In a city celebrated for its architectural marvels, dining at Peshawri within ITC Mughal, Agra is the culinary counterpart to visiting the Taj Mahal a ritual of heritage, craft and deep-rooted flavour. Peshawri is more than a restaurant; it is a tribute to the robust, soulful cuisine of India’s North-West Frontier that emphasises simplicity, authenticity, and the extraordinary use of clay ovens and charcoal grills to coax out intense, memorable tastes.
With an average cost of approximately ₹6,000 for two , Peshawri delivers a premium, immersive experience from its inviting ambience to its meticulously prepared dishes and attentive service that blends formality with warmth.
An Ambience Rooted in Tradition and Elegance
Stepping into Peshawri is like entering an intimate, refined version of a traditional frontier tavern. The design sensibility evokes earthy tones and understated grandeur, while the open clay ovens and tandoors act as focal points where chefs orchestrate each dish with precision and visible pride. Many guests relish the interactive experience of watching their food prepared, adding to the theatre of fine dining that feels both authentic and elevated.
The staff exude a gracious hospitality that complements the atmosphere attentive without being intrusive, making every guest feel both welcomed and celebrated.
Signature Starter: Dal Bukhara Creamy, Luxurious and Legendary
At the heart of any meal at Peshawri lies the Dal Bukhara a dish that practically needs no introduction in North Indian luxury dining. This voluptuous lentil preparation is slow-simmered for hours, traditionally over charcoal, to achieve its silky, almost velvety texture and deep, layered flavour.
Unlike everyday lentils, Dal Bukhara at Peshawri does not rely on heavy spices. Instead, it lets the natural sweetness of well-cooked lentils shine through, balanced with ginger, garlic and a whisper of tomato tanginess. A final flourish of cream and a gentle robe of unsalted butter gives it a decadent finish that pairs beautifully with breads such as naan or Pudhina Paratha.
This dish is not just food it is comfort and complexity in a bowl, satisfying in a way that lingers long after the meal
Vegetarian Mastery: Kadak Paneer and Mixed Raita
Even in a cuisine celebrated for grilled meats and kebabs, Peshawri’s vegetarian offerings receive equal reverence.
Kadak Paneer
Prepared with firm cottage cheese that holds its shape under intense heat, Kadak Paneer marries a bold spice profile with a gentle creaminess. The cheese is marinated thoughtfully so that every bite carries smokiness from the tandoor while retaining the purity of its base ingredient.
Mixed Raita
The Mixed Raita at Peshawri is a lesson in balance cool yoghurt enlivened with finely chopped cucumber, tomato and herbs, tempered with subtle spices. It serves a twofold purpose: refreshing the palate between bold courses and adding a gentle, refreshing contrast to the richer elements of the meal.
Together, these dishes provide a harmonious vegetarian counterpoint to meat-centric plates, showing how thoughtfully the menu has been designed for diverse tastes.
Bread and Accompaniments Essence of Tradition
Pudhina Paratha
The Pudhina Paratha a mint-infused layered flatbread is a highlight among the accompaniments. Its layers are tender yet crisp at the edges, suffused with the aromatic brightness of mint that complements both the Dal Bukhara and the grilled items.
This paratha is not merely a side; it is an integral part of the meal’s narrative, bringing freshness and a herbal lift to richer sauces and smoky proteins.
The Art of Desserts Phirni, Kulfi and Gulab Jamun
Peshawri’s dessert offerings are careful deposits of serenity after a bold, flavourful meal.
Phirni
Served in earthenware that enhances its traditional character, the phirni is a delicate rice pudding gently flavoured with cardamom and topped with pistachios. Its creamy texture and floral aroma provide a peaceful yet luxurious finish.
Kulfi
Rich and thick, the kulfi balances sweetness with a satisfying density. Often studded with almond nuances and occasionally complemented with vermicelli or subtle rose notes, this dessert feels like a heritage reinterpretation of classic Indian ice cream.
Gulab Jamun
Perfectly round and deeply syrups-soaked, the gulab jamun at Peshawri is a refined take on the beloved Indian sweet. Cardamom and pistachio accents introduce a hint of aromatic richness that elevates it above the everyday.
These desserts invite you to slow down, reflect on the courses that came before and savour the last moments of a truly complete fine-dining experience.
Why Peshawri is More Than a Meal It’s a Culinary Destination
Peshawri at ITC Mughal stands apart not just because of its reputation but due to its commitment to heritage cooking techniques, high-quality ingredients, and presentation that honours tradition while maintaining a premium dining standard. Guests often note the restaurant’s careful attention to preparation and ingredient sourcing, making each dish feel both authentic and elevated.
The use of clay ovens and tandoors, slow cooking over charcoal for dishes like Dal Bukhara, and the skilful control of heat for kebabs and vegetables create a flavour intensity that is unmistakable.
Service at Peshawri is consistently described as professional, courteous and deeply knowledgeable, further enhancing the experience with an elegant yet relaxed rapport that suits both celebrations and refined casual dining.
The Complete Experience and Cost for Two
An evening at Peshawri typically encompasses multiple courses from appetizers and signature lentils or vegetarian masterworks to breads, grilled items and desserts. This scope of dining, paired with the restaurant’s five-star ambience and service, adds up to an average cost of about ₹6,000 for two people.
This price includes the shared culinary journey through starters, mains and desserts a testament to the quality, portion sizes and craft involved in each plate.
Final Thought
Peshawri at ITC Mughal is not simply a place to dine; it is a culinary expression of India’s rich frontier heritage one that invites you to savour robust, soulful flavours in a setting that honours both the past and present of Indian gourmet tradition. Whether you are visiting Agra for its iconic sights or searching for an unforgettable meal, Peshawri delivers an experience where each dish resonates with depth, texture and authenticity.
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