Pomp and pageantry were once a regal affair for the Indian royals as the rich and famous socialised over their many lavish feasts. An experience at Shikar seeks to shine a light on the regality of the yesteryears through the modern lens with progressive Indian cuisine that’s steeped in tradition. To ‘shikar’ means to hunt in Hindi. In the mid-18th and early 19th centuries, it was heavily associated with power, pride, dominion, victories in battles, but also survival. At Shikar, open fire and slow roast cooking take centre stage. Chef Jolly pays tribute to the Rajput warriors who during their battles ate lean diets of meats often roasted on an open fire in a pit they dug in the ground.
Inspired by the grand old feasts of Indian Royals where members of high society socialised, ate and drank, the menu at Shikar reflects traditional integrity, as well as an attitude of progressiveness and openness toward Indian cuisine. Step into the beautifully decorated dining room adorned with wall murals and plush seats – and feel important too. Indulge in dishes like Blue Swimmer crab rillettes with flying fish caviar ($35), seekh (a kebab made from ground meat) – but with duck meat ($47), biryani with Australian lamb saddle and shoulder ($57), and the house signature pistachio rose kulfi ($21). There are also a variety of vegetarian options that include paneer ($37), tender stemmed broccoli ($35), and crushed corn and fenugreek skewers ($33).