Dil bole toh desi is what every Indian’s heart usually screams when it comes to their Indian roots. I can say this from my own personal experience that if I’m ever out on a vacation in a different country, one thing that I direly miss is the desi Indian food. Being a North Indian, I can survive on croissants and pizzas for a while but beyond a point, I need my dal chawal and butter chicken naan to satiate the hunger. In fact, the funny part is that I start facing withdrawal symptoms if I don’t get my roti and subzi for a few consecutive days. All these fad diets that people follow these days generally cut down on the carbs and other important items of a balanced diet, limiting oneself to only raw fruits and boiled vegetables.
This seems to be the case with most public figures, especially celebrities. While a lot of them are hard-core foodies, they have to maintain their shape and therefore, restrict themselves to really stringent diet regimes. However, when a well-known personality in the public sphere indulges in a desi treat, our heart melts for them. Something similar happened recently when Bollywood actor and a fitness enthusiast, Malaika Arora showed her true desi colours when she posted a picture of her meal on her Instagram story. What was in the meal? Take a look.
The yoga-proponent enjoys a hot bowl of sambar and rice along with a garnish of kadhi patta. We can also spot two pieces of fried fish on the side to satiate her cravings. Her pet dog, Casper is seen peeping on the table from the other side and she captions it saying, “Always asking for my food”.
Now that the fashion icon herself is giving us true dil se desi goals, how can we stop ourselves from thinking of delicious Indian treats. Here are some of the best places in the capital to gorge on North Indian platters.
1. Desi Vibes
With multiple outlets across the city, this is a one-stop-shop for all your North Indian cravings. Refreshing drinks on the menu along with a wide array of desi bites, papads and pickles will leave you spoilt for choice. If you’re heading to Desi Vibes, do not miss out on their tandoori delights served on a sizzling plate with a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
Where: Connaught Place, Noida (Multiple Outlets across Delhi-NCR)
Cost For Two: INR 2200
Source: Desi Vibes CP Official/Instagram
2. Havemore
Rightly named as Havemore, this famous and legendary restaurant is the hub of North Indian food in South Delhi. Located amidst the quiet and enclosed eateries of Pandara Road, this North Indian restaurant will not let you stop anytime soon. From tikkas to kebabs and fresh-on-the tandoor platters, you will find everything here.
Where: 11-12, Pandara Road Market, New Delhi
Cost For Two: INR 2300
Source: HaveMore Restaurant/Instagram
3. Indian Accent
A lavish bouquet of food choices with an elegant ambience and decor, this classy restaurant is housed within The Lodhi. With the best of Indian cuisine presented in the most exquisite ways, you will be left licking your fingers with their butter chicken kulcha and chur chur naan. The sophisticated range of options might make you drool.
Where: The Lodhi, Lodhi Road, New Delhi
Cost For Two: INR 5000
Source: Indian Accent/Instagram
4. Zaffran
Looking for a cozy and comfy family restaurant for a hearty lunch? Then Zaffran is just the place to be. With true desi interiors and an extravagant menu ranging from Jhoomta Kukkad to Chicken Boti Masal and more, you’ll find all the starters and main course choices laden in one curated menu. Apart from their fabulous a la carte, they’ve also got some lip-smacking platters on offer.
Where: D-26/28, Hotel Palace Heights, Connaught Place, New Delhi
Cost For Two: INR 2000
Source: Zaffran CP/Instagram