New Delhi Food
New Delhi is known for having a population that likes to strut its stuff ? and its restaurants are no exception.
The city is packed with restaurants, most of them glitzy and glamorous, and the food of choice is national rather than international, which makes a refreshing change for one of the world's major cities.
Wherever you go then, you will be able to sample Mughlai and Tandoori cuisine ? although for those desperate to get their western junk food fix, you can unearth the odd multinational outlet.
While it might be good fun to go and have a wander around the Greater Kailash district, this is in fact the city's most fashionable area. Residentially, it is the postcode of choice for the well-to-do, which leads to a congregation of designer boutiques, restaurants and a smattering of nightclubs and bars.
The designer resto-bars are a fairly new phenomenon to India's cities and quite unique. Shalom, Olive Bar and Punjabi By Nature are some of the big names to try, where you can combine high quality dining with the atmosphere of a lounge bar.
A particular point to note of the dining culture in New Delhi is that many of the restaurants serve fairly niche clientele. While the drinking and dining culture is ingrained and friendly, it is usually observed in neighbourhoods and places of common interest, rather than in the centralised one-size-fits-all manner that characterises Western cities.
For a flavour of history, head to Chandni Chowk in North Delhi, where side-street cages line the historic alleys and walkways. Indeed, some of the venues are more than 100 years old, but still going strong and with flavours that can challenge the most avant-garde of restaurateurs. The most quirky of these and therefore a must-see, is Chor Bazaar, or the market of thieves.
If you're feeling a cut above then why not indulge in the panorama from the heights of Connaught Place. With spectacular views all over the city, it is no wonder that this is one of the most popular and also most swanky of eating places. General advice if you're headed this far up is to dress smartly and bring your plastic! Most of the venues are five-star, but with added gimmicks such as Nirula's, home to 21 varieties of ice-cream.
For some trendy cocktails, head for the Fashion Bar in South Delhi. Frequented by models and the occasional Bollywood star, it is definitely one of the top locations to see and be seen. Although there is usually no dress code for venues like this, be prepared for feeling out of place if you're not wearing a chic little Galliano number.
For more relaxed drinks in a reasonably priced venue, you'd be better heading to the Turquoise Cottage, which would best be described as a pub. A young, lively crowd and considered music selection make this Adchini Village place one that will probably assure you of a good evening.
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Eating & Drinking
