Indian Accent – A Culinary Biography of India’s Most Celebrated Restaurant

Chef Manish Mehrotra | The Lodhi, New Delhi | Modern Indian Fine Dining
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Early Vision: A Modern Interpretation of Indian Flavors

In the heart of New Delhi, nestled within the luxurious Lodhi Hotel, stands a restaurant that revolutionized how Indian food is perceived around the world—Indian Accent. Conceived by renowned restaurateur Rohit Khattar, the restaurant is the flagship of Old World Hospitality, and it debuted in 2009 at The Manor before relocating to The Lodhi in 2017.

The brain behind its culinary evolution is Chef Manish Mehrotra, a trailblazer in progressive Indian cuisine. Having trained at IHM Mumbai and with global culinary experience spanning Pan-Asian kitchens, Chef Mehrotra brought a bold vision: to craft dishes that blend India’s rich traditions with contemporary techniques.

The Culinary Philosophy: Where Tradition Meets Innovation

What sets Indian Accent apart is not just its food, but its philosophy of storytelling through flavor. The restaurant’s seasonal menus showcase hyper-local ingredients, unusual pairings, and an unmistakable Indian soul.

Signature dishes such as blue cheese naan, butter chicken kulcha, and smoked duck shami kebab have become cult favorites, gaining acclaim in global publications like Condé Nast Traveller India and Food & Wine Magazine.

The tasting menus—both vegetarian and non-vegetarian—reflect Chef Mehrotra’s obsession with detail, aesthetics, and emotion. View the latest offerings on their official menu page.

Architecture & Atmosphere: Designed for Elegance

Indian Accent’s location inside The Lodhi offers a tranquil, upscale environment. The interiors, curated by Punit Jasuja in collaboration with Sabyasachi’s Nilaya collection, create a visual language of sophistication.

The 110-seat glass pavilion-style dining room is surrounded by water features and gardens—making the ambiance both intimate and opulent. Subtle lighting, handcrafted furniture, and curated tableware turn each dining session into a luxury experience.

Accolades: Global Recognition & Industry Leadership

Indian Accent has consistently held its place on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list, ranked as high as #19 in 2023 according to The World’s 50 Best. It has also been voted the Best Restaurant in India by Condé Nast Traveller multiple times.

In 2018, Time Magazine featured Indian Accent in its list of the “100 Greatest Places in the World”. The restaurant also received the prestigious Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for its curated wine program.

Its consistent excellence has made it a topic of discussion across platforms like Reddit India and international review forums like TripAdvisor.

Signature Dishes That Define a Generation

Each dish at Indian Accent is designed to be unexpected yet comforting, familiar yet groundbreaking. A few standout plates include:

• 🔹 Kanyakumari Crab with Coconut Curry Leaf Foam
• 🔹 Pani Puri Shots with Five Waters
• 🔹 Tamarind Glazed Pork Ribs
• 🔹 Charpoy-Plated Kulfi with Rose Petal Jaggery
• 🔹 Barberry-Glazed Duck with Garlic Potato Mash

These dishes have been reviewed in detail in this thoughtful blog from Pikturenama, and featured globally across chef-centric platforms like Chef’s Roll.

Why You Should Visit Indian Accent

Indian Accent isn’t just a dining spot—it’s a benchmark of culinary artistry in India. Every element—from the scent in the air to the plating of the dishes—has a narrative. Here’s why it should be on your must-visit list:

• 🌍 Globally Recognized: Featured on Asia’s 50 Best and World’s 50 Best
• 👨‍🍳 Chef-Driven Innovation: Created and led by Manish Mehrotra
• 🍷 Award-Winning Wine Program: Recognized by Wine Spectator
• 💫 Unforgettable Ambience: Interior design by Punit Jasuja
• 📰 Media Acclaim: Coverage in Condé Nast Traveller, Food & Wine, and Time Magazine

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