Indian weddings are renowned for their elaborate festivities, and a new restaurant now offers guests a taste of this celebratory experience. Madam Ji Ki Shaadi, which translates to “Madam Ji Is Getting Married,” opened on March 4 at 154 Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village. The restaurant is the brainchild of chef Abishek Sharma, who specializes in catering destination weddings and operates two other Indian restaurants in Manhattan—Rang and Swagat. This latest venture is designed to capture every aspect of an Indian wedding, from the food and décor to the vibrant energy of the occasion.
“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 explained. “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.”
Guests are welcomed with the option of receiving a traditional bindi and can choose a $65 pre-fixe wedding menu, which includes insights into the rituals that shape an Indian wedding. The experience begins with a sparkling welcome drink and golgappe—crispy semolina spheres stuffed with spiced potatoes—served at the bar. Following the welcome drinks, diners are escorted to their seats for a feast that mirrors the lavish meals typically served at Indian weddings. The menu features dishes such as beetroot chaat, chili chicken bao, and chipotle paneer or chicken tikka kebabs. A vegetarian menu is also available for those who prefer plant-based options.
“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.”
A centerpiece of each dining table is a round golden thali tray, which holds an assortment of dishes traditionally enjoyed after an Indian wedding ceremony. Accompanying the meal are naan, chutneys, and rice. Some of the main offerings include vegetable truffle harvest kofta croquettes served in a spiced cashew sauce, Delhi-style Makhani chicken or paneer in a rich, buttery tomato 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 explained. “Our tasting menu features a variety of regional Indian dishes, each representing a different aspect of an Indian wedding feast.”
To end the meal on a sweet note, a seasonal dessert is served, which is currently gajar halwa kulfi—a warm spiced carrot pudding accompanied by ice cream. Additionally, each guest receives a bag of Indian sweets to take home, a gesture reminiscent of the favors given at Indian weddings. Guests can also opt for wine or cocktail pairings for an additional $35.
“From the moment guests walk in, I want them to feel like they’ve stepped into an extravagant shaadi (wedding),” Sharma shared. “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.”
When it comes to attire, diners are encouraged to dress in formal wedding attire or traditional Indian outfits to embrace the theme, though casual wear is also welcome. The restaurant aims to cater to everyone, including those who are preparing for an upcoming wedding or reminiscing about past celebrations. The space is also available 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.”
