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Where do chefs eat when they clock out? In our special series, Off-Duty Chef, we ask some of the most popular chefs about their favourite food spots in and around their cities. From their go-to street food haunts and their childhood favourites to their work lunches and post-work hangs, the series will offer you a glimpse of where your favourite chefs eat, drink and hang out when they’re not feeding others!
Delhi’s culinary landscape is deep-rooted in tradition, innovation, and global influences, but for Chef Anahita Dhondy, it is also personal and close to home. Born and brought up in the capital in a close-knit Parsi family, Anahita’s earliest memories are steeped in the aromas of her mother’s kitchen. Watching her mother run a home-based catering business filled with Parsi masalas and freshly baked cakes, Anahita too started baking when she was ten.
After formal training at IHM Aurangabad and the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu in London, Anahita returned to India, determined to take Parsi food to every corner of the country. In this feature, Anahita Dhondy steps off duty to share her go-to food spots in Delhi. Read on to get a sneak peek at the chef’s all-time favourite eateries.
Growing up in Delhi, can you share your all-time favourite breakfast spots?
When we were in our school and college years, it was All American Diner, which was in Habitat Centre. Other than that, there were many spots in Khan Market and Hauz Khas, like Elmas. In Gurgaon, my favourites have to be Di Ghent, Fig at Museo, and Fig at Malcha.
What are your go-to cafes or tea spots?
I have a couple of them in Gurgaon, like Crudo in Galleria, which is a healthy food spot. You can also check out Ommo; I really like their coffee, matcha, and espresso.
What are the best restaurants in Delhi that serve authentic Parsi delicacies?
There aren’t many places in Delhi that serve authentic Parsi food, but I recommend trying Keema Pav at SodaBottleOpenerWala and Dhansak at Bombay Club. Bhawan also does some really good pop-ups for Parsi food, but the best place would be the Parsi Dharamshala, where Mrs Dhun Bagli still takes orders.
As a new mother, what were your go-to places in Delhi NCR for pregnancy cravings?
Even though I limited eating out during my pregnancy, I did have my fair share of cravings. A few things that I was obsessed with were Big Chill Cakery’s peanut butter chocolate ice cream. It’s just the best thing in the world. I’ve eaten tubs of those. Also, Yum Yum Cha’s food was a go-to because they don’t use MSG. I had also had excellent momos from Boju’s kitchen. For a fancier spot, I used to go to Baoshuan at The Oberoi.
Do you have any favourite street food joints and dessert corners in Delhi?
For street food in Delhi, I love Baljeet's Amritsari Koolcha. As for Gurgaon, my favourite would be Chaat Walk in Galleria. Their golgappas and palak pata chaat. I also like Natraj Dahi Bhalla in Chandi Chowk.
Which is your favourite modern diner or contemporary cafe?
Modern diners like Indian Accent and Inja are the most amazing restaurants in Delhi. If you are looking for really good Indian food, I would always recommend Loya at Taj Palace. Orient Express has also been a special place to celebrate landmarks like birthdays or anniversaries.
What do you love and are excited about Delhi’s culinary scene?
The culinary scene in Delhi is always evolving. I’m really happy and excited to see that there are so many restaurants opened up in Humayunpur celebrating North Eastern food and regional cuisines from the seven sisters. That’s something I’m looking forward to exploring after my postpartum, as now I’m getting back to work and checking new spots in the city.
