Along with its rich history, Delhi also has a vibrant, thriving food scene. Besides modern restaurants that have been around for only a few years, Delhi is home to some restaurants that have stood the test of time. The dishes that these restaurants serve symbolise age-old culinary traditions and food habits, from kebabs and kormas to iconic butter chicken. We list four of Delhi’s oldest restaurants:
Kake Da Hotel
Specialising in Mughlai cuisine, Kake Da Hotel has been serving the Delhi crowd since 1931. In its early days, Kake Da Hotel was like a shack with a few benches outside, and the food was served on the pavement. It slowly developed into a restaurant-like space, with its signature red signboard. The butter chicken here is the most popular dish, followed by the dal makhani. Dishes like brain curry, dhai meat, keema matar and keema kaleji are also on offer. The place often sees long queues that can be identified from a distance if you’re passing through Connaught Place.
Location: Shop No. 67, Municipal Market, Connaught Circle, Connaught Lane, Connaught Place, New Delhi.
Timings: Daily, noon-midnight.
Cost for two: ₹500
United Coffee House
Having graced Connaught Place with its presence in 1942, United Coffee House has become the place to go to for world cuisine for people who have had enough of Central Delhi’s chaat. Breakfast is served until noon and includes different egg preparations, stuffed paratha, chana bhatura, puri bhaji, waffles and pancakes. The cheese balls are especially popular—the restaurant claims to have sold over a million portions of the dish. From the European section on the menu, try the chicken a’la kiev, stroganoff or English roast chicken that comes drizzled with traditional gravy.
Location: E-15, Rajiv Chowk, Block E, Connaught Place, New Delhi.
Timings: Daily, 11am-11.30pm.
Cost for two: ₹2,500
Moti Mahal
Established in 1947, Moti Mahal claims to be the birthplace of butter chicken. Although this is disputed, the restaurant is still worth a visit for the iconic dish. Besides butter chicken, there are a variety of tikkas and tandoori dishes on the menu. Vegetarians needn’t feel neglected as dishes like navrattan korma and mushroom kadhai are listed, too. There is also a short Indian-Chinese section for those who are excited about the cuisine.
Location: 3704, Netaji Subhash Marg, Old Darya Ganj, Daryaganj, New Delhi and other outlets.
Timings: Daily, 11am-12.30am.
Cost for two: ₹1,100
Kwality
A restaurant from the 1940s, Kwality has gone on to become iconic and create a special place in the hearts of Dilliwalas. The menu includes Anglo-Indian classics like mulligatawny soup and other European soups like minestrone and French onion soup. Cheese balls make an appearance, too. Apart from these, there are a variety of kebabs, tikkas and even chaats. The different curries and biryanis are worth trying as well. End your meal with a portion of Parsi Dairy kulfi, shahi tukda or chocolate mousse.
Location: No.7, Regal Building, Sansad Marg, Hanuman Road Area, Connaught Place, New Delhi.
Timings: Daily, noon-11pm.
Cost for two: ₹2,400