Restaurants in Delhi

As Delhi is a cosmopolitan city, people come from diverse backgrounds from all parts of country as well as all parts of world that is why city offers not only national but international cuisines. Among the most popular Indian cuisines are Guajarati, Rajasthani, Mughlai, South Indian, North Indian food and popular international cuisine includes Chinese, Japanese, continental, Thai, Lebanese, Italian etc.

Delhi is indeed a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant food culture that offers a wide variety of cuisines from all over India and the world. In addition to the Indian cuisines you mentioned, Delhi is also known for its street food, which includes popular snacks like chaat, chole bhature, and paranthas.

Delhi’s food scene is also famous for its fusion cuisine, where chefs combine traditional Indian flavors with global ingredients and cooking techniques to create unique dishes. Many restaurants in Delhi also offer vegetarian and vegan options, making it an ideal destination for those with dietary restrictions. Delhi’s diverse food culture is one of its major attractions, and visitors can enjoy a wide range of culinary experiences during their stay in the city.

History and evolution of restaurants in Delhi

Restaurants in Delhi have a long and rich history, dating back to the Mughal era. The Mughals were known for their love of food and hospitality, and they introduced many dishes and culinary techniques to India that are still popular today. During their rule, they built many grand structures and gardens, which often included kitchens and dining areas where they would entertain guests.

In the 19th century, Delhi saw the emergence of coffee houses and tea stalls, which became popular meeting places for intellectuals and artists. These cafes were often located near colleges and universities and became hotspots for political and cultural discussions.

With the advent of modernization and urbanization in the 20th century, Delhi’s food culture began to evolve rapidly. The city saw the rise of new types of eateries, such as dhabas, street food stalls, and small cafes, which offered affordable and convenient food options for people on the go.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Delhi’s restaurant scene underwent a major transformation, with the emergence of upscale restaurants and hotels that catered to the city’s growing middle class. Many of these establishments were influenced by international cuisine and offered a fusion of Indian and global flavors.

Today, Delhi’s food culture is more vibrant than ever, with a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and food joints that cater to all tastes and budgets. The city’s food scene is constantly evolving, with new trends and culinary innovations emerging all the time, making it one of the most exciting food destinations in the world.

What are 15 best iconic restaurants in Delhi that you must try once?

Here are 15 iconic restaurants in Delhi that are highly recommended and popular among locals and visitors alike:

Karim’s – famous for its Mughlai cuisine and kebabs
Bukhara at ITC Maurya – known for its authentic North Indian cuisine and signature dish, Dal Bukhara
Indian Accent – modern Indian cuisine with a fusion twist
Saravana Bhavan – authentic South Indian vegetarian food
Paranthe Wali Gali – famous for its variety of parathas (Indian flatbreads)
Moti Mahal Delux – home of the original butter chicken
Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wale – famous for its traditional Indian frozen dessert, kulfi
Keventers – a popular milkshake and snack joint
Andhra Bhavan – authentic Andhra-style cuisine
Pandara Road – a street famous for its food joints, including Gulati, Chicken Inn, and Pindi
Gali Paranthe Wali – famous for its variety of parathas
Haldiram’s – famous for its vegetarian street food and sweets
The Big Chill – an iconic cafe known for its desserts and Italian food
Nizam’s Kathi Kabab – famous for its kathi rolls
Wenger’s Deli – a popular bakery known for its cakes and pastries

These are just a few of the many iconic restaurants and food joints in Delhi. There are many more hidden gems to explore and discover in this vibrant city’s food scene.

What are the trendiest restaurants in Delhi?

Here are some of the trendiest restaurants in Delhi as of my knowledge cutoff:

The Grammar Room in Mehrauli – known for its chic ambiance, brunch menu, and cocktails
Guppy in Lodhi Colony – a popular spot for Japanese cuisine and sushi
Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra in BKC – a fine-dining experience offering modern Indian cuisine
Ophelia in The Ashok Hotel – a trendy bar and lounge offering fusion food and cocktails
The Hong Kong Club in Andaz Delhi – a luxurious Chinese restaurant and bar
Comorin in Gurgaon – known for its innovative Indian cuisine and drinks
Cafe Lota in Pragati Maidan – a rustic cafe known for its regional Indian dishes
Ek Bar in Defence Colony – a modern Indian bar with innovative cocktails and snacks
Ping’s Cafe Orient in Lodhi Colony – a trendy restaurant and bar offering Pan-Asian cuisine
Bo Tai in Mehrauli – a stylish restaurant offering contemporary Thai cuisine

Please note that the restaurant scene in Delhi is constantly evolving, and new trendy spots may have emerged since my knowledge cutoff.

Famous chef restaurants in Delhi

Delhi has a vibrant culinary scene and is home to many renowned chefs who have opened their own restaurants. Here are some of the famous chef restaurants in Delhi:

Indian Accent by Chef Manish Mehrotra – Known for its modern Indian cuisine and innovative dishes that blend traditional and contemporary flavors. The restaurant has won numerous awards and is consistently ranked among the best in India.
Varq by Chef Hemant Oberoi – This fine-dining restaurant located at the Taj Mahal Hotel is known for its upscale Indian cuisine and luxurious ambiance. Chef Hemant Oberoi has been associated with the Taj group for over 40 years and is one of the most celebrated chefs in India.
AnnaMaya by Chef Anas Qureshi – Located at the Andaz Delhi hotel, this restaurant offers farm-to-table cuisine that celebrates the diversity of Indian flavors and ingredients. Chef Anas Qureshi is known for his innovative cooking techniques and his commitment to sustainable and ethical sourcing.
Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra – This fine-dining restaurant located in the upscale BKC area of Delhi offers a modern interpretation of Indian cuisine. The restaurant is known for its molecular gastronomy and its use of rare and exotic ingredients.
The Hungry Monkey by Chef Noah Barnes – This casual dining restaurant located in Safdarjung Enclave is known for its international cuisine and inventive cocktails. Chef Noah Barnes is an American chef who has worked in some of the best restaurants in the world before moving to India.

These are just a few examples of the famous chef restaurants in Delhi, and there are many more talented chefs and exciting dining options to explore in the city. Did you know that Delhi has a vibrant street food scene, with many small vendors and stalls offering delicious and affordable food? Additionally, many of the older restaurants in Delhi have fascinating histories and have been around for decades. Delhi is also home to many rooftop restaurants that offer stunning views of the city skyline, and many restaurants offer private dining rooms and event spaces that can be booked for special occasions. Finally, Delhi is also home to many themed restaurants that offer a fun and unique dining experience.

Were monkeys cooked and eaten in Ancient India?

There is no evidence that monkeys were commonly cooked and eaten in ancient India. In fact, monkeys have long been revered in Indian culture and are considered sacred by many people. The Hanuman langur, for example, is seen as a symbol of strength and loyalty and is associated with the Hindu deity Hanuman. Additionally, the practice of vegetarianism has been prevalent in India for thousands of years, and many people follow a vegetarian or vegan diet for religious, ethical, or health reasons. While it is possible that some communities or tribes may have hunted and consumed monkeys in the past, it is not a widespread practice in modern or ancient India.