Cuisines to explore in Delhi

I have been running around Delhi from past 20 years exploring and discovering just about everything. After having travelled around the world as well, I can easily say that Delhi has picked up the ‘western’ culture pretty well.

Talking about the food and cuisines that have emerged in the past two decades; that too world class quality is surprisingly over whelming! Delhi is also a haven for a foodie’s delight. From Italian to Mexican, one has convenient food options laid in front of them.  Here are my favourite picks of cuisines around the city that you could immerse yourself into too!

•Italian dishes: According to the world theories, Italian food is the most popular cuisine that one can find anywhere! From the traditional flat bread topped in Tomato sauce, veggies and copious cheese to varied shaped dough and cheesy pasta, I found all. Looking for the authentic taste? Straight away head to the best pizza restaurants like the PizzaExpress to find that one dish that will just leave you spell bound. The fare’s not too high, and easy on pocket, dig into the food available here.

•Chinese way: We know that the city is thriving with plethora of Chinese electronic items; but now even food items have made their way to our hearts and pockets. Craving for the dim sums or a good plate of noodles? This city has exciting places to visit for a royal Chinese experience.

•Street Food and regional delicacies: Well, street food isn’t a cuisine per se, but sure this capital city has become more exciting with myriad amazing regional cuisines availability – Bengali, Parsi, Chettinad, Bihari, Tibetan, Naga etc., along with the Gol gappas,  spicy chaat, different textures of parathas, juicy jalebis, Biryani etc. – all have set a long culinary trail to try. All the recipes are a hand me down from the gastronomic secrets from the ancient times.

Agreed, the street food scene has amplified great amounts, but for me, sitting in a fancy restaurant, taking a quick bite before a movie or to impress my date while I put some yummy in my tummy, Delhi has become that city now! With the best of restaurants in Delhi, I can simply learn around since there is still so much to discover and have a meal to my heart’s content. 

From Italy, to your plate

Internet has led to massive globalisation of the world in terms of culture, fashion, music, films and most importantly in food. Stuff you used to see and drool on while a character in your favourite foreign television show munched on it, can now be ordered at home after just a few clicks. You can be in China and enjoy Mexican wraps or be in Canada and enjoy middle-eastern hummus and pita bread. Similarly in India, there’s no shortage of international cuisines. Italian, Chinese, Mexican, Japanese, Spanish are just a few of the cultures infused in Indian foods.

However, if there is a cuisine that has established itself firmly in India, it’s Italian. Pizza love has been there all around the world for decades, but dishes like Lasagna, Bruschetta and more have now made way into the regular food habits of Indians. Cooking Italian is easy and fun; you need simple ingredients, every day apparatus, and not more than 50-60 minutes.

Italian food is also very healthy and provides complete nutrition along with the cheesy surprises. Also, meat goes amazing with Italian preparations and if you’re an avid seafood lover you can stuff your pasta with all the watery goodies. For pizzas, of course, the list is endless. You can grab a meaty pizza at pizza restaurants in Gurgaon or bake a simple, yet cheesy margherita at home.

The best part though is that after long associations with junk food or fast food, pizzas have now gone the healthy way. Toppings that include green salad, whole wheat crusts, tomatoes etc., add the health factor to pizzas. Pastas are  also ranked among the most popular dishes in India these days. Alfredo, Pesto, Marinara to couple with spaghetti, fusilli, penne, risotto etc.

You can visit the best restaurants in Delhi to try out some yummy bruschettas, filling paninis or old school meatballs. Italian cuisine will keep getting more popular and with newer innovations and tastes, even the taste buds will feel something exciting every time.

Trying out new cuisines is important for us; it is the best way to promote global unity. The best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and with the right food, we can spread the message of love all across the world. Let’s bring about a foodie revolution.