Delhi and food have always been long-lasting love affairs. Think Delhi, think chole bhature or butter chicken. The city has been known for its saga of history and culture. Each nook and corner of the town sees an iconic restaurant shaping the city's food map. So do when it comes to some of the city’s best, which are centuries old, and add to the glory of Delhi even before independence. Our curated list is about some such selected and iconic restaurants in Delhi.
Karim's Hotel
In the mid-19th century, Mohammad Aziz was a cook in the royal court of the Mughal emperor. After Bahadur Shah Zafar was banished, he moved to Meerut and later to Ghaziabad. In 1911, when the Delhi Durbar was held for the coronation of King George V, one of Aziz's sons, Haji Karimuddin, moved to Delhi to open a dhaba. He wanted people from all over the world to experience Mughal cooking. So he had opened a dhaba serving roomali roti with aloo meat and dal. After this in 1913, Haji Karimuddin opened a restaurant called Karim Hotel near Jama Masjid. Since then till today, it has been a popular haunt for meat lovers serving nihari, biryani, mutton korma and chicken kebabs.
- Address- 16 Urdu Bazar Road, Bhairon Wali Gali, Old Delhi
- Cost for two: INR 700
Kwality Restaurant
In 1940, Pishori Lal Lamba moved to New Delhi from Lahore and opened an ice cream store named Kwality in the Regal Building. However, it gradually transformed into a restaurant, and now chana bhatura, chicken chops are very famous here. Although this restaurant has now been revamped, it still reflects the tales of Old Delhi and old CP. You will find around 70 original photographs of Connaught Place spanning 40 years by renowned photographer Madan Mehta. Do you want to experience some royalty? Then place this is a must-visit.
- Address- No.7, Sansad Marg, Hanuman Road Area, Regal Building, Connaught Place
- Cost for two: INR 2000
Indian Coffee House
This joint was established in 1957 as the first Indian coffee house in the country. Talking about food, delicious pakodas and South Indian filter coffee are mostly served as snacks. The remarkable thing here is that the waiters still serve coffee to people wearing Nehru caps. Not only this, it is one of the most pocket-friendly restaurants in Connaught Place where you can try sandwiches, dosas etc. So this is an excellent pocket-friendly place to hang out with friends.
- Address- Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Mohan Singh Place, 2nd Floor, Near PVR Rivoli
- Cost for two: INR 250
Moti Mahal Restaurant
Delhi's old and iconic restaurant Moti Mahal is known for its delicious butter chicken and is the first choice of non-veg lovers. After India's partition in 1947, Moti Mahal in Delhi was founded by Kundan Lal Jaggi, Thakur Das and Kundan Lal Gujral as one of the first eateries to introduce Punjabi cuisine to the world. This restaurant has been serving gourmet food to the people since 1947.
- Address- 3704, Netaji Subhash Marg, Old Daryaganj
- Cost for two: INR 1100
Gulati Restaurant
Gulati Restaurant, located on Pandara Road, was established in 1959. It is one of those restaurants where people do not hesitate to wait for hours. The reason that is worth the wait is the classic non-veg dishes found here. Galouti kebab, tandoori mushroom, butter chicken, and handi chicken are famous here.
- Address- 6, Pandara Road, Pandara Market, Near India Gate
- Cost for two: INR 2000
So, which of the preceding places would you like to explore? Then, let us know and stay connected to read more such articles.