Want a touch of royalty in your meal without burning a dent in your pocket then head to Zaoq , a new eatery in Frazer town
Want a touch of royalty in your meal without burning a dent in your pocket then head to Zaoq , a new eatery in Frazer town
Have you ever wondered what was cooked in the kitchens of the Nawabs of Lucknow? And have you ever felt like tasting those delicacies? If yes, then dropping in at Zaoq, the one-month-old restaurant at Frazer Town may not be a bad idea. However, the first impression of the restaurant may not strike you as anything remotely Awadhi. 
Galouti Kebabu00a0Pics/Sanjay MD
Steel disco balls hang from the ceiling, chrome, steel and wood d ufffdcor, Zaoq will feel just like any other modern steel and glass contraption you see everywhere. But the family room done in a Middle Eastern style with a low table and seating with colourful cushions thrown in will make for an ideal meal with your entire family. However, we soon realized food is what will win you over here.
The best thing about Zaoq is that each and every dish mentioned on the menu card was available. We kicked off our meal with Murgh Shorba (Rs 65). The clear broth was spicy, with bits of chicken, garnished with fresh green chillies and coriander and perked up our spirits immediately. The next arrivals, Gosht Pudina Chops (R 150) and Galouti Kebab (R 180) made us happy. The chops had been marinated with mint, yoghurt and other spices and then grilled to a char literally. The Galouti kebabs melted in our mouth with the tender mutton mince perked up by a hint of garam masala. . The latter is a popular Awadhi dish where the raw meat is at first tenderised with papaya before being marinated with spices, mixed with gram flour and toasted.u00a0 The kebabs were little discs of heaven.u00a0
We spotted unusual names like Paya Nahari (R 150) and Tehari Pulao (R110) and wasted no time ordering these dishes. Along with these, we also ordered Aloo Achariu00a0 (R 110) and Ulta Tawa Paratha (R 40). A preparation that comes straight from the royal kitchens of Lucknow, Paya Nahari is tender morsels of meat cooked in mildly spiced gravy. The bones were cracked for all those who love the flavourful marrow hidden in it and the dish tasted well both with parathas and the pulao. Tehari Pulao, a vegetarian version of the biryaniu00a0 from Uttar Pradesh was a tangy rice flavoured with fresh herbs like dill and coriander.u00a0 The spicy and tangy Aloo Achari tasted perfect with the Ulta Tawa Paratha.u00a0
By this time we were full and satisfied but what's a good meal without some dessert. And Awadhi Zafrani Kheer (R 80) with nuts, raisins and kesar did not let us down. We however, would have been happier if it was served chilled.
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At Zaoq, MM Road, Frazer Town
Call 25800111 Meal for two R 1, 000
Zaoq didn't know we were there. The Guide reviews anonymously and pays for meals.
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