Now Open: Nawabi Is the New Surry Hills Restaurant That's Showcasing Recipes from the Mughal Empire
Enjoy time-honoured classics taken from one of India's most influential dynasties at this cosy Cleveland Street spot.
You might not know the Mughal Empire by name, but chances are you're familiar with its legacy. The once-mighty dynasty — which ruled overlarge swathes of South Asia for over 300 years between the 16th and 19th centuries, stretching at its peak from the Bay of Bengal to western Afghanistan — was one of the region's most influential, implementing a reformist agenda that touched many areas of life, including centralised government, the rise of Urdu and the construction of iconic monuments including the Taj Mahal. The Mughals were also responsible for introducing new foods and spices to the region, leading to the creation of enduringly popular dishes like biryani, korma and chicken tikka, among others.
It's this rich legacy that's being drawn upon at Cleveland Street newcomer Nawabi. Located right around the corner from Wunderlich Lane, the cosy spot leans heavily into the regal traditions of Mughlai cuisine, with a menu inspired by the opulent banquets enjoyed by Mughal emperors and nobility, and recipes that have been passed down over centuries.
Stepping inside, you'll be greeted by rich, warm tones and the heady aroma wafting from the tandoor. On the menu, you'll find well-executed takes on classics — think: a range of full-flavoured biryani and rice dishes, sizzling seekh kebabs, and a variety of proteins cooked in the tandoor as well as in traditional Mughal woks, with dishes that make full use of ground and whole spices. You can pair your meal with a tandoor-fired naan or paratha, or a lesser-seen sheermal, a sweet, soft, saffron-accented flatbread made with milk.
It wasn't just the spices that the Mughals brought to the table — they also knew how to end a meal on a high. At Nawabi, you can finish your feast with time-honoured Mughlai desserts, including gulab jamun, falooda and pistachio or mango kulfi. You can also go for a hearty ras malai, in which soft cottage cheese is soaked in saffron-infused milk and topped with pistachios and almonds.
You might be feasting like royalty but you won't need the bank balance of a king to dine at Nawabi — aside from share platters, nothing on the menu is more than $30. If you're with a group, you can go for one of the generous banquet menus, which start at $59 per head and feature a broad spread of the restaurant's signature dishes. Plus, Nawabi offers free BYO, as well as zero corkage for its opening period.
Nawabi is now open Tuesday–Sunday, from 5–10pm, at 351–353 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills. For more information, head to the venue's website.
