Raj Restaurant in Gurugram Sector 45 keeps sit-down meals on the menu

Akash Saini’s preferred measure of a meal is a steaming plate arriving at the table. “Food is meant to be eaten fresh off the flame, right at the table,” says the 36-year-old, who runs Raj Restaurant in Sector 45.

Saini moved from Delhi to Gurugram in 2010. After 16 years in the food business, he opened Raj Restaurant with a focus on freshly prepared food and sit-down dining.

He says delivery apps have made convenience central to eating habits, while younger customers increasingly choose pasta, noodles and continental menus. Raj Restaurant has added Chinese and continental options and extended its operating hours while retaining its Indian offerings.

Saini says many regular diners are aged 35 and above and return for familiar flavours rather than décor-led dining. The restaurant’s menu continues to include Indian snacks and street-food flavours alongside its newer dishes.