The name Azad has held great significance on the culinary map of Thiruvananthapuram for over eight decades. From a makeshift outlet located at Vallakkadavu named Azadinte Kada (Azad’s shop) to a diverse gastronomic portfolio consisting of restaurants, fine dining eateries, bakeries and kiosks, Azad has constantly evolved while staying true to its Travancore roots.

The latest addition to this list is a slow food restaurant with a Quick Service Restaurant model named 1940 India, located at Vazhuthacaud.

What is slow food?

The slow food movement, combating international fast-food chains and homogenisation of food, began in the ‘80s in Italy. The moniker is attributed to its anti-fast-food ideology and has no relation to cooking time. The campaign, founded by Italian activist Carlo Petrini against the opening of a McDonald’s outlet in Rome, is characterised by a core philosophy, “Good, clean and fair” food, covering quality of ingredients, sustainable production methods and a fair price for producers. There is also an emphasis on supporting local businesses and seasonality.

“During the opening of an international fast-food franchise outlet nearby, we discussed how almost everything, apart from a few of their employees, is imported. This income benefits only the foreign company,” says Ozman Azad, a third generation member of the family.

“We have specific local vendors for each of our shops, which expand depending on seasons. Everyone who is part of that local network benefits from this. We need to replicate this framework everywhere with the ethnic foods of that location,” says Ozman. He runs the business with his brothers, Wazim Azad and Mahin Azad. Their father, Abdul Nazar Azad, son of MP Azad, who founded their first restaurant in 1940, is the chairman of Azad Corporate.

Since inception, Azad’s restaurant at Overbridge known for the iconic Azad Pakka Travancore Biriyani, their fine dining restaurant Star, and their bakery and confectionary store Bread Factory, are household names in the State capital.

“We have been doing the slow food concept for 85 years. And it has always been hyper local-centric in terms of sourcing the ingredients and the staff. But 1940 India is the only place where there is an additional emphasis to serve it fast,” says Ozman. 

A key difference between fast food and slow food outlets is the presence of a chef. “They play a significant role in the kitchen. Fast food is about assembling, while slow food involves preparing the components from scratch and staying away from frozen products,” says Ozman.

He adds that the smooth operation of the outlet depends on “the hub”, located at Eanchakkal, established six months before the restaurant’s opening. This facility, with 25 staff, is responsible for research, development, and operations. The restaurant has a total workforce of 23 people.

The menu

The menu of 1940 India caters to the youth, who consume fast food the most. “If slow food aims to combat fast food, then it should target the younger generation. We have sandwiches, rolls, mac ‘n’ cheese, which might draw in the younger crowd. But at the same time we serve idiyappam, chicken curry, mutton curry and so on,” says Ozman.

“We also discovered that the younger generation prefers smaller individual portions over ordering multiple dishes across the table. They have only short breaks during their work hours, so we have to serve fresh food quickly too,” he adds.

The menu is divided into five sub-groups. The I Am Young And Happy menu features sandwiches, rolls, loaded fries and mac ‘n’ cheese. My Travancore, My Love has kothu porotta, traditional crispy chicken, chicken peralan, mutton curry roast, baby Kerala porotta, noolappam and dum biriyani. Indian curries, tikkas, kebabs, bread, and rice dishes are featured in the I Am India section. I Love Asia menu has Cantonese chicken and nutty cauliflower, along with fried rice and Hakka noodles. Custard brownies, gulab jamun and soft serve comprise the dessert menu. Rajasthani thandai, a fragrant sweet drink with a spicy kick, and Punjabi lassi are also available.

My Travancore, My Love menu would differ according to the location, featuring dishes indigenous to that area, says Ozman.

“Our next step here would be to create personalised menu classifications, looking at different generations and dividing their time slots into six, serving what they would like to eat at each of these slots,” Ozman says. The peak hours are after 8pm and during the hours following the usual lunch breaks.

The slow food chain is expanding to Bengaluru next year and will establish a hub in the lead-up to that. “We are targeting areas where you can find fast-food chains; therefore, we are not limited to just metropolitan areas.”

Published – August 02, 2025 11:00 am IST

I love a good curry.

