Devanjana Mukherjee, Khabri Media
The capital city of Uzbekistan, has a rich history of cultural exchange, right from the ancient Silk Road to the modern era, it has been a melting pot of diverse influences.
Pic: Social Media
Styled on the Bollywood theme, the ‘Raaj Kapur’ restaurant which is one of the three major Indian restaurants in Tashkent, is at least 16 years old and is a hit among not only Indian tourists but also locals for its lip-smacking dishes. To subscribe please click tau.id/2iy6f and access our live channel.
The restaurant is named after the legendary Indian actor and filmmaker, who during the mid-20th century, became a household name in Uzbekistan. Kapoor’s films, such as “Mera Naam Joker” and “Shree 420,” were widely popular in this Central Asian nation.
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“Raj Kapoor” is not just a restaurant; it is a tribute to the cinematic genius and the enduring connection between Uzbekistan and Bollywood. The décor of the restaurant beautifully reflects this connection. The walls are adorned with posters and stills from Raj Kapoor’s iconic films, creating a nostalgic and immersive atmosphere.
The interior design is a seamless blend of Indian and Uzbek elements, with colorful fabrics, ornate furniture, and traditional Indian artwork. Housed in the Le Grande Hotel in Tashkent, the restaurant is a definite stopover for tourist groups from India and is popular for its Bollywood nights where Uzbeks also groove on top chartbusters from the 90s.
Pic: Social Media
The idea of the restaurant was first conceptualised by Jay Al Atas, an Indonesian who fell in love with Indian food during a visit to the country and was also impressed with the craze for Raj Kapoor in Russia and Uzbekistan.
The restaurant is also the official caterer for the majority of Indian events–be it the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Samarkand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit or any Bollywood night event.
Five chefs from different parts of India are behind the variety-loaded menu at the restaurant offering all kinds of cuisine such as butter chicken, biryani, cheese naan and dosa, and so on. One of the most popular dishes at the restaurant is the “Biryani-E-Kapoor,” that combines aromatic spices, tender pieces of meat or vegetables, and fragrant basmati rice, creating a symphony of flavors that has become a local favorite.
Pic: Social Media
The restaurant also boasts an impressive bar that offers a wide selection of Indian and international spirits, including a variety of signature cocktails. The “Mera Naam Martini” and “Shree 420 Sling” have gained popularity among locals and tourists alike, offering a delightful fusion of Indian and Uzbek flavors.
A wall in the restaurant boasts of the renowned people who have visited the restaurant be it politicians like Sushma Swaraj and Rajnath Singh or Bollywood celebrities like Mithun Chakraborty, Shibani Kashyap, Daler Mehandi, and Gulshan Grover. Three superstars from the Kapoor family — Randhir Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor — have also dined at the restaurant on different occasions.
