Delhi offers some of the best experiences and caters to all kinds of travellers. It has the classic feel in Old Delhi, the uber-modern feel in New Delhi and is scattered with places of historical significance. Delhi has been attracting travellers from everywhere in India. While many come to Delhi to see the beauty of the National Capital, there are some who travel to Delhi in order to satisfy their taste buds. Delhi is also home to several students who look for good quality food with an excellent taste and also one that is within their budget. There are many solo travellers who look for such an experience and explore Delhi to experience the lip-smacking taste served on the streets and corners of Delhi. Well, you don't have to break a sweat to find such restaurants and food joints in Delhi as we are here to your rescue. We have come up with the list of 7 little known food outlets in Delhi that are bang for your buck. Even if you are a connoisseur of food and have a rather discerning palate you will still be left craving for more.
1. Mathew’s Cafe, RK Puram
New Delhi is not just having North Indian food items but also there are plenty of South Indian food outlets. One of the most underrated but best South Indian outlets is the Mathew’s Cafe. Located on the Tamil Sangam marg in RK Puram, this food outlet serves some of the most authentic South Indian Dishes such as Vada, Uttapam, Dosas, Idlis etc. If you are visiting Delhi and have a craving for South Indian Delicacies, without any doubt, you should head to Mathew's Cafe. Their dosas are very tasty and have a lot of variants to try from. The crispy dosas will certainly satisfy the foodie within you. The place opens up pretty early around 7 AM and serves breakfast s well as lunch and dinner. Mathew's cafe closes around 9:30 so be sure you reach on time for your dinner. All of this becomes even more special because the outlet is not some fancy restaurant but just a food stall operated from a food truck. Do try their Porota Kurma and Vadas. So while you are booked in a couple friendly hotel in Delhi with your lady love take her out to Mathew's Cafe and she will surely love this tasty surprise.
2. Billu’s Hut, NSP
For all the Chinese food lovers, one food joint that makes all your cheesy, saucy foods more enjoyable is Billu's Hut in Tilak Nagar. The Tilak Nagar metro station is close by and you can walk on foot to reach the stall. There is no dine-in facility and no seating arrangement of any kind. However, you can either take away or ask them to Deliver. They have a pretty solid delivery in the nearby area and if you staying in a hotel nearby you can count on them to fulfil your Chinese food craving. Billu's Hut is the best in serving your regular cheese, mayo and saucy Chinese food such as momos, pasta, noodles and also a variety of shakes. You can know how good they are just by the number of people lined up for their order at any given time. The joint serves food from 11 AM to 12 AM and so you can opt for Chinese at any time of the day and even late at night. People love the food joint for its uncompromising quality, the ecellent taste and the low price. Do try their Punjabi Pasta and Choco Mud Shake. There are several couple-friendly hotels in Delhi. Just stay there and enjoy these mouth-watering flavours when on your evening stroll.
3. Moolchand Parantha, Lajpat Nagar
If you have a thing for Parathas or you are a Punjabi and missing your daily dose of Parathas, you don't have to be homesick. Visit the Moolchand Paratha shop in Lajpat Nagar. The shop is a rather humble stall under the Lajpat Nagar metro station and if you want to eat there itself you are free to stand and eat. Though its a small shop, their menu is huge. The range of stuffings they offer with their parathas is just extraordinary. The crispy texture and the buttery aroma of the desi Parathas will surely take you with awe and you will be left wanting for more. The place opens up even late in night so you can have your paratha craving satisfied all the time. However, you surely would have an appetite you can eat more than one paratha in a go. Do try their Gobi Paratha and Keema Paratha.
4. Karim's, Chandani Chowk
Karim's is the topmost restaurant in the area and a brand in itself. The restaurant or better yet the Dhaba was started back in 1913 by Haji Karimuddin, son of Mohammed Aziz who was a cook in the royal court of Mughal Emperor. It serves North Indian (Mughlai) non-veggie lover dishes. It serves North Indian (Mughlai) non-veggie lover dishes. If you love Biryani you must visit Karim's and indulge in the royal taste. Raan, Burra kebab and Mutton Nahari are a few specialities of the Dhaba. Karim's fame draws travellers from as far as hotels in Aerocity Delhi. The metro definitely helps make the trip to this food paradise.
5. Uncle Chicken Shawarma, Dwarka Sector-10
You sure were left watery mouth when you saw the Avengers having Shawarma after defeating Loki and his Chitauri. If you happen to be in Delhi, you can have a go at some of the best Shwarma serving food joints in Dwarka. Uncle Chicken Shawarma in Dwarka Sector-10 is one of those few outlets who serves these delicious snacks. Their mind-blowing taste can be attributed to the way they make their Shawarma. They don't add any veggies in their Shawarma and also they add mayo and green sauce in just the apt amount which makes the taste very unique and irresistible.
They only open late in the evening and remain open till 11 in Night. Get out at Dwarka Sector 11 metro station and you will be only a few hundred metres away from this joint.
6. Kake di Hatti, Chandani Chowk
Another renowned name in Chandni Chowk is the Kake Di Hatti. This decade-old Dhaba was started in 1940 and the owners are still from the same family. The age-old proven recipes are still satisfying the hunger pangs of food lovers. The USP of this place is the different types of Naan's offered. They are huge in size and are filled with onion, garlic, paneer, Potato and many other fillings. Dal Makhani, vegetable curry and Raita at this place is a must-try. Solo travellers can stay in hotel rooms nearby and savour the delicious food while being here.
7. Rajinder Da Dhaba
Rajinder Da Dhaba is a bit pricy when compared to any other joint mentioned in this list but the extra price is totally justified because of the quality and delectable taste that separates this food joint from others. The place is famous for its chicken recipes and is flocked by the party-goers who run to the Dhaba at midnight to satisfy their hunger pangs when all other restaurants are closed. If you are here for the first time, order any chicken recipe from the menu and you will be surprised to taste that flavour which you never experienced in life. You can dine in or takeaway and the price is different for both the options. To cut down the price you can visit the joint in groups and you will find that the per head price falls within your budget. Do try their Mutton Korma and Chicken Kebabs. The nearest metro station is Green Park. So while you and your lady love are having a night out in Delhi, you can surely hit the Dhaba befor you retire to your couple friendly hotel in Delhi and you will walk out with full tummy and a satiated soul.
The above list is definitely not exhaustive but these places are surely few of the best little known outlets that offer the best value for your money. And when it comes to food, you are in for a foodgasm. So come to Delhi and eat in these outlets. Only then you can fathom the words used in this blog.
You might be interested in exploring Chandni Chowk while you are in Delhi. Read the Foodie's Guide: The list of 11 best food joints in Chandni Chowk
Suggested read: 7 little known food outlets in Pune that are bang for your buck