I’ve eaten at some very nice Indian and Bangladeshi restaurants over the years, taking in the different tastes, textures, flavours and smells and enjoying the masterpieces created by the chefs: rich and creamy sauces, properly cooked meat with onions, peppers and chillies and complemented by soft naans, rotis and fluffy rice.

From the different places I’ve been to, I’ve been able to say which places are better than others in terms of the welcome from staff, the ambience and atmosphere of the restaurant and, most importantly, the quality of the food.

From the far north of Scotland to the south west of England, there are plenty of places that I’ve visited, but one of the best ones, one which always provides a top quality meal, is one about a 10 minute walk from my house in Penn in Wolverhampton.

Penn Tandoori has been a regular haunt for myself and my family for years, located on Penn Road near the Mount Tavern pub and set inside a very heavily populated area.

It’s an award-winning restaurant, with the most recent award being named Best Indian Takeaway Restaurant in the Midlands by Euro Asia Curry Awards in 2024, while it was also named the Express & Star’s Indian Restaurant of the Year in 2017.

However, it has become a restaurant which is very popular at the end of the week and throughout the weekend, but which has found itself struggling for customers at the start of the week.

In a bid to attract more people into the restaurant at the start of the week, it has introduced a traditional combination meal popular across south Asia on what it is calling Thali Nights.

The thali in question is a traditional Indian meal, served as a selection of complementary dishes on a single platter, often featuring a variety of curries, rice, bread, yogurt, and pickles, designed to offer a taste of different flavours and textures.

Speaking to manager Rahan Hussain, I learned more about the traditions of the thali and how it is seen as a balanced meal, with smaller portions of rice and curries, in katuras, or pots, as well as something that is enjoyed by people from the poorest families right up to the wealthy classes.

He said that it was something very common in Bangladesh, where he came from, with it being a tradition when a guest comes over to offer them a thali, which is the large plate that the different pots come in.

The restaurant has created the set menu for Thali nights, which will run on Mondays and Tuesdays and have six option available, all costing £14.95 and themed around either traditional tastes or a theme for a certain area.

The Penn Thali has a selection of chicken tikka, sheek kebab, lamb bhuna, chicken tikka masala, sag aloo, pilau rice and a garlic naan, as well as a choice of either chips, masala chips, raitha (a type of yogurt) or salad.

The four choices are also included with four of the other five dishes, with the Wolves Thali being a combination of chicken pakora, sheek kebab, chicken balti, chicken tikka masala, bombay aloo, pilau rice and a plain naan and, according to Mr Hussain, being based on what locals would often order.

The countries of India and Bangladesh are also represented, with the Delhi Thalli a combination of chicken tikka, vegetable samosa, chicken jalfrezi, naga chicken, tarka dhall, pilau rice and coriander nan, while the Deshi Thali has sheek kebab, onion bhajee, chicken balti, Bangladeshi lamb, tarka dhall, pilau rice and garlic nan.

Finally, the Veggie Thali is a mix of vegetable samosa, onion bhaji, vegetable korahi, vegetable balti, tarka dhall, plain rice and plain naan and the Vegan Thali is full of aloo pakora, garlic mushrooms, vegetable bhuna, vegetable pathia, chana bhuna, plain rice and a chapati, as well as not having the raitha available.

For the indecisive or the person who wants to create their own, there is also the option to create your own thali with any of the options on the other dishes, although the cost will increase depending on choice of dishes.

It all seemed really good and, being a bit of a spice-head, I chose the Delhi Thali due to the presence of jalfrezi and naga spices, with a side of masala chips to go with it.

Sitting with some poppodoms and a range of sauces, I was able to take in the cosy surroundings of Penn Tandoori as I hadn’t been there for a while. It still felt warm and cosy, with a nice backdrop of Indian music and a lighting scheme which made you feel comfortable.

My reverie was interrupted by the arrival of my thali, a large silver flat bowl filled with six smaller bowls and a sizeable portion of coriander naan bread and which smelled amazing, full of spice and flavour.

