An Exclusive Interview with Kanishk Tuteja, Founder of Nukkad Café & Bar
In this exclusive interview, we speak with Kanishk Tuteja, the visionary founder of Nukkad Café & Bar. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and unique offerings, Nukkad has become a beloved spot for food enthusiasts.
Kanishk shares his journey, insights into the café culture, and the passion that drives his entrepreneurial spirit.
What inspired you to create Nukkad Café & Bar, and how did your vision of blending nostalgia with modern dining come to life?
Kanishk Tuteja: Nukkad Café & Bar was born out of a desire to create more than just a dining destination — the vision was to offer a space that evokes emotions, memories, and togetherness.
Inspired by the charm of the 90s, I wanted to revive that era through a café that blends nostalgia with vibrant energy and modern hospitality.
From music to interiors to the food itself, every element is carefully curated to offer a walk down memory lane, while transforming the essence of Indian street culture into a more polished, refined setting.
Can you describe the concept behind Nukkad Café & Bar and how it reflects the emotions and experiences of the 90s?
Kanishk Tuteja: “Nukkad” is a term deeply rooted in Indian culture — a cozy corner where people gather, laugh, and connect. At Nukkad Café & Bar, we recreate this comfort through 90s Bollywood-inspired décor, desi themes like khaat seating, general store setups, and old movie posters.
It’s an immersive throwback to the era we all love, layered with modern comforts to create a laid-back yet unforgettable experience.
How do you curate the menu at Nukkad to ensure it resonates with both retro charm and contemporary tastes?
Kanishk Tuteja: The menu at Nukkad is all about comfort food with a twist — it’s familiar yet fun. We bring desi flavors to the forefront with a refined spin, offering dishes that spark nostalgia while appealing to today’s evolving tastes.
We also keep the experience dynamic with limited-time menus — like our summer special ‘Mangover’ and the current monsoon-inspired menu — that reflect the season’s mood and ingredients.
These LTOs help us stay fresh, experimental, and deeply connected to our audience’s cravings.
What role does live music play in the Nukkad experience, and how do you select the artists and genres featured at your outlets?
Kanishk Tuteja: Live music is the soul of Nukkad — it brings the space alive and sets us apart. Hosting performances 365 days a year, we aim to create an ever-changing, vibrant atmosphere.
From local acoustic bands to Sufi mehfils, the artist curation is deeply intentional, ensuring it resonates with the mood and the crowd of each outlet. It’s about making every visit a new experience.
How do you ensure that the ambiance and interiors of Nukkad Café & Bar create an immersive experience for your customers?
Kanishk Tuteja: Each outlet is uniquely themed but tied together by the central Nukkad identity — a space that feels instantly familiar, comforting, and easygoing.
From the rustic walls and khaats at SDA, to the theka-themed bar and general store vibe at Kailash Colony, and the railway station concept in Dehradun with book stalls and train-themed bars — the goal is to transport guests to another time and place. It’s not just décor — it’s storytelling through design.
With successful outlets in SDA, Kailash Colony, and Dehradun, what factors do you consider when choosing new locations for expansion?
Kanishk Tuteja: Location plays a huge role in how the Nukkad vibe is received. We consider audience demographics, footfall potential, and the opportunity to bring something unique to each area.
SDA was chosen for its student and office crowd, Kailash Colony allowed us to upscale and attract a wider, more premium audience, while Dehradun gave us the chance to introduce a fresh concept that resonates with both locals and visitors. Each outlet is tailor-made to its environment.
How do you keep up with evolving consumer tastes, and how does that influence your other ventures like Nest by 1 Oak and 1Oak?
Kanishk Tuteja: The key is staying connected — to trends, conversations, and most importantly, our customers. Whether it’s launching seasonal menus or reinventing the brand voice, we adapt quickly.
That agility also reflects in my other ventures like Nest by 1 Oak and Kipos, where we explore different themes and formats to match evolving preferences while keeping quality and innovation at the core.
What are your future plans for Nukkad Café & Bar, and how do you envision its growth in the competitive food and beverage industry?
Kanishk Tuteja: We’re gearing up for aggressive yet thoughtful expansion across India. The goal is to scale Nukkad into a household name, while preserving the essence that makes it special: heartfelt hospitality, nostalgia, and daily live music.
With each new outlet, we aim to create a fresh vibe while staying rooted in the core philosophy that food is about memories and connections.
Kanishk Tuteja’s dedication to creating a welcoming space at Nukkad Café & Bar exemplifies the essence of community and innovation.
His journey inspires aspiring entrepreneurs, showcasing that with passion and perseverance, one can transform a simple idea into a thriving business. Nukkad continues to be a testament to his vision and commitment to excellence.
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