Celebrating 75 years of Niros

In the rapidly evolving culinary landscape of Jaipur, there is a restaurant that has stood resilient against the tides of change: Niros. On August 1, 2024, Niros celebrated its 75th anniversary. This iconic restaurant embodies the spirit and legacy of the city. Founded by the visionary late Mr. Ved Pardal, Niros is synonymous with fine dining in Jaipur. Each brick of Niros tells a story, each dish a memory, and each guest a cherished part of its history. The restaurant has evolved over the decades, yet it remains a sanctuary for food lovers, seamlessly blending nostalgia with contemporary culinary trends. Today, the legacy of Niros is carried forward by Mr. Pardal’s sons, Vinay and Rajnish, along with his grandson, Hamit Pardal, who honour their father’s vision while infusing their unique perspectives into the dining experience.

In an exclusive conversation, Rajnish Pardal shares insights into the restaurant’s evolving menu, the diverse clientele that frequents Niros, and the treasured memories that have shaped its journey. 

In a city where dining spaces open and shut frequently, what is the secret sauce of a whopping 75 years (and counting) of existence?

Our secret lies in personalized attention. From the very inception of Niros, we have focused on every detail—whether it’s the quality of our ingredients, staff training, or the cleanliness of the restaurant. You will always find a member of our family on-site, overseeing operations.

In 75 years, there must have been some dishes that have been there since inception?

Yes, some of the dishes that have remained on our menu since the beginning include hamburgers, club sandwiches, chicken cutlets, mutton cutlets, and vegetable cutlets. These items have been a part of our offerings since Niros opened in 1949.

What leads to a change in the menu, and which has been a recent popular addition?

We change our menu based on current trends and customer feedback. If we notice that a dish isn’t performing well, we remove it. A dish that tourists often seek when visiting Jaipur is Laal Maas, which we added to the menu about 15 years ago. It’s my own recipe that I taught to our culinary team. We sell 60-70 portions of Laal Maas daily, showcasing its immense popularity. Whenever I discover a new dish, I try making it at home; if it turns out well, I introduce it to our kitchen.

Which are the most bestselling items on your menu?

Paneer Butter Masala, Pindi Chana, and Laal Maas are undoubtedly our bestsellers.

How important is the role of the staff in the success of an F&B space?

The role of our staff is crucial. Good service can substitute for bad food, but good food cannot make up for poor service. Many of our team members have been with us for over 30 years. We prioritize treating them and their families well. While they might earn a bit more at other establishments, the sense of security and warmth we provide is hard to replicate. We are what we are because of our team!

Name a few celebrities who have visited Niros over the years. 

We have had stalwarts like Naomi Campbell, Shashi Tharoor, Rahul Gandhi, Rocky & Mayur and very recently Christiane Amanpour.

Tell us about a memorable customer interaction.

Chetna Shah, who lives in Pune, is a big fan of the butter chicken at Niros. She loves it so much that she always carries it with her or asks someone coming from Jaipur to bring it to her. Once, on a trip from Jaipur to Pune, she even carried frozen butter chicken. Unfortunately, she was involved in a serious accident, but she survived. Even then, she made sure that the butter chicken did not go to waste and asked her family to retrieve it from the damaged car. When she finally returned from the hospital with a dislocated shoulder, she found solace in the butter chicken from Niros. The next time she visited, she recounted this incident to us, and it was truly heartwarming.

In so many years, you must have noticed some change in the eating out culture of Jaipur?

Earlier, there was hardly a culture of eating out. Now, with both partners often working, it’s challenging for families to cook at home, so they tend to eat out or order in. Niros has always been a space where families come to dine, and we’ve seen multiple generations celebrate special occasions together. Sometimes family members of even 3-4 generations come together. 

What do you have to say about so many eateries opening in the city? Do you ever see them as competition?

Competition is always healthy and keeps you on your toes. As long as your house is in order, competition is not a bad thing.

What advice would you like to give to upcoming or aspiring restaurateurs?

