Delhi, the heart of India, is a city that is popular for its diplomacy and glamour. But one aspect, which I personally feel it should be most well-known for, is food! Not only is Delhi keeping alive a decadent tradition of Mughlai cuisine, it is also nurturing some of the best chefs in the country.
Within Delhi you can find practically every cuisine of the world. And for every cuisine you want to try, there are many options to choose from. So I went the length, re-visited all my culinary adventures around Delhi to put together a list of the best places to experience (almost) all major cuisines of the world in just one city!
1. Japanese
Ask any serious food lover in Delhi about where to get the best Japanese food in Delhi, and their answer would either be the over-the-top priced En or the slightly more affordable, but a lot more creative Guppi by Ai. Guppy by Ai is a contemporary Japanese bar and kitchen situated in the posh Lodhi Colony Market, and is helmed by chef Vikram Khatri. It promises, and successfully delivers, a combination of traditional flavours with a playful twist.
Where: 28, Main Market, Lodhi Colony
Cost for two: ₹2,900 (approx.)
Must try: 5 Mushroom Ramen Burger and any of the Guppi Style Sashimi
2. Chinese
If you are on the hunt for the best Chinese food in Delhi, then you will be spoilt for choice. From the pocket-friendly food trucks to the perfect family dinner restaurants such as Mamagoto, there are many restaurants that have cracked the flavours of Cantonese cuisine in India. But Yauatcha is more than just a restaurant, it's a dimsum tea-house featuring the best and most authentic of Cantonese dishes with a modern influence.
Where: Level 2, Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj
Cost for two: ₹2,600 (approx.)
Must try: Asparagus Dimsums, Crispy Duck Roll and Veg Chive Dumplings
3. Thai
Thai cuisine in Delhi often gets clubbed with other east Asian flavours under the umbrella of Pan-Asian cuisine. But Thai High in Mehrauli changes that, as it focusses only on bringing the Thai flavour to your plate with a gorgeous sophistication and originality that the cuisine deserves.
Where: 1091/1, Ambawatta Complex, Kalka Das Marg, Mehrauli
Cost for two: ₹2,200 (approx.)
Must try: Pla Nung Makham, Satay Kai and their Kai Phad Krapow.
4. Burmese
The idea of Burmese cuisine was reserved to khao suey, until Burma Burma, a completely vegetarian restaurant opened up in Gurgaon. Inclining more towards the Buddhist aspect of Burmese flavours, Burma Burma serves up delicious textural contrasts with complimentary teas. One visit, and this place will have you hooked to its delicate flavours!
Where: Ground Floor, Shop 6, Building 8, Tower C, Cyber Hub, DLF Cyber City, Gurgaon
Cost for two: ₹1,500 (approx.)
Must try: Monkey-picked Oolong Tea and Dry Khaosuey
5. Malay
Delhi was not very aware of the Malaysian cuisine and often misinterpreted it to taste similar to mainland Indian flavours. But Jom Jom Malay is the first of its kind restaurant in Delhi that promises to offer "real" Malaysian food, which visitors say transports them to the streets of Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
Where: BG 04, Ansal Plaza, Andrews Ganj, Khel Gaon Marg
Cost for two: ₹1,800 (approx.)
Must try: Nasi Goreng and Raw Mango Salad
6. Mexican
La Bodega is a sophisticated yet old-fashioned haven for Mexican food in Delhi. The current palate of Mexican flavours for Delhiites is dominated by the same-old Tex-Mex offerings, But La Bodega changes that. The decor of La Bodega adds to its appeal as a traditional Mexican roadside cafe, which serves delicious and creative finger-licking food.
Where: 1st Floor, 29-B, Middle Lane, Khan Market
Cost for two: ₹1,700 (approx.)
Must try: Doblatidas De Verduras and Tinga De Pollo Con Queso
7. American
Anyone who has been a foodie in Delhi has, at least once, found themselves at The All American Diner early in the morning for a hearty breakfast. This is step one of how the diner captures the American experience of dining. Fluffy pancakes, grilled sausages with every variety of cooked egg for breakfast is followed by an even more tempting and comforting menu of entrees. The place gives a wholesome experience of what it feels like to eat at an American diner.
Where: India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Colony
Cost for two: ₹1,000 (approx.)
Must try: Weekend brunch and breakfast
8. Parsi
The contribution of Parsi culture in India has been important enough for us to explore their food beyond dhansak and salli boti. Rustom's Parsi Bhonu is a one-of-its-kind restaurant in Delhi that seeks to introduce people to a more nuanced and lesser-known side to Parsi delights. If you are an egg and meat-lover, Rustom's will be heaven for you.
Where: 94-A/B, Adchini
Cost for two: ₹1,500 (approx.)
Must try: Pomfret Fry and Keema Pao
9. Lebanese
Comfort Lebanese food doesn't get any better than at Zizo, which is the perfect gateway into the universe of Lebanese cuisine. The casual, calm and relaxed atmosphere of the place works brilliantly with the hearty food it serves. Zizo promises a sure-shot good experience with all your street-side favourites such as shawarma rolls, mezze platters and falafels dunked in hummus.
Where: K-18 & 22, Connaught Place
Cost for two: ₹1,600 (approx.)
