Delhi may be known for its late nights more than its early mornings, but some places in the city open shop between 6 -8am to cater to the crowd that gets hungry early in the day. These restaurants and cafes have mastered the art of serving breakfast to those who might be bored of making porridge and eggs at home. They specialise in everything from aloo-bedmi to French toast. Here’s a list of Delhi’s five best breakfasts:
Aloo-bedmi at Mahalaxmi Misthan Bhandar
A quintessential Delhi breakfast, aloo-bedmi is popular with both locals and expats who wander through the lanes of Old Delhi in search of a filling morning meal. The aloo and bedmi at Mahalaxmi Misthan Bhandar in Chandni Chowk is served with carrot pickle. Fans of the place claim that the aloo sabzi here is the best in all of Delhi. You’ll have to wake up early to make it between 6-8am, though.
Dosa at Chidambaram's New Madras Hotel
When thinking of a desi breakfast, dosa almost always comes to mind. Chidambaram’s in Lodhi Colony’s Khanna Market is an institution that takes pride in its variety of dosas. Choose from plain, masala, buttered, ragi, Mysore masala, onion rava and coconut rava dosa. Served with spicy sambar and coconut chutney, the dosas here make a satisfying breakfast. The place opens from 8am.
Chhole-puri at Bille Di Hatti
Bille Di Hatti’s popularity results in all the food being wiped clean by 2pm everyday and that gives people incentive to visit earlier in the day. The chhole-puri here are beyond comparison. Although such a breakfast can be heavy on the tummy, it’s so irresistible that people from the far corners of Delhi visit for a plate along with the place’s famed sweet lassi. The nap-inducing breakfast is served from 7am.
French toast at Cafe Di Ghent
One of Khan Market’s many elegant eateries, Cafe Di Ghent has multiple options for breakfast. There are both sweet and savoury crepes, waffles, and also different egg preparations. The French toast, however, steals the show. Customers may choose from toppings like fresh fruit, maple syrup, cinnamon, chocolate sauce, almonds and mascarpone, or berries, cream cheese and lemon. Cafe Di Ghent opens at 8am.
Regional Indian breakfast at Cafe Lota
Cafe Lota’s selection of breakfast spans different regions in India. The outdoor cafe specialises in mini rava idlis with molagapodi, aloo paratha, bajre ka cheela, kanda batata poha, railway masala omelette pav and ragi vada pav. Multiple options are likely to leave you wanting a taste of everything. Have a cup of filter coffee or masala chai to accompany your meal. Cafe Lota opens slightly later in the morning, at 10am.