Heavy wood panelling and ornate decor set the tone for a formal affair at this stalwart, where the service is attentive and knowledgeable, and the menu, deliciously extensive. If you like your food spicy, start your meal with tawa jheenga, a sizzling plate of large butterflied prawns slathered with a hot red paste and cooked on an iron girdle. For vegetarians, we recommend the corn kebabs (makki ke kebab). Papdi chaat, a street food dish with crispy crackers, yoghurt and sweet and sour chutneys, is a great introduction to the cuisine too.

Mains are served as sharing portions so temper your order accordingly. Kadhai paneer, cottage cheese in an onion and tomato thick gravy, and tadka daal may seem deceptively simple but woo the palate with clean flavours. Pair them with pudina paratha or garlic naan for an added oomph.

Shahi Maharani knows its desserts and the mango kulfi is the proof enough. A creamy flavoured ice cream of sorts, kulfi is a favourite in Northern India. You should also try gajar halwa flavoured with orange rind, a warm dessert made by cooking down shredded carrot and milk over a slow fire.

*Good to note: Shahi Maharani is popular for its value buffet lunch, but for a more leisurely meal, drop in for dinner instead when the restaurant offers live music.