Just-opened restaurant, Madam Ji Ki Shaadi (meaning Madam Ji Is Getting Married), which is located in Greenwich Village (154 Bleecker St.), is bringing a new dining experience to NYC — that of an Indian wedding! With over-the-top multi-day Indian weddings going mainstream, Madam Ji Ki Shaadi is a one-of-a-kind dinner experience, immersing guests in the culture of Indian weddings from the décor inspired by the different events that comprise the multi-day festivities to the music to the food.
On arrival, guests are offered a menu with notes on the rituals of an Indian wedding that inspired the experience, a bindi (optional), and a sparkling welcome drink and bites of Golgappe (crispy semolina spheres with masala aloo) at the bar before being seated in the dining room. The set Shaadi Tasting Wedding Menu ($65, including welcome drink and bites followed by multi course meal with a vegetarian option; wine or cocktail pairing $35) is a veritable feast of dishes traditionally served at wedding events, including Beetroot Chaat, beetroot tikki, chickpeas and vegetables with a trio of sauces; Chili Chicken Bao; and Chipotle Paneer or Chicken Tikka Kebabs. Served on a round golden tray (thali), the centerpiece represents the meal enjoyed after the wedding ceremony with six main dishes, sides, bread, and rice: Madam Ji’s Dal; vegetable Truffle Harvest Kofta croquettes in spiced cashew sauce; Delhi-style Makhani Chicken or Paneer in a buttery tomato-based sauce; Coconut Shrimp or Vegetable Curry; and Slow-Cooked Gosht Royale (goat), along with naan, rice, and chutneys. Happily Ever After (seasonal dessert) is Gajar Halwa Kulfi, warm spiced carrot pudding with ice cream. Mithai, a selection of Indian sweets, is offered in a gift bag at the end of the meal – a ‘favor’ or token of appreciation that’s traditionally given to wedding guests.
The Cocktails & Mocktails names are inspired by Indian weddings too: Shaadi Ka Laddu (whiskey, Coco Lopez, lime, bitters and curry leaf) by a saying that means “Whoever eats the wedding sweet regrets it, and whoever doesn’t also regrets it” — a cheeky nod to the ups and downs of marriage with its mix of sweet, bitter, and rich flavors. Baarat Bullet (bourbon, sweet vermouth, Amaro Oscura) is a bold cocktail referencing Baarat, the groom’s grand wedding procession and its iconic Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle grooms often ride. Non-alcoholic drinks include Peach Basil Smash with muddled peach, basil, tonic; and Virgin Tamarind Mojito with mint, masala tamarind and sparkling water.
The restaurant is designed in sections that represent the different parts of an Indian wedding, each with its own color palette, from the vibrant yellows of the Haldi where turmeric is applied to the bride and groom for good luck and prosperity to the greens and blues of the Sangeet dance to the red worn by women in the ceremony and vermilion powder applied to the bride’s forehead, marking the start of her married journey.
Chef/Owner Abishek Sharma (Rang, Swagat) has become a sought-after wedding caterer in the past few years, and for the restaurant, he has taken inspiration from the growing interest in Indian weddings even among non-Indian and mixed background couples. With Madam Ji Ki Shaadi, he hopes to bring the joy, food and music of these multi-day celebrations to New York diners. Dressing up and traditional Indian wedding attire are encouraged!
Shaadi Tasting (Wedding Menu) guests are welcomed each night for 7:30pm and 8pm seatings. After the meal, the table is theirs for the night and they are invited to stay to enjoy music curated by popular Indian wedding DJs (no 90-minute table limits!). An a la carte menu will be served 5pm – 7pm.
