New Delhi is famed for an eclectic mix of influences, so a traditional dish can be tough to pin down. That said, parantha breads and sweet syrupy rasagullas sold throughout the old town are favourites with the locals.
Hauz Khas Village
While Hauz Khas Village is best known for its narrow lanes, crumbling ruins, and emerald lake, it’s also a trendy hotspot for hip younger foodies. In line with its modern vibe, you can find a fair number of fresh and interesting places to chow down. The Golconda Bowl is a hidden gem with a reputation for serving some of the best Hyderabadi cuisine in Delhi. The Coast Café cooks up sumptuous meen curries and moilees, amid minimalist, modern decor, and an airy ambience.
• The Golconda Bowl, Hauz Khas, New Delhi; • The Coast Café, Hauz Khas, New Delhi;
Chandni Chowk
One of the city’s most jam-packed and authentic markets, Chandni Chowk oozes, bubbles, and sizzles with some of Delhi's very best street food. You’ll be able to fill your face with delicious paneer-stuffed parantha breads and fragrant spiced yogurt snacks lovingly crafted by local chefs. Natraj Dahi Bhalle takes its name from the aforementioned yoghurt treat and lays claim to producing the finest examples of dahi bhalle in the whole of Delhi. It’s also worth checking out Ghantewala. One of the oldest sweet shops in the world, it dates back as far as 1790.
• Natraj Dahi Bhalle, Near Central Bank, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi; • Ghantewala, Katra Shah N Shah, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi;
Chanakyapuri
The diplomatic quarter of New Delhi is home to some of the capital’s most desirable hotels, and with that comes upmarket dining well worth splashing out on. Bukhara has been running since 1977 and made a name for itself for conjuring up lip-smacking kebabs slathered in delicious sauces that are best tucked into without the aid of cutlery. The restaurant’s rustic atmosphere, surreally enormous naan breads, and majestic clay tandoor oven will probably require prior booking. At the Leela Palace hotel you can find Megu, an exquisite chain at the forefront of refined Japanese cuisine.
• Bukhara, ITC Maurya, Sardar Patel Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi; • Megu, Leela Palace, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi;
Near Delhi Gate
The streets surrounding Delhi Gate and extending across the centre of Delhi to Connaught Place boast some of the city’s most original and intriguing eateries. Chor Bizarre is an extravagant restaurant furnished to evoke the spirit of the country’s famous thieves’ markets. It'll steal your senses with favourite fare from the Kashmir region of India. Another option is Saravana Bhavan, a budget-friendly and unpretentious canteen serving lip-smacking southern Indian grub that’s hard to forget.
• Chor Bizarre, Hotel Broadway, 4/15A Asaf Ali Road, New Delhi; • Saravana Bhavan, Inner Circle Janpath, Connaught Place, New Delhi; Tel: +91 11 23317755
