When the first outlet of Oudh 1590 opened in Deshapriya Park in 2013, it introduced neighbourhood dining for Awadhi cuisine. In 2017, the second Oudh opened near Vivekananda Park, its ornate archway a symbol of a gateway to authentic Awadhi cuisine. The founder-brothers Shiladitya and Debaditya Chaudhury had introduced the first “period dining experience” for Awadhi cuisine in Kolkata and it took the city by storm.
Fast forward to 2023 and Oudh 1590 will celebrate a decade on May 17. The brand is 10 outlets strong, traversing Salt Lake, Naktala, Sodepur, Behala, one in Noida, which opened last year, and the most recent serve in Rajarhat three days ago.
The restaurant’s Handi Biryani
“When we conceptualised Oudh 1590 almost 12 years ago, we were hesitant because Kolkata is supposed to be the hub of Mughlai food like biryani and kebabs. But when we started researching, we realised a lot was missing from the culinary scene. We take pride in saying that we introduced Awadhi Galouti Kebabs and Handi Biryani to the city. We planted a slice of Lucknow in Kolkata and then took it to other places. Oudh, to us, is not just a restaurant; it’s a destination,” said Shiladitya.
At a gathering on May 16 at Oudh, Salt Lake, the new brand logo was unveiled and a cake was cut to celebrate the landmark year. A special selfie zone was created as well. The Chaudhury brothers also announced that work is underway to introduce an all-new Awadhi menu in the next two months.
Debaditya (left) and Shiladitya Chaudhury cut a cake to celebrate the landmark year
“Today is an important day not only because we completed a decade but also because we have been able to build a segment for ourselves. The middle cluster has the highest buying power, not only in terms of value but also in terms of quantity. We have been able to create a segment for the middle cluster of food lovers that has united everyone,” shared Debaditya.
For the men behind Oudh 1590, Chowman and Chapter 2, location has always been a key strategy. The first Chowman, which opened in Golf Garden in 2010, was the only restaurant in the area within a 2km radius. The newest Oudh in Rajarhat hopes to be a similar game-changer.
Oudh’s Strawberry Firni
“Rajarhat is an IT hub and there are many people who travel to Salt Lake, Kalindi or Barasat to visit Oudh 1590. To meet their demands, we opened in Rajarhat and we have noticed queues outside the restaurant on all three days,” shared Debaditya.
Expansion plans include debuting in cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Pune. “We are planning the eleventh Oudh in the city next month only. We have a huge expansion plan and are gearing up towards opening 3-4 outlets a year,” signed off Debaditya, who has travelled the world with his band Lakkhichhara.
If music were the food of love, we’d be singing Sudhu chai tomaye for Oudh 1590.
