Ab Dilli Dur nahi. Our journey through Delhi Highway

What sets Mumbai apart is the variety of food that’s available across the city. We get to find almost every cuisine here. Be it the borrowed, Interpreted or even re-created versions, we have it all. We are not just talking about street food. This city has grown-out to be more than a synonym when it comes to street food. Apparently every cuisine in India has its own version and then there is the Mumbai version. Talking of which, we were recently looking for that one Thali place that doesn’t just serve Dal Bati, Or Farsaan, or even the Rice Bhakri with some Fish Gravy. Yes, we were looking for places other than the Rajasthani, Gujarathi, Marwadi, or Malwani Thali. But with a city that has so much to offer, where does one find what they are looking for?

Our search for that one unique Thali didn’t last long. Soon enough we were at ‘Delhi Highway’ – A place that promises an experience, like no other in this city. Though it was a pure vegetarian affair, we immediately agreed in unison that this is a place we must visit.

Upon entering the gargantuan facade, the interiors immediately gave us a very positive vibe, everything inside was screaming of Royalty, spacious seating, Mammoth Tables, The works. Designed in such a manner to even seat a huge family.

Apple Mojito

Now let’s talk about the food here. The Vegetarian fair had a fixed menu, A variety of starters were served separately before the Thali along with welcome drinks like the ‘Aam Panna’ and the ‘Apple mojito’ The apple Mojito was just perfect, Not too much of Ice, and the flavours were intact. The Aam Panna on the other hand was a bit watery, maybe we gave it a lot of time to settle down while we were busy clicking photographs.

Tomato Dhaniya Shorba

For the first course that were served on the table separately, the ‘Tomato Dhaniya Shorba (soup) was an instant hit. Just perfect for the horrifying rains we encountered that day while travelling. Very light and slightly creamy. Not served as a huge portion. Just the perfect serving to get your meal started.

Next was the ‘Dahi Bhalla Papdi Chaat’. When in Delhi or Calcutta, a meal is never complete without the Bhalla and Gulla (rasgulla we mean). Our palate needed an activator and this served the exact purpose. The sweet, spicy and tangy taste was indeed a riot in our mouth. One could easily go for second servings, but we decided to carry on with our course as we were quite eager by now to taste every item that was coming our way.

Dahi Bhalla Papdi Chaat

‘Pesto Masala Papad’ was served in a unique wooden box. These conical papad rolls has finely chopped Onions, Cucumber and tomato with a pesto sauce. It was quite Okay on the taste. Nothing much of a mention there.

Pesto Masala Papad

Pani Puri Shots

Next up was the ‘Pani Puri Shots’. Unlike the traditional way, this was served in shot glasses. Sprouted Moong (green gram) and Boondi (gram flour drops) stuffed in Puri. An absolute delight. One could just go on and on.

Charcoal Mushrooms

Looking at the first course line-up, we thought it was time for the Thali to be served. Little did we know that there were more starters coming up. The serious ones.

First the ‘Charcoal Mushrooms’ were served. We loved this preparation. The mushroom had the right crunchy texture and was grilled to perfection. The smoky and earthy flavours along with an decent amount of spice was just great. Totally recommended. Next came the ‘Paneer Achari Tikka’. And like Suyog Narvekar said, How can Paneer in a Punjabi place ever go wrong. The Paneer was actually melt-in-the-mouth types, with a even marination of spices. The third in the line-up was the ‘Anjeer Tikka’. Though this was a unique preparation the flavours weren’t up to the mark. Though we loved the potato crust, which was perfect. The stuffing was a bit bland for our palate.

Paneer Achari Tikka

The starters were done with, Now it was time for the main entry – The Thali. Consisting of 11 perfectly curated dishes apart from breads, it was by far the best looking Thali we had come across. And here is what was served.

No Punjabi meal is complete without some thick, creamy Lassi. Trust us, It is the best. Have a look at the picture and you won’t have an option but to agree.

For the Indian breads we were served the ‘Roti’ and ‘Paneer Kulcha’. These were served with some of the best tasting dishes like;

Lassi

‘Dal Delhi Highway’. We have tasted Dal in some of the best places, and this was by far the champion amongst all. Hard to believe ? So next time you are there, look around and you will see people calling for more than 3 or 4 servings. We did that too.

It’s a feeling of euphoria when your cravings are met. Indeed yes the ‘ Methi Malai Mutter’ was a blessing and a great blessing one could ask for everyday. Creamy white rich gravy with the right amount of methi and green peas. If people say the Dal Delhi Highway is the best ever wait till you try this.

Raving about the sides, next talk of the evening was the ‘Malai Kofta’. Soft conical paneer and dry fruit stuffed koftas simmered in a tangy yet creamy gravy. Little can be spoken about this dish. It is an experience.

Anjeer Tikka

No Thali is complete without some desserts. Our meal at Delhi Highway also did not just end on a plain simple note. We were served a king size ‘Gulaab Jamun’ which was stuffed with dry fruits and came dipped in kesar syrup. Not very sweet but just right for a happy ending.

One served one the heart wants more and. ‘Kheer’ which was extremely creamy but not heavy. Not to stop with one bowl but one definitely can easily down 2-3 bowl full.

Nowadays, more and more people are inclined towards the overall dining experience. Be it a road side eatery, a quick service restaurant, a delivery place, or even a speciality fine dine. Everything from the interiors, service, hygiene, cuisine, taste to affordability counts in as a experience. And there are a very few of these places like Delhi Highway, who strive to make that meal into an start to end experience.

What are you waiting for ?

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