Must try: Spicy Hummus, Strawberry Lemonade and Chicken Shawarma Roll
10. Tibetan
Majnu ka Tila is a blessing that the Tibetan refugees have showered on Delhiites. Small restaurants here pack powerful flavours at really affordable prices. Rigo Restaurant is probably the best Tibetan restaurant in the area, where its customary offerings of momos and thukpas are a definite favourite; the restaurant steps up its game by serving a variety of pork dishes as well.
Where: 180, Tibetan Old Camp, Majnu ka Tila
Cost for two: ₹600 (approx.)
Must try: Momos, Thukpas and Double Fried Pork.
11. French
Le Bistro du Parc is a cozy and intimate restaurant in the heart of Delhi, that offers the classic French cuisine with a refreshingly modern twist. The restaurant has an enviable wine and coffee collection that perfectly compliments the French menu. Le Bistro du Parc has been consistently winning the title of Best French, Casual Diner by the Times Food Awards.
Where: A-57-59, Moolchand Market, Near Defence Colony
Cost for two: ₹1,700 (approx.)
Must try: Pan Fried Calamari and Paella
12. Greek
The Skydeck Lounge at The Leela Ambience in Gurgaon is the definition of luxurious dining as it brings together unparalleled hospitality with authentic flavours of the Aegean Sea. The Skydeck Lounge is a great restaurant for a romantic dinner, and since it has just opened, getting a table won't be very difficult either.
Where: The Leela Ambience, Ambience Island, Ambience Mall, Gurgaon
Cost for two: ₹3,000 for two people (approx.)
Must try: Melitzanosalata and Spanakopita
13. Italian
There are many brilliant restaurants in Delhi that serve delicious Italian food. From the luxurious risottos of Olive Kitchen & Bar to the paper-thin pizzas of Fat Lulu's, every place seems to be better than the other. But there is one consistent winner, one restaurant where I can order a dish blindfolded and never be disappointed. Big Chill is the pride of Delhi's food scene, and we boast of being the only home to the franchise and consider it a holy ritual to overeat here at least once a month.
Where: 3rd Floor, DLF Promenade Mall, Vasant Kunj and four more locations.
Cost for two: ₹1,500 (approx.)
Must try: Mississippi Mud Pie, Malt Shakes and baked pastas.
14. Korean
The taste of Korean food is often reserved to tangy pickled kimchi, beyond which foodies in Delhi dare not venture. But Shim Tur in Paharganj has opened the gateway to Korean cuisine classics without burning a hole in your pocket.
Where: 2nd Floor, Navrang Guest House, Tooti Galli, Main Bazaar, Paharganj
Cost for two: ₹600 (approx.)
Must try: O-jing Oh Dup Bop and kimbap
15. Nepali
Majnu ka Tila's narrow lanes have the best kept food secrets in Delhi. Ama Thakali, a small Nepalese restaurant, is one of the them. The place has very limited seating and the ambience is that of a warm Nepalese home. Don't get fooled by the simple and minimalist menu, as the cook knows exactly what it takes to leave a lasting impression on your palate.
Where: House 40, 1st Floor, Above Ama Restaurant, New Aruna Nagar, Majnu ka Tila
Cost for two: ₹400 (approx.)
Must try: Authentic Nepali Thali
16. Ethiopian
The Ethiopian Cultural Centre, situated in Chanakyapuri has a restaurant that serves the most authentic flavours of Ethiopian cuisine. The dishes are perfectly curated to give you an insight into how locals actually eat. The national Ethiopian dishes such as "Injera" (a flat-bread) and "wot" (a traditional spicy stew) are must haves here.
Where: 7/50 G,Niti marg, Chanakyapuri
Cost for two: ₹1000 (approx.)
Must try: Doro Wet and Shimbira Aasa
17. Portuguese
Many die-hard fans of Nando's might not be aware that the Peri-Peri chicken, which they drool after, actually has Portuguese roots. This fast-growing food chain that has Delhi non-vegetarian lovers head over heels, can safely be crowned as the best place in the city to get Portugese-style food.
Where: F-29/30 A, Malhotra Building, Inner Circle, Connaught Place and five more locations.
Cost for two: ₹1,200 (approx.)
Must try: Peri Peri Chicken
18. Spanish
Want to experience the flavours of the Mediterranean, then head to Sevilla in The Claridges, where an innovative cooking style has given Spanish food a refreshing new look. The restaurant has several awards and accolades under its name, assuring that a dinner here will be more than just food, but an experience.
Where: The Claridges, 12, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Road, Aurangzeb Road
Cost for two: ₹4,500 (approx.)
Must try: Paella Valencia and Doppio Crosta Pizza
19. German
Zu Tisch
The decor and vibe of Zu Tisch is straight out of a popular German bar. From schnitzels, wursts and zweibels, Zu Tisch serves the most delicious picks from German soul food that are crowd pleasers. If you are a vegetarian, then Zu Tisch might not be the best place for you, but the onion rings are good enough to make up for what it lacks in other options.
Where: 2nd Floor, 18, M Block Market, Greater Kailash 1
Cost for two: ₹1,500 (approx.)
Must try: Spare Ribs Starter and Pork Schnitzel
It is highly likely that you do not agree with a few or many of my personal favourites. Drop your pick for these cuisines in the comment section below!
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