BrijRama Palace, a 214-year-old heritage property in Varanasi by Brij Hotels, has launched its new signature restaurant, Aangan, on November 01.
Located on the banks of the Ganges, Aangan is set to redefine fine dining in the city of gods with an immersive, multi-sensory journey that celebrates the region’s royal legacy and the sacred art of Indian vegetarian cuisine.
Meaning ‘courtyard’, the erstwhile king of Darbhanga used to sit and watch classical musical performances at this venue, which is also a secret gateway to one of the palace’s most iconic suites.
The restaurant’s concept and culinary philosophy are deeply rooted in the legacies of three great guardians of the palace: Sridhara Narayana Munshi, the visionary architect behind its Maratha artistry and fortitude, whose belief in astrology and fortifications inspires the menu’s opening courses; Rameshwar Singh, the Sage King and Maharaja of Darbhanga, a spiritual patron and passionate collector of art, stories, and recipes, whose influence brings theatre and devotion to the heart of the dining experience; and Arvind Kumar, the cultural visionary and advocate for sustainability, honoured through modern, artistic expressions of Banarasi tradition.
Together, their philosophies shape a ten-course degustation menu where food becomes both memory and metaphor — celebrating seasonal ingredients, narrating stories, and embracing Ayurvedic wisdom with modern finesse.
Highlights from the menu include the Celestial Guardian, a delicate amuse-bouche inspired by astrology, and Fortified Heritage, featuring radish bricks that echo the palace’s fort walls. The Maharaja’s influence shines in the theatrical Royal Reverie, cauliflower croquettes and the ritualistic buttermilk curry served with sheermal and roti. The Banarasi tradition lives on in the airy malai pre-dessert and the exquisite Rasmalai Tres Leche cake, culminating in a symbolic mithai box tribute to the three guardians.
Aangan is the only venue in Varanasi where guests can dine beside the ghats within a palace setting. The ‘Bada Aangan’ experience can be booked by visitors and tourists, even if they are not in-house guests of the property. Curated performances, such as live music, henna artists, and traditional dance performers, enhance the dining experience, transforming it into a cultural memory.
“Dining at Aangan is like walking through the palace’s own history — each course is a chapter. From the visionary beginnings, to the spiritual heart, to the cultural legacy that still lives on, our menu tells the story of BrijRama Palace on a plate,” says Chef Devansh, a native of Varanasi, reviving traditional recipes with a modern touch at BrijRama Palace since 2023.
The physical architecture of Aangan features existing Greco-Roman architectural elements, which are an integral part of the historic BrijRama Palace. The interiors, however, were newly designed specifically for the upcoming restaurant. This new design was a collaborative effort with consultant and designer Inderpal Kocchar and Sarthak Sahil Design Co.
For the interiors, brass has been used extensively, notably for the door frames, antique lamp shades, and alabaster stone lamps. Additionally, the artefacts incorporate brass and copper finishes, specifically from Calico. The lantern in the centre has an inscription on it which is a poetic description of nature’s beauty that is written in the local dialect.
BrijRama Palace has welcomed dignitaries such as Jeff Bezos, Brigitte Macron, Gerard Butler, Sadhguru, and many others. With Aangan opening its doors this November, guests can expect a distinguished dining experience in the heart of the city.
