Where in the World to Eat: Delhi

 

The name of this restaurant has very little in common with the off-Broadway sex comedy musical from the ‘70s! It is, instead, a worthy introduction to Bengali cuisine. The staff are happy to explain the dishes and the fish is flown from Kolkata to give the recipes that authentic taste. The Aloo Posto (potatoes in poppy seeds) and the steamed boneless hilsa (an oily fish indigenous to East India) served in mustard sauce are so different even Indians not from West Bengal come away surprised.
International Trade Tower,
E Block, Nehru Place,
Kalkaji,
New Delhi – 110019.
Tel: +91 11 26464180 / 26464182

 

Punjabi By Nature
The good people at Punjabi By Nature pride themselves on preparing classic northern Indian dishes such as Sarson Ka Saag (a spinach dish with Butter Chicken), as well as adding a modern twist on Punjabi favourites such as vodka Golgappas (a deep fried street snack with a spicy alcoholic cocktail) and the dessert flambéed Gulab Jamans (traditional Indian dumplings in brandy). This is hearty Northern Indian cuisine at its best and worth checking out to see what the local middle classes are currently eating.

Basant Lok Community Centre,
Priya Cinema Complex,
Vasant Vihar,
New Delhi – 110057.
Tel: +91 11 41516666

 

Bukhara
Bukhara is a must- eat place for non-vegetarians missing their meat fix. It’s forever busy, because the food is always consistent. Dishes hail from the North West Frontier, with Moghul influences from Pakistan and Afghanistan. As it is classed a five star restaurant, it is worth a visit to see what all the fuss is about. Their Dal made from black lentils, tomato and ginger is so popular it is now sold in cans!

Maurya Sheraton,
Diplomatic,
Sadar Patel Marg,

 

Swagath
Situated in the higgledy-piggeldy market place of Defence Colony, the South Indian restaurant Swagath holds its ground amid countless eateries in the area because of its authentic regional coastal cuisine. Opt for the fish and prawn dishes that are a speciality of Southern India. The waiters are extremely helpful in advising you on the right combination of dishes and offering suggestions to the uninitiated.

14, Defence Colony Market,
New Delhi – 110024
Tel: +91 11 24337538

 

Moti Mahal Deluxe
The décor is sparse and the restaurant is dimly lit, but people return to this restaurant time and again for the flavours of its Northern Indian cuisine. Lipsmacking Butter Chicken mopped up with freshly baked Tandoori Rotis (unleavened breads) accompanied by the proverbial Aloo Gobhi (seasoned potato and cauliflower) is a must.

M30, M Block GK1
New Delhi – 110048
Tel: +91 29230480

 

Fire
Located in the five star luxury boutique The Park Hotel, Fire is proud to boast an organic range of dishes on their menu; something of a rarity in India. The dishes are seasonal and the most popular is Raan – Roast leg of lamb. Their signature cocktail AgniSpice comes with a dash of coriander and Worcester sauce and has a real kick to it; not for the faint-hearted!

The Park Hotel, New Delhi,
15, Parliament Street,
New Delhi – 110001
Tel: +91 11 23743000

 

Andhra Bhawan Canteen
As the name suggests, this restaurant is set up like a staff canteen, but it’s the only place north of Andhra Pradesh where you can savour delicious Hyderabadi cuisine, including the famous Hyderabadi Biryani (rice with chicken or meat and fiery hot vegetables) and lentil dishes served on stainless steel thalis (platters). The prices are very reasonable too.

Ashoka Road, New Delhi H.O.
New Delhi – 110001
Tel: +91 11 23387499 / 23387599

 

Diva
Located in posh South Delhi, Diva comes close to an Italian Bistro where the wine list and menu are carefully thought out and the surroundings are informal and intimate. Experiment with Spaghetti with Lobster tail or fillets of Australian John Dory in white wine and lemon. Although the prices aren’t modest, it’s worth a look to see how Indians have grown to love Italian cuisine.

M Block Market,
Greater Kailash II,
New Delhi – 110048
Tel: +91 11 29215673

 

The lush architecture of the South East Asian Spice Route in the Imperial Hotel tells the story of the journey of spices from the Malabar Coast through to Thailand and Vietnam. It feels exactly like you are sitting in some British Colonel’s outpost of 18th Century Asia in the restaurant which offers fine dining with just a hint of spice. The chef’s vegetarian special and the Chicken in Thai Green Curry with Pea Aubergines are the dishes to look out for.

The Imperial Hotel,
1, Janpath,
New Delhi – 110001
Tel: +91 11 23341234 / 4150 1234

 

Don’t leave Delhi without first sampling a savoury South Indian style pancake, known as a Dosa and made from a batter of ground fermented lentils and rice. One place where you are guaranteed a decent dosa is Sagar in Defence Colony Market. I love the steamed rice cakes or idlis with Coconut Chutney and Spicy tomato chutney, but you should also try the Masala Dosa with its scrumptious potato filling, accompanied by the Sambar Dal.

18, Defence Colony Market,
New Delhi – 110024,
Tel: +91 11 4617832

Further information: India Tourism (www.incredibleindia.org) and Delhi Tourism (www.delhitourism.nic.in).