Winter in Delhi this year wasn’t the stuff of romance that it usually is; the exceptionally harsh and gloomy weather largely kept us snuggled indoors. So, when the sun shone bright and cheery one Sunday morning, I found myself venturing out to the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) at the India Gate circle, for a stroll and a leisurely brunch at one of the three new restaurants that have recently opened on its premises. As part of the newly conceptualised Heritage Courtyard by the Delhi-based Beyond Designs, the two fine dining restaurants and a casual cafe offer a whole new array of dining choices for museum visitors, while also providing a new venue for foodies from across the city to explore.
Fusing classic and contemporary elements, the glorious NGMA building is a landmark institution in itself. Designed by Sir Arthur Bloomfield back in 1936, it served as the former residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur, until it was converted into a museum in 1954 to house an impressive collection of over 17,000 works by 2,000 plus artists, making it one of the largest modern art museums in the world. Its glorious edifice boasts a harmonious blend of Doric and Roman architectural styles, while the expansive galleries within unfold with a deliberate fluidity, providing a spatial journey through time and artistic expressions. The grandeur of the marble façade is softened by intricate detailing and arched windows, allowing natural light to illuminate the curated artworks within.
It’s a delight to walk through the hallowed corridors and rooms marvelling at the curated collections of modern artworks, as I had done on many occasions before. But this being a Sunday meant that the museum was closed for visitors, so I made do with a walk through the outdoor sculpture garden instead, which too exhibits some stunning pieces by famous sculptors like Ramkinkar Baij, DP Roy Choudhury and Subodh Gupta, amongst others. Wandering through the sculpture garden, I soon arrived at the new Heritage Courtyard, designed as an open-air space for visitors to relax and enjoy the outdoors while learning about the history and architecture of the NGMA.
Within the Heritage Courtyard are also situated the three latest culinary destinations by Beyond Designs, namely Amoda, The Saddle House and Cafe Green Lane—each featuring unique, inviting interiors as well as curated menus that accentuate the dining experience at each place. “Our oeuvre is all about celebrating an enchanting fusion of art, architecture, design styles and antiques from around the world. It is an ode to our timeless heritage and culture that need to be redefined and preserved for the coming generations,” says Neha Gupta, founder of the luxury furniture, home accessories and interiors solutions brand. “Over the past years, our forte has extended to curating gastronomical experiences from across the globe for epicures. A venue like the NGMA where art aficionados flock, seemed like the perfect platform to showcase our unique blend of flavours, as well as design.”
Post the success of Beyond Designs Bistro and Nineteen78, the two previous restaurant ventures from their stable, the young architect, interior designer and restaurateur was yearning to recreate the magic in other parts of the city. And NGMA, in the heart of the Capital, provided the best venue. “Since we wanted to offer to our patrons a wide range of cuisine selections as well as experiences, we decided to have two different restaurants and a café—all these combined, we created the Heritage Courtyard,” says Gupta. Served by a common kitchen, the restaurants offer opulent fine dining options, while the cafe is charmingly laidback. “Once you are in the Heritage Courtyard, you are not missing out on any of your favourite cuisines—from pan-Asian and continental to robust Indian flavours to tantalizing street food, everything is available.”
Amoda – Regal Indian
Entering Amoda is akin to stepping into the resplendent palatial homes of Indian royals, with all the maximalism of regal aesthetics displayed in full glory. Part of the ceiling is studded with mirrors, and the rest features a beautiful wallpaper in a muted palette. Crystal chandeliers add to the vintage vibe, while the upholstery of the chairs designed in-house exhibit vibrant floral motifs in bright red and yellow that brighten up the room. The wooden counter and metallic accents of the island bar are contrasted with brass, mirror and glass tiles. Striking artworks and Pichwai paintings on the neutral walls offset the captivating mosaic flooring, binding together the Indian theme gracefully.
Food here is served to the tunes of flutes and tabla playing softly in the background. The menu is a culinary journey through India’s Golden Triangle, with handpicked dishes from Delhi, Jaipur and Agra that resonate with the vibrant heritage of the region. Each dish weaves together age-old recipes passed down through generations, while incorporating modern interpretations and cooking techniques. The popular street food of North Delhi, Fateh Ki Kachori for instance, has been elevated to fine dining standards with an avocado chokha; stuffed mushrooms have been reimagined as cream cheese stuffed morels with saffron chilli cream and truffle oil. Certain classic recipes such as Rajasthani Laal Maas, Homestyle Chicken Curry and Dal Makhani have been kept as such, while sharing space with innovative numbers like Baked Raw Mango Paneer and Zafrani Gucchi and Edamame Pulao. All in all, the menu is thoughtfully curated and well executed, without being overpowering.
The Saddle House – Classic Continental
The design of The Saddle House pays homage to the elegance and excitement of the game of Polo, with fiery orange wall panelling and vintage wallpaper adorned with galloping horses, setting the perfect ambience. The focal point, a stunning island bar crafted with brass, mirror and glass tiles atop a wooden base, stands as a centrepiece, serving both The Saddle House and the adjacent Amoda that is separated by foldable doors. The Saddle House boasts black and white flooring and a non-alcoholic bar, establishing a cohesive identity with Amoda. Drawing inspiration from British architecture, the vibrant orange walls harmonize with eclectic Chinese, Japanese and European artworks, enriching the dining experience with cultural flair.
With a focus on preserving classic recipes, the menu at The Saddle House offers an enticing fusion of pan-Asian and Continental cuisines. There’s a certain familiarity in your dining experience here that transcends passing trends. Whether you choose to seek comfort in an authentic minestrone soup or luscious lasagna on a winter afternoon, or opt for a hearty Parmigiana di Melanzane, Sicilian Truffle Mushroom Arancini or New Zealand lamb chops for dinner, the menu here emphasizes tradition and authenticity in every bite.
Cafe Green Lane – Chaat Central
Café Green Lane embodies the vibrant spirit of street food culture, where tradition and innovation converge to create an indulgent culinary experience. From savoury classics to inventive delights, each dish served is a testament to the rich tapestry of flavours found on the bustling streets of India. The café’s ambience is stylish yet relaxed; bamboo chandeliers illuminate the space, while pastel hues and botanical artworks add a touch of warmth and elegance, inviting patrons to immerse themselves in the cultural mosaic of street fare.
Operating as an all-day bistro, Café Green Lane beckons with a diverse menu showcasing street food favourites from various regions of India. Bread pakoda, matar kulcha, paneer tikka, idli, dosa, uttapam, gol gappa, and the ever-popular vegetarian thali are just a sampling of the culinary delights awaiting guests. Its quick service and diverse offerings attract a steady stream of visitors throughout the day, offering a slice of authentic street food culture in a comfortable and inviting setting.
Neha Gupta; Co-Founder, Beyond Designs
An accomplished architect, interior designer, and the visionary founder of luxury brand Beyond Designs, Neha Gupta ventured into the realm of culinary artistry with the establishment of Beyond Designs Home and Bistro. With a diploma in interior design and a degree in architecture, Neha’s multifaceted talents shine through in her exquisite designs and astute business acumen. As the driving force behind Beyond Designs’ growth, her international exposure and deep appreciation for timeless design heritage have solidified her pioneering status in the dynamic world of design and hospitality.