I was also given some advice by Mr Hussain on what is considered the traditional way to eat a thali where, rather that just picking at each bowl, you pour everything into the thali for its purpose as a bowl and then eat the meal as it’s combined together.

While it’s not compulsory, it’s certainly worth trying and so I poured the different contents into the thali, mixing the spice of the naga and jalfrezi with the cooling edge of the tarka dhall and the lovely crunch of the samosa, and then set to eating my Delhi Thali.

I would heartily recommend eating this way as you get the nice experience of all the different dishes coming together to create a range of flavours that give your taste buds something to think about, complemented by the fluffy and soft naan, which helped me mop everything up.

It didn’t seem a lot, but I was nicely full at the end, and if you look at the concept, it’s a really good way to try different dishes if you’re not sure about a full curry and form an opinion from there.

Also, for £14.95, it’s a cost-effective way of eating out as a normal curry at Penn Tandoori would cost between £10.95 and £14.95, so a thali and a few drinks would not exactly break the bank.

Penn Tandoori is an excellent restaurant which keeps a high standard for its food and its service. This new concept is another way of looking at its presentation and ensuring the ongoing success of the restaurant, so get yourself down there and give the thali a try.

If you thought Delhi’s food scene couldn’t get more exciting, think again. Whether you’re in the mood for India’s forgotten recipes or dreaming of a slice of Naples or a live-made tiramisu, these newly opened spots have you covered. Here’s your delicious guide to the hottest new restaurants in Delhi you absolutely need to check out this August.

Best New Restaurants In Delhi This August

1. Matram

If you love Indian food and want to experience it in a brand-new way, Matram in Dwarka is a must-visit. Matram is the first chef-driven fine-dining restaurant in Dwarka, and it’s already making headlines. The man behind the idea is Shubh Sharma, who also created popular places like Mayfair and Cafe Di Milano. The food here is led by Chef Suresh Fartyal, who has 24 years of experience and a deep love for Indian cuisine. The menu includes exciting dishes like Gunpowder Podi Idli with Coconut Espuma, Kundapur Chicken Ghee Roast, Watermelon Panchporan, and Rum-Spiced Tiger Prawns. The vibe is warm, the service is top-notch, and the presentation is stunning.

Where: Reliance Mall, Plot No 1, adjacent to Mayfair Restro Bar, Sector 13, Dwarka, New Delhi
When: 12 pm – 12 am
Cost: ₹1,500 (For two)

2. Organic Bistro

If you’ve been looking for a place where you can eat healthy without sacrificing flavour, Organic Bistro in Khan Market is going to be your new favourite. This charming new spot is all about using natural, seasonal, and organic ingredients to create food that’s both wholesome and exciting. The menu is full of surprises, like Purple Potato Dahi Vada, Peri Peri Chickpea Hummus, and Jackfruit Haleem. There’s also a delicious Portobello Mushroom with Achari Rajma Khichri, and a must-try Jackfruit Biryani. Even the drinks are healthy and fun, with cold-pressed juices, organic smoothies, and teas without any preservatives.

Where: 38, Khan Market, Rabindra Nagar, New Delhi
When: 11 am – 11 pm
Cost: ₹1,600 (For two)

3. Si Nonna’s

Pizza lovers, this one’s for you! Si Nonna’s, India’s favourite sourdough pizza brand, has finally opened in Gurugram. Known for their slow-fermented sourdough crusts and rich Italian flavours, Si Nonna’s has already become a go-to spot in cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru. Now, Gurugram joins the list with its brand-new outlet in Sector 71. Some of their most loved options include Pizza No. 2 (tomato, mozzarella, basil) and Pizza No. 3 (with olives, capers, oregano). The menu also features Panuozzo sandwiches, fresh focaccia, kombuchas, gelato, and their absolutely iconic Nonna’s Tiramisu

Where: Ground Floor, Urban Cubes 71, Sector 71, Gurugram
When: 11 am – 11 pm
Cost: ₹1,500 (For two)

4. Mi Piaci

If you’ve ever dreamed of dining like you’re in Italy, then Mi Piaci is calling your name. Founded by Lorenzo Lanzoni and Harsh Rathore, along with hospitality giant Priyank Sukhija, Mi Piaci brings an all-Italian team to Delhi. What’s amazing is how everything is made in front of you. Fresh pasta, tossed live on your table. You’ll also love their rooftop bar with soft Italian music and signature cocktails like Basil Spritz and Tirami (a cocktail twist on their dessert).

