Delhi’s culinary scene is exploding right now – opening after opening is getting deservedly hyped every week, and for that we’re grateful. In fact, we’re the ones doing a lot of the hyping.
But, for every attention-grabbing spot, there are always a few underrated ones left whose praises deserve to be sung a little louder. That’s why we’re here to shine some light on the places you need to immediately add to your to-dine list:
1. Potbelly Rooftop Café
The super-long four floor climb through the narrow stairs to this rooftop café is sure to leave you out of breath. (But hey, you can make up for it with Potbelly’s amazing Bihar style food.) You must try their Saboodana Basket, Poori Basket, and Mirch Masala Lemonade.
What Made Us Go Mmmm… Having a bird’s-eye perspective of the city while savouring meat pakodas with fresh pudina-dhaniya chutney seems like the stuff of daydreams, but can be actualized here.
Where-Shahpur Jat and Bihar Niwas, Chanakyapuri
Price -₹1,000 for two people (approx.)
2. The Backyard
One of the best new places that have opened up in South Delhi, a little away from the addictive Hauz Khas Village is The Backyard. This is a lovely place with two floors, where the lower floor is chic, and the terrace comfortably casual. They’ve done much justice to the rooftop idea of a party place.
What Made Us Go Mmmm… Their white sauce chicken pasta – creamy, cheesy, full of chicken, and oodles of veggies too!
Where – A/2-A, Next to Sartaj Hotels, Green park
Price -₹1,800 for two people (approx.)
3. Dolma House
Most people prefer the popular Dee Tee whenever they visit Majnu ka Tilla. But next time, you should try this simple yet cosy place, which is one of Majnu ka Tilla’s oldest eateries. It serves up the much cherished Tibetan street food that includes perfectly cooked momos, Lowa Khatse, Shapta, and more. Their tagline ‘Life is Too Short For Average Food!’ says it all about their foodie philosophy.
What Made Us Go Mmmm… Chicken skewers, which were soft, succulent, and juicy, the accompanying lemon added to their zesty flavour.
Where-H-No 1, Block No 10, New Aruna Nagar, Majnu Ka Tilla
Price -.₹400 for two people (approx.)
4. Suruchi
Make a simple dining experience thoroughly rewarding at Suruchi. The soothing ambience, and exceptional interiors thoroughly complement the food served here. The numerous wholesome dishes in their food menu are cooked with just the right spices, herbs, textures, and possess flavours that’ll both satiate your hunger and tempt your taste buds.
What Made Us Go Mmmm… Their gatta kadi- creamy, crunchy, full of flavour and texture – light and yet utterly comforting and lovely.
Where– 15A/56 Ajmal Khan Road, Karol Bagh
Price -₹700 for two people (approx.)
5. Coast Café
In the overcrowded Hauz Khas village’s lanes, among its variety of restaurants and bars, this place is one that doesn’t deserve to be as underrated as it is. Coast Café, Ogaan’s culinary venture, looks to please all types of palates with their Moilees, finger food, and ultra-fresh take on Tex-Mex cuisine.
What Made Us Go Mmmm… Their Fish Curry that changes profiles with every bite, wisely prepared to keep you engrossed; you can actually taste different layers in both the curries. *We were left wide eyed in wonderment*
Where – H2, Second & Third Floor, above Ogaan, Hauz Khas Village
Price: INR 1,500 for two {approx.}
6. Al Rashida’s Lucknowi Galawati
The chaos and crowds at Zakir Nagar can be intimidating, but when it comes to kebabs, you just cannot miss out on the awesomeness that is Al Rashida. Aptly called the ‘Hidden Gen’, this dhaba is has spme of the best galawati kebabs – crunchy, chewy, slightly fiery, totally moreish. These are cooked in traditional Awadhi style.
What Made Us Go Mmm… was the way you can simply feel the Lucknow in their mouth-melting Beef Kebabs. Do not expect a fancy ambiance though, it’s just a hole-in-the-wall eatery. Still worth it, for the kebabs! (Anything is.)
Where – Lucknowi Galawati Kabab Zakir Nagar
Price-₹250 for two people (approx.)
7. Lodi- The Garden Restaurant
This is an al fresco casual dining establishment, offering the best European influenced cuisine in the capital. Hidden behind beautiful trees in a lush botanical environment, Lodi offers a subtle, un-hyped atmosphere, far away from the city’s overwhelming bustle.
