Bengaluru : The Royal Afghan at ITC Windsor has completed 40 years, marking four decades as one of Bengaluru’s most distinguished dining establishments. Originating at ITC Windsor in 1986, the restaurant has now extended its legacy to ITC Grand Bharat, carrying forward the flavours and traditions of the North-West Frontier.
Since its inception, the restaurant has been defined by a consistent culinary identity: kebabs prepared over an open tandoor, breads baked fresh to order, and the signature Dal Bukhara that has come to define the destination. The menu has remained largely unchanged since 1986, a deliberate reflection of the restaurant’s commitment to quality and authenticity.
To commemorate the milestone, ITC Windsor hosted an evening bringing together loyal patrons, long-standing associates, and patrons from Bengaluru. The dinner featured the restaurant’s most celebrated dishes, drawn from the same recipes that have anchored its menu since opening.
Sabrina Dey, General Manager, ITC Windsor, addressed the gathering: “For 40 years, The Royal Afghan has been more than a restaurant. It has been a destination for those who appreciate great cuisine, timeless flavours, and meaningful moments shared over a meal. We are honoured by the loyalty our guests have shown us over the years and look forward to continuing this journey together.”
Set beneath a peepal tree beside the pool, the restaurant’s original character has been carefully preserved across four decades — its lattice work, poolside seating, and open tandoor remain integral to the dining experience. While chefs have changed over the years, the culinary philosophy has remained constant.
This consistency has been built on precision and an unwavering commitment to supreme craftsmanship which has remained central to the restaurant’s enduring appeal. Every dish undergoes careful preparation, using only ingredients that meet the kitchen’s exacting standards. Traditional clay-oven cooking shapes the distinct character of its kebabs, breads, and vegetables. The iconic Dal Bukhara – simmered for hours to reach its full depth of flavour – and the tandoor-baked Naan Bukhara, designed for sharing, capture this philosophy at its best. Its most-ordered dishes, including the Sikandari Raan and Malai Kebab, continue to draw both long-standing patrons and first-time diners.
Forty years on, The Royal Afghan’s success rests not on reinvention, but on the sustained excellence of a menu that has stood the test of time.
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