To succeed in this industry, having a passion for food and beverage is essential. However, it also requires a lot of hard work. The hours are long, and you often work through weekends and holidays. Additionally, you need to be resilient and maintain a polite demeanour. Always treat the customer with respect and never argue with them.

ACCOLADES

“Dining at Niros as a child was a treasured reward, earned through good behavior or academic achievements. But what made it truly special was the legacy that came with it. My grandfather, HlH Bhagwat Singhji Mewar, and my father, Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar, had frequented this iconic restaurant for years, making it a part of our family’s journey. As we walked in, the staff would greet us with warm smiles, already knowing our family’s palate and preferences. It was as if they were welcoming us home. Every bite was a taste of tradition, every moment a memory to cherish. And now, as Niros celebrates a remarkable 75 years, I offer my heartfelt congratulations! Three quarters of a century of serving love, laughter, and unforgettable meals is a testament to the dedication and passion of the Niros family. Here’s to many more years of creating memories and flavouring our lives with love.”

– Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar

“It has been 75 years since Ved Pardal started this iconic restaurant in Jaipur. From the day I started living in Jaipur, Niros has been my most favourite place to eat. Despite plans to visit other restaurants, we usually end up at Niros when we leave the house. My children are also fans of the restaurant because it is run by a dedicated team of food connoisseurs. The family travels abroad to stay updated with the latest trends and what people like. They modify the menu accordingly, catering to the tastes of food enthusiasts. That is why their chefs have been loyal to the restaurant for years. The quality remains consistent with what one experienced 40 years ago, whether it’s kidney on toast, a simple coffee, or Niros special dessert.”

– Bina Kak

“My cherished memories of Niros date back to my school days-the flavours of the hamburgers, French fries and cold coffee are as vivid now as they were then! The dining experience at Niros has always been very pleasant and its friendly and inviting ambiance remains to this day. Here’s to many more years of success and excellent meals.”

– Dharmendar Kanwar

“Niros has been a culinary gem in Jaipur, maintaining an unwavering consistency in taste over the years while periodically upgrading its menu to delight food enthusiasts. The entire Pardal family, from Ved uncle to the present generation, has taken personal care in running the restaurant, fostering tremendous goodwill. During my travels abroad, I encountered foreigners who, upon learning I was from Jaipur, inquired about Niros, highlighting its international recognition. For my family, Niros is a lucky charm; it was here that my late father devised the strategy that led us to take control of our flagship company, MIC, in 1950. Additionally, our stewardship of the Rajasthan Cricket Association from 1950 to 2006 began with an offer made at Niros, making it an integral part of our family’s legacy.”

– Kishore Rungta

“Shri Ved Pardal had the courage and vision to turn his dream into a sustainable and successful reality.  Passion, perseverance, and a love for serving people is what drives the Pardal family even today. I extend my heartiest congratulations to Niros on the completion of its spectacular 75-year journey! Your place is well deserved at the heart of the Jaipur culinary community!”

– Bhargavi Kumari Mewar

“When I was asked to write a few lines on 75 years of Niros in Jaipur, I would briefly say Niros – As Was – So IS! The restaurant was an iconic landmark then and, so is it now, over seven decades later.  

My association with Niros goes back to 1981. I was allotted the Rajasthan cadre and distinctly remember that training session at HCM RIPA. During an informal talk before the session a very senior officer while giving an overview of Jaipur, suddenly asked, how many of us who do not hail from Jaipur have had a meal at Niros. Reacting to our puzzled expression he could not help exclaiming, “You have not gone to Niros in 15 days that you have been in Jaipur?

Inadvertently since then, Niros etched a place in our minds and hearts as the best landmark of Jaipur! Niros over the years has created memories, fostered traditions, and remained a steadfast symbol of the city’s gastronomic heritage. 

Founded by Late Shri Ved Pardal Sahab in 1949 and very ably managed by his sons Vinay and Rajnish Pardal, Niros has become the most enduring institution.   

I heartily congratulate them on the landmark 75th year and wish them the very best for generations to come!”

– Sunil Arora, IAS (Retd), Former Chief Election Commissioner of India