Against a backdrop of jazz and chattering birds, guests can enjoy a romantic dinner on the outdoor terrace, amazing evening cocktails and even a leisurely Sunday brunch in the elegant interiors. Lodi also hosts a range of cultural events from live music to book readings and stand up comedy.
What Made Us Go Mmm… was the risotto which was particularly delicious and creamy, with salty bacon, caramelised shallots, and parmesan on top.
Where -Lodi – The Garden Restaurant, Opposite Mausam Bhavan, Near Lodhi Gardens, Lodhi Colony.
Price-₹2,200 for two people (approx.)
8. The Shim Tur
If you carefully make your way through the dilapidated lanes of Pahar Ganj, you might discover authentic Korean food in a set up where you least expected it. Some say that the route to finding The Shim Tur is like a treasure hunt – but once you manage to pull it off, the reward is in form of mouthfuls of aromatic flavours in an open-air eatery. Do try the Chicken Dup Bop, Soya Chicken, and Kim Bop (the Korean version of sushi) – food lovers’ heaven!
What Made Us Go Mmm… was the fact that almost everything came with sticky rice and several sides, which were basically sweet potatoes, fermented cabbages, eggs, fresh cucumber flowers, and onions prepped in the Korean way.
Where– 3 F, Navrang Guest House, Tooti Galli, Main Bazaar, Paharganj.
Price-₹600 for two people (approx.)
9. Rustom’s – Parsi Bonu
It’s time to skip Sodabottleopenerwala’s Parsi fare for once. Lace curtains, antique cabinets, wooden chairs, glass ceiling lanterns and family photographs stud the little room, as Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da plays over the speakers. The place is actually the replica of a Parsi home.
What Made Us Go Mmm… was their delicate yet plump fish, stuffed with the sweetest, richest combo of pea, mint, double cream, and parmesan, smothered in a spicy tomato sausage sauce. Seriously what is not to love?
Where-94-A/B, Adchini
Price-₹1,500 for two people (approx.)
10. Punjabi Haveli
Homely restaurant with intricate décor and a warm atmosphere offering many Punjabi classics. Punjabi Haveli Restaurant in Jail Road is one of the best restaurants for multi-cuisine food in Delhi.
Located at Jail Road, Punjabi Haveli is a crowd favourite. The mellow, comforting ambience, wide range of food and friendly staff make Punjabi Haveli Restaurant a place well worth visiting!
What Made Us Go Mmm… was the butter chicken – spicy, hearty, meaty, rich sweet tomato, melting salty parmesan, a tiny bit of fresh green to wake it all up.
Where -HL-1 and HL-2, Jail Road, Depo Crossing, Hari Nagar
Price-₹500 for two people (approx.)
11. Rajinder Da Dhaba
They use the word dhaba for posterity, because it looks nothing like one. While people wax eloquent about Karim’s left, right and centre, Rajinder Da Dhaba in Safdarjung Enclave is perhaps on equal footing in terms of food quality and service, and perhaps even better when it comes to variety.
People who know of it swear by it, and it is part of Delhi lore. Yet, many people are oblivious to its existence. When you’re in Delhi you ought to visit her.
What Made Us Go Mmm… was the Malai Tikka which is creamy and comforting and sweet, rich and earthy and utterly tinged with the feeling that summer is over and autumn is on its way.
Where ,-AB 14 Safdarjung Enclave Market
Price-₹800 for two people (approx.)
12. Motuu’s Qila
This is a themed restaurant serving authentic Sindhi cuisine in Gurgaon.
Mutton and chicken curry in Sindhi cuisine are the ultra show-stoppers. A Sindhi looking out for perfectly authentic cuisine can easily vouch for the food’s authenticity. Their menu consist of traditional Sindhi dishes like Bhugal Ghost, Dal Pakwaan and Koki. Visit Motuu’s to get your dose of regional food and educate yourself about this complex seeming, yet simple cuisine.
What Made Us Go Mmm… was the Magaz masala with its thick gravy and royally heavenly taste. Served with two boiled eggs makes it perfect to balance both richness of thick and blended spices.
Where -Baani Square, Hilton Hotel Complex, South City II,Gurgaon
Price -₹800 for two people (approx.)