Where: Ward no 1, Ambawatta One, Second Floor, Property No H 5/3, H 5/4 (Back Side, Kalka Das Marg, Mehrauli, New Delhi
When: 7 pm – 1 am

Also Read: 12 New Restaurants In Mumbai Featuring Exciting Flavours And Menus You Can’t Miss This August

5. Libertario Coffee

If you love your coffee with a story, then Libertario Coffee in GK2 is a must-visit. This new café is the first Indian outpost of a beloved Colombian coffee brand, brought to life by Arushi Mehra and her husband, Miguel, who has deep Colombian roots. Libertario offers a beautiful space with warm interiors and attention to every little detail. Try their Paz blend for something caramel-chocolatey, or Libre for fruity notes. They even serve rare, exotic beans like Geisha and Bourbon Sidra. The food menu has been designed specially to pair with these unique coffees, and it brings global flavours with a local twist.

Where: M – 52, Ground Floor, Greater Kailash Part 2, New Delhi
When: 8 am – 11 pm

6. The Qube At The Leela Palace New Delhi

The Qube at The Leela Palace is back, and it’s more stunning than ever. The restaurant has been completely redesigned to combine global cuisine, visual art, and top-tier hospitality, all under one glamorous roof. The à la carte dinner menu by Chef Ashmeet Singh Jolly is a standout. And in the evenings, don’t miss the special Thai dining studio led by Chef Krung Thong. What makes this new restaurant in Delhi a must-try this August is the giant digital art wall, where artworks from Indian artists change throughout the day, setting the mood while you dine. 

Where: Africa Ave, Diplomatic Enclave, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
When: 6:30 am – 11:30 pm
Cost: ₹3,500 (For two)

7. Latango

Latango is Delhi’s newest European bar and restaurant, and it’s already creating quite the buzz. Created by Sahil Sambhi (the name behind popular spots like Japonico and Vietnom), Latango brings the best of Europe to your plate and your glass. Italian chefs lead the kitchen, turning out perfect plates of seafood tagliolini, French-style omelettes, and creamy tiramisu that melts in your mouth. But what truly sets Latango apart is its cocktail menu. Designed like letters from Europe, each drink tells a story. The space itself is sleek and modern, with an open kitchen and glass bar that adds drama and beauty to your evening.

Where: 01 Epicuria, TDI South Bridge, METRO STATION, GROUND FLOOR, Unit No S, Nehru Place, New Delhi
When: 12 pm – 5 pm; 7 pm – 3 am
Cost: ₹5,000 (For two)

8. Le Café At The Chanakya

With its elegant design and calming vibe, this café is perfect whether you want a quick pastry break or a full sit-down meal. Le Café is divided into four amazing sections. First, there’s the pastry and bread counter with buttery croissants. Next is the live kitchen, where you can watch chefs cook risottos, burgers, and DIY pizzas right in front of you. Then there’s a salad and sandwich bar, and finally, there’s a pasta station. The space is relaxed, the ingredients are premium, and every detail feels thoughtfully done.

Where: The Chanakya, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi

9. MIRA’S

MIRA’S is one of those places that makes you feel instantly at ease. The food is a blend of European cooking with Indian freshness. Think barley and avocado salad, burrata with sweet pepper jam, lamb kebabs with creamy hummus, and their cheeky Peppa Pig pizza, loaded with pepperoni, bacon, jalapeños, and hot honey. Their bakehouse is a thing of beauty too. The interiors are soft, warm, and designed for lingering, with quiet nooks, cosy lighting, and even a little bookshelf for readers.

Where: 13-B, Defence Colony Market, New Delhi
When: 11 am – 7 pm
Cost: ₹1,800 (For two)

Which one of these new restaurants in Delhi are you planning to try this August?

Cover Image Courtesy: Supplied

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First Published: August 01, 2025 9:18 PM