Delhi is the amazing capital of the culturally, ethnically, and traditionally rich country India. Not only does this dynamic and happening city have loads to offer to its present day inhabitants and guests, but also provided its predecessors with the same and also has the same or more to offer generations to come.
This prominent city has been the capital of many unforgettable monarchs which gifted this enchanting city of dreams diverse languages, monuments, dialects, and cuisines. Today, one of the greatest delights of Delhi is its food extravaganza which makes it the food capital of the country as well. This mind-boggling food paradise has more to offer than anybody could ask for, right from its roadside stalls to exclusive restaurants, dhabas to lavish hotels, bars to rocking pubs. To pick out few from the enumerating list is a Herculean task in itself.
As an utter food junkie, of all the wonderful restaurants that serve the most mouth-watering and exotic dishes, I would have to rate Bukhra as numero uno.
1. Bukhara: ITC, Maurya Sheraton Hotel
The preparation of food by the chefs here is a harmonious blend of various flavors while keeping in mind the essential detail to preserve and maintain its basic taste. The rolling years have not altered the flavor, quality and stimulating taste of distinct recipes. The elaborate and outrageous menu range available has provided unforgettable experience over decades.
The memory of the Murgh Malai kababs, Sikandari Raan Laziz Biryani and Tandoori Jhinga and on the whole, the Mughlai cuisine that you relish here, will haunt you till your next visit and the perfect garnishing would beckon you time and again. The extensive, rustic and sublime ambience gives you the feeling you're in heaven. This popular venue and a favorite spot of celebrities and intellectuals is Delhi’s claim to fame. It has gained universal acclaim and popularity for its fabulous and authentic cookery and superb preparations. It gives the taste of the traditional Indian kitchen – the rejuvenating, soothing, revitalizing and enhancing flavor of Indian curries. Next time you want to taste some Royal Cuisines and rugged delicacies you know which place to step in.
2. Punjabi by Nature: PVR Priya Complex
Another place for wholesome, overwhelming, rustic and original food is this spectacular eating joint. It impresses all with the typical spices and high-calorie rich food. Regular customers swear by the phenomenal Gol Gappas. Real heart-winners remain Tandoori Prawns, Chicken Do Piyaza, Paneer Makhani and Dhai Ke Kabab and last but not least, Raan-e-Punjab. This massive restaurant has elegant and exclusive interiors. The music complements an equally Punjabi ambience. The next time you get bored of your personal or hired chefs expertise you know where to go to satisfy your starving bellies and also your soul.
3. Karims
Old as the hills, this eternal chain of Mughlai restaurants. Reaching Dastar-e-karim in Nizamuddin west through the crowded by-lanes is an experience in itself. This cost-effective eatery is a hot favorite of all the food lovers who hate to cook. The khansamas here are the patrons in this field and have carried this legacy for generations now. The members here become active right at the break of dawn. A power-packed, healthy breakfast is one of its attractions. Ravenous Barrah Kababs, tandoori Raan, Chicken Malai Kabas and Afghani Chicken are its specialty.
4. Sagar: Defence colony
It is a very popular restaurant with people who love South Indian food. Its extensive menu includes dishes from various South Indian states. If you can manage a table here without waiting, Lady Luck surely favors you. The soft Idlis, crispy Dosas, spicy Uttpams and yummy Upmas is just the beginning of the elaborate list. Sagar can easily be branded as the cleanest restaurant. Strictly vegetarian, its thalis are among the favorites of many providing sumptuous, hearty and filling meals. Spicy and piping hot Rasam, followed by Onion Masala Rawa Dosa or Paper Masala Dosa and a sizzling hot cup of filtered coffee served in steel crockery makes it feel all the more authentic. Just a single visit here is enough to make you an ardent admirer of South Indian delicacies.
5. Colonel’s Kababs: Defence Colony
The fusion of Muslim and Hindu style of cooking resulted in the achievement of yet another legacy. The chefs have evolved and now follow innovative recipes absorbed and assimilated over the years providing taste and flavor with their unique style of preparation. This whole saga of Indian cuisines has fan followers. It is equally popular with the take away crowd as it is with the gentry who want to spend an evening out. The name says it all, kababs are simply fabulous. These exotic dishes with unique names like Magaz Curry, Chicken Bhayankar. Lasauni Kabab, Haldi Ghati are certainly worth a try.
6. Masala Art: Taj Palace
A glorified restaurant, with cheerful and aesthetic ambience, this place serves traditional Indian food in all its grandeur. The ever-changing style gives one the taste of a real food carnival. The cheerful and aesthetic ambience of the interiors makes the evening more delightful. Olive oil used for cooking maintains the nutrition quotient and contributes to health packed power grubs. The list of mouth watering delights is endless and the chefs endeavor to present something new every now and then. Jumbo Prawns, Tawa Jhinga, Achari Jhinga, please the fish lovers immensely. The palatable, sumptuous provisions offered can tingle anybody’s taste buds.
7. Gulatis: Pandara Road
The enormously popular restaurant situated bang in the heart of the city offers ultimate Punjabi victuals. It is highly recommended that you book a table in advance else be a spectator in a long queue long before you are shown the way to the table. It specializes in Indian cuisines with the flavor of Punjab. The place has a comfortable seating arrangement and a long list of foodstuffs. Kadhai Chicken, Methi Malai Matar, Kadhai Paneer, Rogan Josh, Dal Makhani and Kashmiri Kababs are incalculably in demand. Next time you want an outing with your family, Gulati’s is certainly worth a visit.
8. Dhaba: Rajouri Garden
Unlike the deceptive name, this hangout is fairly happening. It offers Chinese, continental as well as Indian fare. The best part about this eatery is that it is a restaurant with a theme. It aims at providing an ethnic touch assimilating the rural infrastructure. A truck, of course a part of it, parked inside the compound, makes for an interesting locale. The bistro even offers mouth-watering tandoori platter, chicken being the eternal favorite. Butter Chicken, Murgh Mussallum, Balti Meat, Hara Bhara kabab and Chicken Khurchan are its specialties.
9. Chowringee: IP Extension
A confluence of contemporary Chinese cooking and traditional Indian taste served in an effervescent and serene atmosphere is the uniqueness of this eating joint. A tiny restaurant - famous for its Bengali cuisine - reminds us of the decade old motherly recipes. Chowringee has a huge clientèle because it is highly authentic, refreshing, rejuvenating and affordable. Fish Finger, Spicy Fish Curry, Chicken Dak Bunglow, Daab Chingari, Calcutta Mughlai, Mochar Ghonto, Tangra Chinese and a number of such substantial dishes are just can't be skipped. Go with my personal instinct and your near and dear ones would love you for life!
10. The Great Kabab Factory: Punjabi Bagh
Symbolic of its name this popular bistro serves piping hot, pliable Kababs that just melt in your mouth. Among its yummy treats are Narangi Choosa, Ajwain Machi tikka, Gossht Babari seekh, and the truly delightful Bhey ke Shammi tikkey!
That’s my pick of the top ten favorite restaurants in this wonderfully delightful Indian city which is an eclectic mix of flavors from across the globe!
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