I've been running restaurants in Delhi, on and off, since 1994 . and much has changed in the last 2 . years. A decade ago, I would travel to London just so I could eat well. Today, I get to eat the cuisines I like right here in Delhi, and that too, of world-class quality. Feel like sashimi? Go to Megu. For authentic Italian, head to Artusi Ristorante e Bar; the fare is equal to what you'd get anywhere in Tuscany. And the dim sum trolleys at Royal China could compete with those at any restaurant in Hong Kong. Foreign food is just one thing; to me what's more exciting is the emergence of amazing regional cuisine Bengali, Tibetan, Kashmiri, Chettinad, Bihari, Naga, Parsi. I think this alone makes Delhi the most happening food destination in India. Whether you're looking for a place with a great atmosphere or a fancy restaurant in Delhi to impress your date, a quick bite before a movie or amazing street food to fill that hole in your belly, my beloved Delhi is the city to eat out in. Here's my pick of its top 5 . meals:
STREET FOOD
1 . Bikanervala
The perfect place to get your fix of all the Indian street food you've been craving from chaat to pav bhaji to samosas to, yes, vegetarian kathi rolls you'll find it all. The hardest part will be looking at the array of choices and deciding what to order. I usually get around that by ordering just about everything. (Website)
2 . Kamal's
This dhaba in Sundar Nagar does the regular chaat and vegetarian tandoori fare, but I go there only for the stuffed chaap or soya chaap. My meat-eater friends call it the vegetarian's cheap-thrill dish because of its meaty texture. Be that as it may, it tastes very good! (+91-11-24358735 .
3 . Moolchand Parathewala
There are no boards to indicate where this stall stands, no neon signs, no valets on call. You'll know you're at the right place when you see a huge crowd in front of a paratha stand, especially post-midnight, when your body needs a greasy paratha to soak up all the alcohol. Most of us who live in Delhi have been here at some point or the other. Moolchand features on my list not only for nostalgia value, but also for its great egg parathas. (Under Moolchand flyover)
4 . Natraj
If an eatery has served only two items since its opening in 194 . and is still packed to the gills, you can bet they are both fantastic. This street corner stall only makes magically soft dahi bhalla and impossibly crisp aloo tikki and both will be the best you've ever eaten. (Website)
5 . Bille De Hatti
The queues at this street stall in Kamala Nagar begin forming at 8am and by lunch, the star dish, chhola bhatura, is all sold out. You won't understand the craze till you try it. (+91-11-65808227 .
6 . Al Jawahar
Tradition is a lovely thing, especially when it allows culinary secrets to seep down the centuries and gives us 21st-century folk an opportunity to dine like the Mughals. Standing across the gate to Jama Masjid in Old Delhi, this eatery carries secrets of how to char kebabs to perfection, create the most flavourful nihari and prepare a soft, yeasty, heartwarming sheermal. Even Akbar would approve of the finesse and skill displayed by the cooks here in manipulating meats to create the stuff of legend. You can even order a whole stuffed goat, if you order in advance. (Opposite Gate 1 . Jama Masjid)
The cuisine of northeastern India is far removed from other Indian cuisines and consistently reliable versions are hard to come by in Delhi. One of the reasons I love eating the Naga food here is that each time I try a dish, I learn something new. From the smoked meat curries with the fiery chillies to fermented soya, all demand your attention. (Website)
CASUAL DINING
42 . SodaBottleOpenerWala
How do you take a concept that's generations old and make it the next hip thing? By having fun with it. From the quirky ambience to the cheeky cocktails, a meal at SodaBottleOpenerWala will never fail to make you chuckle. But you will also keep returning for the lost glory of Parsi dishes such as berry pulao, dhansak and eggs kejriwal with toast that you didn't even know you craved. (Website)
43 . Coast Cafe at OGAAN
A warm, inviting vibe, friendly service and excellent food this place has everything a caf should. Nestled above the OGAAN store, the space is beautifully designed to transport you away from the chaos of Hauz Khas Village. The minimalistic menu is crafted to showcase speciality coastal cuisine. Don't miss the Kerala grilled chicken and the prawn moilee. (+91-11-41601717 .
44 . Elma's Bakery
The test of any bakery is the quality of its bread and Elma's, in Hauz Khas Village, passes with flying colours. You'll want to curl up in its plush armchairs with a good book and enjoy a pot of tea while eyeing the pastries and cakes on display. But don't just eye them, take a big bite of carrot cake and smile in sweet contentment. (+91-11-26521020 .
45 . Tres
This charming restaurant in Lodi Colony has a minimalistic d cor, a seasonal menu and a fun bar. It's perfect for an easy evening of good food and great cocktails. (+91-11-2462520 .
46 . Zizo
Finally, here's an establishment that takes Lebanese cuisine beyond hummus and falafel. The owners of Zizo are crazy enough to fly in staples such as pita, za'atar, haloumi and baklava from Lebanon, and serve it at throwaway prices. So go devour the delectable mezze and man'oushe before they come to their senses. (Website)
47 . Le Bistro du Parc
Cosy, charming, rustic and adorable this tiny French eatery is all of these. The ever-changing menu is small, which may put some off but as they say, good things come in small packages. I always go in the hope that the salted caramel flan is on the menu. (Website)
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48 . Oh! Calcutta
It's the perfect introduction to the world of Bengali food. Immerse yourself in the joys of food cooked in mustard oil and savour one of India's richest cuisines. Regular patrons swear by the fish preparations, but I prefer the classic daab chingri and mishti doi. (+91-11-30402415 .
49 . Caf Lota
Tucked away in the National Crafts Museum, at Pragati Maidan, Caf Lota is an absolute gem. I love that the menu showcases pan-Indian dishes that are rarely seen on restaurant menus. The simple, homestyle cooking helps it cut through the crowd and make its mark. Go for the kadak chai, dal ka chilla and Bombay keema bao'. (+91-7838960787 .
50 . Cafe at Korean Cultural Centre
Even though Korean food is booming in the West, it is still relatively unheard of in India. I love this place for its excellent classics, such as kimchi fried rice and bibimbap. (+91-11-43345000 .
COND NAST TRAVELLER LOVES
Diva The Italian Restaurant
The first of six Ritu Dalmia-helmed Italian restaurants, this is the place that made her the superstar chef she is today. While the restaurant's fine-dining menu changes with the season, making use of Delhi's freshest seasonal produce, our personal favourites from the caf menu include the fresh buffalo mozzarella, tomato and basil panini and the Cotto and Sasicce pizzas. (Website)
Gung The Palace
This kitschy restaurant offers a great selection of authentic Korean dishes and conducts structured sessions on Korean food and culture. Among the more popular items on the menu are the beef bulgogi, marinated barbecued pork ribs, bibim guksu, a spicy noodle dish, and the Korean-style sushi, gimbap. (Website)
Akira Back
The professional snowboarder turned celebrity chef opened his eponymous modern Korean-Japanese restaurant at the JW Marriott Aerocity in New Delhi last year to much fanfare. Taylor Swift and Eva Longoria are among his regulars at his original Yellowtail restaurant in Las Vegas. Fortunately, the Indian outpost does live up to the hype: the filet tacos are messy, but excellent and the tofu carpaccio simulates edible art. (Website)
threesixtyone , The Oberoi, Gurgaon
This is one of our favourite Sunday brunch spots in the NCR. The interactive show kitchens serve you teppanyaki, sushi and sashimi, Chinese and tandoor-cooked Indian food, providing something for everyone literally. (Website)
What are your favourites? Tell us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Use the hashtag #50BestMeals.
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