Good Food For Less: An Insider’s Guide To Delhi’s Hidden Delights

Delhi may not have a reputation as the most friendly city in the country, but it sure is a gastronomic wonderland. The city is a melting pot for cultures from all across the country and as a result, you can find all sorts of savoury delights.

But, you already knew that didn’t you. You’ve heard of Khan Market, Old Delhi, and other places that have become a part of the tourist trail. As a result, these places have not only become unnecessarily expensive, but quite crowded too. Qualities, which I personally dislike. So here are some relatively unknown places where you can grab a bite to eat at a reasonable price.

I should mention that I am not going to mention any specific restaurants by name. This is because all adventures, including the gastronomic kind, require exploration. Go to these places and find your own little joint.

Safdarjung Enclave

Majnu ka Tila is now passé. Located close to Deer Park, Safdarjung Enclave is home to a North East community, and you know what that means. The place is chock full of tiny little shops that serve delicious North Eastern fare. From Momo’s to thupkas, the place offers it all for a very decent price. If you look hard enough, you might even find some extremely exotic dishes.

Tilak Nagar

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. And when in Delhi, eat Punjabi food. There are tons of great places to eat Punjabi food in the Capital, my personal favourite location is Tilak Nagar. Located in West Delhi, between Rajouri Garden and Janakpuri, this place is going to spoil you with options. Pick any place, you can’t go wrong.

INA

When I say South Indian food, you immediately imagine idli, dosa, sambhar, vada. but there is so much more. Head over to INA, but do not enter Dilli Haat. Instead, cross the road and head towards the market. Close to the liquor shop (I am Goan after all) you’ll find two restaurants serving cuisine from Kerala. Regardless of the place you pick you can guarantee some good South Indian grub that isn’t just idly, dosa, sambhar, vada.

Uttam Nagar

This place may not be well known, but close to the Uttam Nagar East metro station is a small Muslim community, and need I say more (but I will). The place may not offer a huge variety of dishes, but you can get some killer Biryani at very low prices. Come after sundown and you could even buy some delicious kebabs and tikkas.

Qutub Institutional Area

It’s hard to compete with a place that is literally called Paranthe Wali Gali, but this place does a pretty good job. Located in Katwaria Sarai, this is the place to go to when you are looking for some delicious paranthas at low prices. The place also sells non-veg varieties of paranthas, something that you don’t get in Paranthe Wali Gali.

The author, Shrey Pacheco, is a Journalist and food enthusiast based in Delhi.