens it with herbal and fruity notes that make it far more approachable.
If you enjoy bold, punchy flavours, Injipulli Picante is a standout. Spicy, tangy, and citrus-forward, this cocktail hits all the right notes. Let’s Go Nuts is a brilliant example of how Novy makes whisky accessible without dumbing it down. Even if you’re not a regular whisky drinker, this one is easy to enjoy.
The Tepache Highball 2.0 is pure refreshment. Fresh, tropical, and herbaceous, it feels light, bright, and incredibly clean on the palate. It works beautifully as a palate cleanser between courses.
By the end of the evening, we were still sitting there, chatting, laughing, and picking at the last bites on our plates. Novy isn’t loud or flashy; it’s thoughtful, comforting, and quietly exciting. If you’re looking for a place in Gurugram that genuinely feels different, this one is absolutely worth your time.
Where: HQ27 The Headquarters, 8, Sector 27, Gurugram
When: 12 pm – 12 am
Cover Image Courtesy: Mallika Khurana
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