Dhaba Estd. 1986 Delhi Unveils Its Most Refined Address Yet at Epicuria, Nehru Place
On February 7, 2026, Dhaba Estd. 1986 Delhi introduced its newly reimagined Epicuria, Nehru Place outpost, marking an important phase in the brand’s nearly four-decade journey. The opening reflects a clear shift in positioning, placing the brand within a more design-focused and premium dining context while maintaining its core identity.
The guest list reflected the scale of the occasion, with industrialists, high-net-worth individuals, cultural figures, and members of the media in attendance to mark the brand’s latest chapter.
Reframing the Dhaba Through Design
The Epicuria location represents a shift in how Dhaba Estd. 1986 Delhi presents its visual language. References to highway culture — including regional art influences, woven textures, and familiar motifs — are incorporated through a restrained material palette and structured spatial planning.
Rather than recreating traditional dhaba interiors, the space offers a contemporary interpretation suited to an urban audience. The design communicates continuity through detail and proportion rather than overt theming.
A Refined Interpretation of Signature Flavours
The brand’s established dishes — including Balti Meat, Highway Chicken Tikka, Amritsari Fish, Dal Dhaba, and Dhabe Ki Roti — continue to anchor the menu. At Epicuria, these are complemented by Dhaba Luxe, an exclusive offering available only at Nehru Place.
The Dhaba Luxe menu applies premium sourcing and updated technique to classic preparations while retaining their original character. Dishes presented at the launch included Highway Salmon Tikka, Ghee Roast Chilli Jumbo Prawns, Lazeez Chaampein with Australian lamb chops, Gucchi Korma, and Mushroom & Burrata Kulcha with truffle oil.
Desserts followed the same approach, with Pistachio Kheer Brûlée and Motichoor Rabdi offering contemporary formats for familiar flavours.
Beverage Program
The restaurant’s updated beverage program, titled “Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman,” introduces a revised drinks direction for the brand. The concept reframes traditional roadside references within a more contemporary format.
Banta sodas and shikanji appear alongside modern cocktails, creating a beverage list aligned with the restaurant’s evolving positioning.
Leadership and Direction
The opening was attended by leadership from Azure Hospitality Pvt Ltd and Dhaba Estd. 1986 Delhi, including Rahul Khanna (Co-Founder & Director, Azure Hospitality Pvt Ltd), Rajeev Khanna, Ankur Khanna, Ankita K Khanna (Franchise Partners, Dhaba Estd. 1986 Delhi), Chef Ravi Saxena (Corporate Chef, Azure Hospitality Pvt Ltd), Vineet Kochar (COO, Azure Hospitality Pvt Ltd), and Sayesha Jain (Marketing Lead, Azure Hospitality Pvt Ltd).
Their presence highlighted Epicuria’s role as a strategic development, reflecting the brand’s broader focus on design, menu development, and guest experience.
A New Phase
The Epicuria, Nehru Place opening represents a focused step in Dhaba Estd. 1986 Delhi’s ongoing evolution. The restaurant presents a more considered framework for expressing the brand’s identity within Delhi’s premium dining landscape.
