A winter weekend in New Delhi
There is something inexorable about the city. And it becomes all the more fascinating in the winter. The food, the people, the chaos. I do love Delhi for so many reasons and my short getaway had no lack of gourmet splendour. From the streets to some sprawling restaurants and home delicacies, topped with Mala Bindra cake. It was all things special. Some new discoveries, some old favourites and some family time. Telling you all about my meals and favourites. You can check it all on Instagram too!
I made a stop at Annamaya which is at Andaz in Aerocity on the way into the city. Largely because an overwhelming number of my readers recommended Annamaya when I was putting together the top 30 restaurants of Delhi list a few months back. The penne burrata with smoky tomato coulis did not disappoint. The burrata tucked below the delicious pasta was a genius way to make a classic contemporary. A definite 10/10 from the hungry traveller at midnight.
Just so you know, Chef Manish Mehrotra is spinning magic. The brain behind Indian Accent and now this new baby, he's nailed it again. Homely food with a twist and an extensive drinks menu with house-infused options. I thoroughly enjoyed my puchkas with the unconventional wasabi peas inside and the Parsi Salli Per Eedu. The latter being an egg over a crispy potato nest with a range of chutneys, a fresh take on something remotely familiar, with new textures and a tangy undertone.
Where do I begin?
Artusi is hands down my favourite restaurant in the Capital. Unadulterated Italian food is always welcome. Each dish is perfect here and the ambience and the wine compliment the food perfectly. I can't really pick, but if I had to, don't miss the Tonnato, Burrata, Paglia e Fieno, Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe, Tajarin Tartufo and the Risotto Zafferano. End your meal with my favourite Sorbetto Artusi, Chocolate Mousse and the Panna Cotta. It's all worth the calories!
Saturday brunch was at La Piazza. It started with perfect focaccia for the table. Yes, I love my gluten and fresh bread is always worth the carbs. Especially when it comes with a unique bell pepper dip. Then there was gnocchi in a traditional tomato sauce, gorgeous Margherita pizza (the oven made all the difference) and a seasonal speciality- black truffle risotto. The truffle festival on at the restaurant was an added bonus. Wound it up with some heavenly tiramisu and cups of coffee for everyone.
I have been meaning to have a meal at Bo Tai ever since it opened in April. After many months of appreciating the presentation and drooling over the food and drinks on Instagram, I made it. It was worth the wait. I loved the edgy interiors, the music and the fantastic food. Highly recommend the avocado salad, som tam, medley of mushrooms, avocado carpaccio, straw mushrooms tofu and the red curry. The perfect spot for date night, a girls night out and celebrations!
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Dessert
Coming back to India always makes me give in to my sugar cravings. Day 1 started with a big slice of my favourite Mala Bindra chocolate cake. I moved on to gajar ka halwa. I can barely justify indulging in a bite, all thanks to all the ghee and sugar that goes into it. Sometimes it really doesn’t help to know how to cook. That said, the fudgy carrot dessert is the ultimate winter indulgence. The cardamom complimenting the carrot. The calories killing me softly. It all ended at Theobroma :)
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