The Kebab Platter At Swagath, Noida, Steals The Show
The Kebab Platter At Swagath, Noida, Steals The Show
With its familiar warmth, live ghazals, and a menu that marries coastal classics with global flavours, Swagath’s newly-launched S-Lounge in Noida, rekindles the nostalgia of old-school Sunday outings
If you take a rickshaw from the bustling Sector 18 metro station in Noida, it takes barely five minutes to reach Swagath, now open in its all-new avatar called, The S-Lounge. Nestled amid the commercial and corporate bustle of DLF and Wave Malls, the restaurant sits in warm golden light, its glass-fronted bar visible from outside, white and Peru-brown linens, and glinting chandeliers giving it a polished yet familiar air.
It was clear the space has been designed to welcome large families as comfortably as corporate diners looking for a satisfying post-work meal followed by a postprandial smoke on the open porch. There’s no pretence of trendiness here, just the steady assurance of a classic dining spot. My companion and I exchanged a happy glance, one that you do when you know that you’re headed for a good meal.
Star Dish: First Impressions Are Always The Last
Kebabs are a particular weakness, and to raise the stakes, my co-diner matched my enthusiasm. Skimming through Swagath’s menu, we immediately homed in on a kebab platter, and soon we were savoring the expertly-fried and grilled delights. The Platter-e-Khaas featured a carefully chosen array of chicken, lamb, and fish kebabs. The chicken delivered classic North-Indian flavors—marinated to perfection and delicately charred—but the lamb and fish distinguished themselves with remarkable tenderness and well-balanced seasoning. It was, without question, my favourite dish of the meal. Our confidence that we were in for an exceptional meal bolstered and that got us ready to embark on the culinary journey across India that Swagath promises for its guests.
Craving A Soulful Pan-Indian Meal? Head To Swagath
In a pleasing departure from the expected, we followed the much-loved kebab platter with chicken and chilli oil dimsum, a bamboo-steamed parcel of chicken, garlic, chilli oil, and vinegar. For a restaurant whose backbone remains Indian fare, this Pan-Asian diversion featured a neatly balanced dish that also served as a pleasant surprise. This dish was a testament to S-Lounge’s philosophy of holding its culinary roots tight while confidently venturing into new territory (and cuisines).
For me, the main course leaves a significant impression on my final verdict. And relying on the staff’s recommendations instead of risking the final word to my choices always seems like a safer choice. I did exactly that. Our server recommended the Thalassary chicken biryani. Soon, it landed on the table, waiting to be gorged on. This South Indian variant, flavoured with Chettinad spices and flecked with dry fruits, was comforting yet aromatic, its grains distinct and meat tender.
Visit Swagath for its menu and find yourself returning time and again.
The server, who gauged our desire for a mutton curry just in time, served us Swagath’s Andhra special mutton curry, paired with crisp lachha paratha. The mutton was cooked to tenderness, its gravy thick and spiced just right to evoke the flavours of the West coast. Much like the biryani, it revealed Swagath’s strength—an ability to handle and present regional Indian flavours with authenticity. My two words of advice to someone visiting Swagath for the first time would be to ditch the predictable and safer North-Indian preparations and instead treat themselves to the lesser-tried coastal and southern preparations. And…you can stand me a word of gratitude later!
To close, with barely any modicum of space left for more, the staff again ensured that we at least tasted their kulfi faluda. It would be sinful (to say the least) to leave the restaurant without trying the luscious and decadent dessert. With the right touch of sweetness and nostalgia, the kulfi faluda, that once completed every family meal, was a pleasant throwback to good times— ones that predated the arrival of plated deconstructions (pun intended).
A Space For All
Spanning 7,500 square feet, Swagath’s Noida outpost can host over 200 guests. The newly refurbished S Lounge at Swagath features clean, rich, and elegant interiors that don’t intimidate and allow food to take centre stage.
The space offers both indoor and outdoor seating with a variety of table sizes, suitable for intimate dinners or large family gatherings. The basement features a spacious banquet hall, ideal for hosting larger events.
Swagath’s ambience feature rich and elegant interiors that allow you to focus your attention on their impressive food roster.
On the evening I visited, a a trio performed on the dedicated podium, tucked just below the staircase, which is reserved for musicians during dinner hours. The artist sang ghazals by Jagjit Singh and Mehdi Hassan and welcomed song requests from guests, creating an intimate, old-world atmosphere that enhanced the meal. And as requests go, a petition humbled its way to the musicians from our table and soon we were relishing the kulfi faluda assisted by a familiar tune.
In its ambience, like in its food, Swagath leans toward the traditional rather than the conceptual, the modern, or the experimental. The restaurant doesn’t try to reinvent itself as a hip dining hub; instead, it proudly remains the kind of place where families gather on Sunday evenings or colleagues meet for a comforting meal after work. And you should too.
Reflecting on the evening, I’d call Swagath a reliable choice in Noida’s crowded dining landscape, particularly for those who miss the comfort of traditional, family-style dining that dominated city restaurants in the early 2000s. It’s not experimental or edgy, but it doesn’t need to be. Overall, you will find yourself relishing their rich curries, delicate seafood, and the newly-introduced Continental and Pan Asian fusions. Happy eating!
