Durbar Season 1

Godawan Durbar × Nahargarh, Alsisar

In collaboration with @godawandurbar and @thealsisarnahargarh, I conceptualised and curated the food and beverage experience for an intimate, invite-only cultural gathering set within the historic Nahargarh Fort. Conceived by Abhimanyu Alsisar and Warren deSylva, Durbar brought together music, art, craft and cuisine in a contemporary interpretation of Rajasthan’s living heritage. Across two days, the experience unfolded through immersive feasts, heirloom-inspired menus, live-fire cooking, regional storytelling and bespoke cocktail programming with Godawan Single Malt — all designed to sit seamlessly alongside the festival’s larger artistic narrative. From candlelit dinners by the stepwell to expansive palace hall banquets under chandeliers and winter skies, the culinary direction sought to reinterpret traditional Rajasthani flavours and rituals through a modern, experiential lens.

menu day 1

Hearth of Heritage

Winter descends on Rajasthan with a sharp chill, its touch as crisp as the frost-laden desert breeze. In this season of stillness, the hearth becomes sacred—a place where stories are shared, warmth is cherished, and sustenance is soul-deep. The Alsisar kitchens stand as silent custodians of a glorious culinary tradition, invoking the spirit of Rajasthan with dishes steeped in history and heritage.

On Durbar’s first evening, Nahargarh sheds its palace grandeur and transforms into an intimate sanctuary. The aroma of ancient recipes, passed down through generations, fills the air. These are no ordinary dishes—they are heirlooms, painstakingly preserved by the Alsisar family, created with produce drawn from their fertile lands, tranquil lakes, and abundant gardens.

The feast begins with ladles of steaming raab, creamy and fragrant, a balm against the winter’s chill. The bold jungli maas, tender Mutton Rajiya Kaliya, and earthy Kathal soolas transport diners to a realm where flavours tell tales of royal hunts and hearthside gatherings. Stews of delicate paya whisper of nourishment, while humble grains like bajra and til harmonise with winter greens such as bhatwa and lauki. The bhatti yields its treasures—charcoal-kissed kebabs and smoky tikkas—while Kabuli pulao, jewelled with dried fruits and nuts, provides an aromatic crescendo.

As you sip, savour, and share, let the warmth of these heritage recipes cradle you into a journey of taste and time. Here, the Alsisar family invites you not merely to dine but to partake in a living legacy, where each dish is an ode to the land, the season, and the stories of Rajasthan.

menu day 2

Chandni Bhojan

As winter deepens, Rajasthan’s nights unfold under a sky touched by the cool fingers of the moon. The glow of flickering lamps dances across the courtyard, casting shadows beneath ancient trees. Their branches sway in the evening breeze, guarding the warmth of the kitchens where a feast is being prepared. This is the second night of Durbar, a celebration of Chandni Bhojan—a feast not from history books, but from the heart of Rajasthan’s moonlit royal gatherings.

In days long past, moonlit dinners were more than meals; they were moments of tranquility, prosperity, and hospitality. Believed to enhance the flavours of food, the moonlight transformed each dish into something sacred. These gatherings were filled with music, storytelling, and the warmth of companionship, celebrating Rajasthan’s culture and culinary legacy.

For this evening’s celebration, we recreate this timeless tradition with both reverence and innovation. The wild Ker berries of Rajasthan’s drylands, tart and bold, add a playful tang to the Caesar salad, while the live mutton raan, slow-roasted and served on soft local-flour tortillas, brings a touch of global flavour to the meal. For vegetarians, a tawa of seasonal vegetables offers a hearty, vibrant alternative. The lakeside Machli Jaismandi, infused with spices from Rajasthan’s arid deserts, takes centre stage, while a rich, purple-hued gajar ka halwa elevates the classic dessert with deeper flavour and colour.

This is not merely a meal but a celebration of Rajasthan’s essence—where food, culture, music and the moonlight merge into one unforgettable experience.

Press Coverage :Outlook Luxe, Travel & Leisure India