You are on page 1of 3

Eating out: Legends of Delhi's belly

Harnoor Channi Tiwary


Delhi is a foodie's delight. The variety on offer in the city is simply astoundi
ng. There is a kaleidoscope of cuisines available -- Mughlai, Manglorean, Italia
n, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Lebanese, Parsi, French and more. If you fancy a p
articular cuisine, you have the option of choosing a high-end fine dining restau
rant, a cozy family place or even a quick fast-food cafe. The options are unlimi
ted.
And in each cuisine, there are places that have become mini legends in Delhi. Th
ere may be better options that sprout up every now and then, but these maintain
their status as the 'Legends of Delhi's belly'.
Mughlai
There are few institutions that can boast origins from the kitchens of Mughal ki
ngs. Karim is not just a restaurant. It is a legend, a pilgrimage of sorts. Espe
cially recommended for non-vegetarians, Karim's kormas have satisfied many of De
lhi's bellies over the decades. The original, located in the lane opposite Jama
Masjid, is where the food is at its best. If you don't mind parking your car in
Daryaganj and walking around crowded lanes, you will find yourself in a corridor
that opens into a welcoming courtyard.
The three restaurants at Karim all have a common kitchen so the food is equally
good. The decor is nothing special, think of it as a dhaba. The franchisees in N
izamuddin and Noida are not bad but we suggest you make the pilgrimage to the or
iginal branch.
Must-haves: Korma, Mutton Stew, Seekh Kebab and Mutton Burra Kebab. If you don't
mind your roti a little sweet, do try their sheermal.
Meal for 2: Rs 500
Alcohol: No
Credit cards: No
Do you have a favourite restaurant or cuisine? Or have you sampled the latest ha
unt on the block? Be it Manali or Kanyakumari, Kashmir or Goa, Jaipur or Nagpur
-- we would love to know more about the eating out options in your village, town
or city. Simply e-mail your reviews to getahead@rediff.co.in (subject line: 'Re
staurant review') and do try to include a photograph of the establishment; we'll
publish the best ones right here on rediff.com

Italian
Many came and many went. But who could have guessed that a small stand-alone res
taurant in a lane in East of Kailash visited by college students would become a
legend in itself. Ritu Dalmia's Diva may do a mean Lamb Chop but the prize for t
he best Italian in Delhi must go to 'The Big Chill Cafe'.
With branches now in Kailash Colony, Khan Market, Select City Walk and Gurgaon,
the restaurant has climbed the ladder of success solely on its own merit, having
consistently dished out fantastic food. Ask any young Delhiite and they will ha
ve their favourite Big Chill dish to suggest. The decor is interesting with post
ers of movies (classics as well as recent hits). Call ahead to reserve as they u
sually have a crowd waiting.
Must-haves: Fusilli Chicken Piri Piri, Penne with Bacon, Grilled Prawns with Pir
i Piri sauce, Spaghetti with Chicken in red wine sauce, Minestrone Soup, Belgian
Chocolate Shake. Their deserts are to die for. Choose from Mud Cake, Blueberry
Cheesecake, Hot Molten Lava Cake and more.
Meal for 2: Rs 1,200
Alcohol served: No
Credit cards: Yes

Chinese
Though you have options like 'The Chinese' and 'Mainland China' that serve authe
ntic Chinese food (read bland for the Indian palate), if you prefer the Indianis
ed version, drop in to Chungwa. Situated in Greater Kailash 2 M-block market, th
is restaurant took over the legend's mantle with the downfall of the earlier leg
end Fujia at Malcha Marg.
Chungwa has great food for prices that are not exorbitant and dishes out the mos
t delectable Golden Fried Jumbo Prawns you would have ever had! Sit on the groun
d floor for a quiet evening or on the first floor, that has more of a club atmos
phere.
Must-haves: Chicken in Black Bean Sauce, Shredded Lamb in Hot Garlic Sauce, Spri
ng Rolls, Golden Fried Jumbo Prawns and American Chopsuey.
Meal for 2: Rs 700
Alcohol served: Yes
Credit cards: Yes

Oriental
When you feel like eclectic oriental food but can't decide between Japanese, Ind
onesian, Malaysian, Thai, Korean or Vietnamese, head straight to the Yum Yum Tre
e at New Friends Colony. A fairly new setup, the restaurant boasts the only Sush
i conveyor belt in Delhi. But that is not the only reason you should head here.
Though the a la carte menu is expensive, they have a great deal called 'Table on
Tuesdays' valid on Tuesdays. The deal includes unlimited conveyor belt (which u
sually has 3-4 options in sushi, a salad, a chicken dish and dessert), and their
fixed menu from which you can pick a four-course dinner. They also throw in unl
imited Tiger beer in the deal. And priced at Rs 599 + tax, this is a great deal.
The Yum Yum Tree may not be a Delhi Belly Legend yet but it's unique proposition
convinces us that this is a place you must visit.
Must-haves: Even if you are not a Sushi person, give it a shot here. Their sushi
s are yummy. Also try their Malaysian curries.
Meal for 2: Rs 700 (For the lunch deal)
Alcohol: Yes
Credit cards: Yes

Dessert
Last but not the least, if you have a sweet tooth and are a chocolate fan, there
is no place in the country that can compete with Delhi's own Hot Chocolate Fudg
e from Nirula's. Most of us who have grown up in Delhi have seen the rise and fa
ll of Nirula's but the one thing that keeps it afloat and on our speed dial list
is their 'HCF'.
Three scoops of vanilla ice cream topped with the best chocolate sauce you've ev
er tasted and cashew nuts -- at Rs 120, it's money well spent.
Alcohol: No
Credit cards: Yes
Home delivery: Yes
Image: Nirula's

You might also like