Indian weddings are known for being exquisitely festive, and a new restaurant offering the fare typically served at the celebratory occasions invites anyone to take place in a traditional nuptial banquet.
Madam Ji Ki Shaadi (which translates to Madam Ji Is Getting Married) opened at 154 Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village on Tuesday, March 14. Created by chef Abishek Sharma, who runs a catering company focused on destination weddings, plus two other Indian restaurants in Mnhattan (Rang and Swagat), the restaurant is inspired by every element of an Indian wedding, including food, decor, and more.
“The inspiration for Madam Ji Ki Shaadi stems from the vibrant and joyous celebrations of Indian weddings. These events are immersive experiences filled with music, dance, rituals, and incredible food,” Sharma said. “I wanted to capture that energy and create a space where every night feels like a big fat Bollywood wedding. My personal experiences with wedding catering and the way food connects people during these celebrations led me to craft this unique dining concept.”
Upon arrival, guests are offered an optional bindi along with a $64 pre-fixe wedding menu, which includes notes on the rituals of an Indian wedding that inspired the experience. The meal kicks off with a sparkling welcome drink and golgappe (crispy lentil spheres with masala aloo) at the bar. Following welcome cocktails, guests are escorted to their seats for a feast of dishes traditionally served at weddings. The menu includes beetroot chaat, chili chicken bao; and chipotle paneer or chicken tikka kebabs. Vegetarian menus are also available.
“The tasting menu will unfold like a wedding feast, with small bites, appetizers, mains, and dessert, just like at a traditional wedding reception,” Sharma said. “It’s about joy, indulgence, and creating unforgettable memories.”
At the center of each dinner table, a round golden thali tray offers dishes typically enjoyed after an Indian wedding ceremony, plus naan, chutneys, and rice. These dishes include 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).
“Weddings are about food, and every wedding thali is a carefully curated journey of flavors, textures, and emotions,” Sharma said. “Our tasting menu features a variety of regional Indian dishes, each representing a different aspect of an Indian wedding feast.”
For dessert, a seasonal treat (currently gajar walwa kulfi, warm spiced carrot pudding with ice cream) will be served. A selection of Indian sweets are gifted in a bag to take home, reminiscent of Indian wedding favors. Wine or cocktail pairings can be added to each dinner for $35.
“From the moment guests walk in, I want them to feel like they’ve stepped into an extravagant shaadi (wedding),” Sharma said. “The restaurant is divided into themed sections decorated to evoke different wedding moments, like the bright yellow section for the Haldi prosperity ceremony, blue and green symbolizing the pre-wedding Sangeet dance, and eye-popping red representing the color worn by the brides. DJ-curated playlists featuring a mix of classic Indian wedding beats and Bollywood-style music will play all night.”
As for the dress code, diners are welcome to dress in formal wedding attire or Indian outfits to embrace the theme (or weeknight casual, really, whatever you want). Everyone is welcome, especially those anticipating (or reminiscing on) an upcoming wedding. The space is also bookable for private events.
“We are creating a platform for wedding planners, DJs, and wedding fashion and décor companies to bring in their clients and experience what an Indian wedding truly feels like,” Sharma said. “This space is more than just a restaurant: it’s a cultural hub, a showcase of the grandeur, flavors, and vibrancy of Indian weddings. Whether it’s for event inspiration, a special night out, or simply to indulge in the joy of a shaadi feast, Madam Ji Ki Shaadi is where the magic happens.”
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