The brand new Signature by Khazana is under the guidance of CEO Avishek Sinha, someone who has experience in the restaurant industry in Dhaka for 16-years.
Collaborating with equally skilled and experienced Executive Chef Rajesh Joshi, Signature by Khazana aims to blend modern and traditional Indian cuisine. Sinha says: "While the essence remains traditional, there's a modern flair to the taste."
Food
Executive Chef Rajesh Joshi meticulously crafted the menu, showcasing predominantly Northern Indian specialties (curries and chaats) with a touch of West Bengal's flavours.
As appetizers, the pea and corn kebabs, known as mutter bhutta, is a delectable treat made of deep-fried crumb dough shaped onto skewers.
A highlight was the chicken tikka biryani, a captivating dish from its presentation to its enticing aroma and flavors. Placed before us, we knew we'd devour every morsel.
This Punjabi delight featured perfectly marinated chicken in yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, and tandoori masala, while the rice emerged soft, warm, and fluffy in unison.
Opting for chicken as the protein was an unexpected but delightful twist, making it one of the most memorable biryanis we've had recently.
Their garlic butter fish is a pescatarian’s dream; it's made by marinating fish fillet in a blend of cream, cheese, butter, garlic paste, chilli onion powder, and carom seeds until the flesh becomes tender; the resulting fish is smokier and more flavorful than ever.
Then we tried a fan-favourite dish, the mutton Rogan josh, and we were blown away by it.
The meat comes with a rich, dark brown and red gravy that has been prepared with whole spices in ghee and saffron milk.
This dish is comforting and familiar at the same time; served with white rice or kulcha for each morsel, it boasts a rich flavour that is both novel and nuanced.
We also tried their chicken barra kebab, which was marinated in a similar blend of ginger, garlic, and yoghurt and featured a deliciously smokey flavour for the drumsticks.
This was reflected not only in the food itself but also in the way it was presented, with the drumsticks still dangling over a tawa and the smoke visibly and vivaciously intact.
The meal ended with the kesariya kulfi, a traditional saffron dessert that immediately won our hearts.
Signature by Khazana has a price range of Tk345 to Tk1,990.
Ambience
"We've aimed to maintain an energetic and enjoyable ambiance for the younger generation, without crossing into tasteless territory," elaborated CEO Avishek Sinha.
Situated on Gulshan Avenue at RM Centre, this establishment exudes a glamorous and flashy allure. The glass doors and window panels, along with the distinct "Signature by Khazana" emblem on the ceiling, create a bold statement akin to "embrace extravagance."
Meanwhile, the spacious ceiling is adorned with grand chandeliers, while the floral cushions boast a delicate blend of white and pastel pink hues.
Challenges
Drawing from Avishek Sinha's extensive two decades of experience in the service sector, Signature by Khazana is placing its reliance on organic word-of-mouth promotion, recognizing that for upscale dining establishments, relying solely on social media is insufficient.
Having opened just last month in July 2023, the restaurant eagerly awaits the response it will garner.
"We are yet to gauge the response we will receive, but having spent 16 years in Dhaka, my track record is known, and from my perspective, the power of personal recommendations holds more weight in fine-dining circles than a mere social media presence," he commented.
Sinha's goal is to break even within two years, though he acknowledges that given the nature of the establishment as a fine dining venture, this timeline could extend.
A result of collaborating with delivery services is the added cost, prompting their affiliation with Foodpanda. Nonetheless, they aspire to establish an in-house delivery system as well.
Sinha defends the relatively higher prices, asserting that they are essential to uphold a particular standard of excellence.
"By charging what we do, I can assure a consistently high level of quality," he pledged firmly, reinforcing that quality remains non-negotiable.
Verdict
From the lamb rogan josh to the chicken tikka biryani, whether traditional or with a twist of contemporary, they all had a masterful flair, and this is unquestionably due to the fact that Signature by Khazana possesses a truly high level of authenticity.
This restaurant is the place to go if you want your meals to have the feeling of a feast whenever you eat there.
Regardless of whether you are actually attending an event or not, the atmosphere will make you feel as though you are entering the space for it, but the food will undoubtedly provide you with the same level of satisfaction.
The prices are, without a doubt, on the higher end of the spectrum; however, the location, level of service, and general vibe more than makeup for it.
On the whole, it is well worth a visit and even more.
