Step into a world where nostalgia meets contemporary charm—Nukkad Café & Bar, spearheaded by Director Kanishk Tuteja, redefines Dehradun’s café scene with a unique railway-inspired ambiance. Bringing the essence of Delhi’s vibrant food culture to the hills, Nukkad offers an immersive experience reminiscent of India’s iconic train journeys, complete with a newspaper shop, a paan stall, and a classic tea kiosk.
From signature dishes like butter chicken sliders and mushroom galouti kebabs to innovative drinks like Matka LIIT and Desi Tharra, Nukkad Café & Bar is more than just a dining spot—it’s a cultural hub that invites guests to relive their favorite travel memories while indulging in bold, authentic flavors.
1. What inspired the concept behind Nukkad Café & Bar, and how does it differentiate itself from other cafes in Dehradun?
The concept behind Nukkad Café & Bar is inspired by the charm and nostalgia of timeless railway journeys, bringing a unique fusion of nostalgia and contemporary experiences. What sets it apart from other cafes in Dehradun is its immersive ambiance, inspired by India’s rich travel legacy. The café recreates the feeling of iconic railway stations with elements like a newspaper shop, paan stall, and a classic tea stall—everything reflecting the authenticity of station-side chai breaks. This creates a one-of-a-kind, vibrant, and nostalgic experience, making it stand out in the city.
2. Can you tell us more about the unique design elements and their significance?
The design of Nukkad Cafe & Bar is carefully curated to evoke a sense of nostalgia for India’s iconic train journeys. Key elements include a newspaper shop, a nostalgic paan shop, and a quintessential tea stall, all of which recreate the charm of railway stations. The life-size, train-inspired seating area and the soothing fountain complete the immersive experience, transporting visitors back to the golden era of train travel. Additionally, the cafe features a unique train-style hookah, adding to the railway theme and offering guests a fun, signature experience. These elements not only enhance the cafe’s vibrant atmosphere but also resonate with the sense of community and connection people feel during their travels across India.
3. With Delhi’s food culture now arriving in Dehradun, what are some must-try dishes and signature drinks that guests can look forward to?
Guests can look forward to indulge in signature dishes such as butter chicken sliders, laal maas, and mushroom galouti kebabs. These dishes showcase bold, savory flavors inspired by Delhi’s food culture. As of drinks, the refreshing matka LIIT is a must try, the bold desi tharra, and the nostalgic banta, all complementing the vibrant and immersive railway station theme of the cafe
4. How does Nukkad plan to engage with the local community and create a vibrant cultural hub in Dehradun?
Nukkad plans to engage with the local community by creating a space that evokes nostalgia and brings people together. The interior features unique elements such as a newspaper shop, a nostalgic paan shop, and a classic tea stall, replicating iconic station-side experiences. These immersive features, along with a life-size train-inspired seating area and a soothing fountain, aim to provide a cultural hub for lively gatherings, great food, and an authentic experience that connects with the local community.
5. What are Nukkad’s future expansion plans? Do you see Nukkad opening in other cities across India?
Yes, Nukkad has future expansion plans and aims to open more locations in other cities across India. After the success in Delhi and Dehradun, the cafe seeks to spread its vibrant atmosphere to other cities, offering the same immersive food experience and cultural connection to a broader audience.
