New Delhi, 24th February 2024: Zaiqa-E-Dilli: ‘Dil Dehli Degh Dastarkhwan’ the theme at Crowne Plaza, Mayur Vihar was true to all emotions entwined with Delhi 6. The flower décor from the Phool Mandi of Chandni Chowk and the ‘Chandni Chowk’ guide post at the foyer caught my attention. The detailing in the form of a Paan Wala, a Tarot card reader and spices from Khari Bowli was enough to induce a sense of excitement for what lies ahead. The restaurant was ornate with a range of interesting advertisements typical of Delhi. The ceiling was adorned with twinkling fairy lights which gave a feel of the real Chandni Chowk during Diwali or Eid.
We were welcomed by courteous staff who gave us a briefing on the theme. ‘Dil Dehli Degh Dastarkhwan,’ poetically encapsulates the spirit of Old Delhi, summoning the warmth and generosity synonymous with the walled city while celebrating the confluence of culinary traditions.
The idea behind the theme is to bring the walled city closer to home for the people of East Delhi and Noida. Post-pandemic people were missing out on the gastronomic delights from Old Delhi due to hygiene concerns. The Crowne Plaza team visited the streets of old Delhi to gather all the titbits to make the ambience and the food worth every penny. What resulted in this deep-rooted research is a décor encapsulating minute details from the area close to every ‘Dehli’ wala’s ‘Dil’.
As we entered the ‘Paranthe wali gali’ in the courtyard outside the restaurant, the aroma of fried parathas filled the air. A Khansama welcomed us with a Biscoti Khameeri Roti with an inexplicable aftertaste. This was followed by deep-fried parantha with a filling of my choice prepared live by Chef Roushan.
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He explained how he spent days in the streets of Old Delhi tasting the food to grasp the flavour and speak to the khansama to unravel the secret in their recipes. The chat counter from the ‘Nukkad’ reminded me of what Delhi is famous for – ‘Delhi ka Chaat’
After spending some time at the Nukkad’s Chai ki Tapri and the Paranthe Wale Gali, we were served the Golden Thali which included some drool-worthy regal mughlai delicacies like Chicken Changezi, Jahangiri Quorma, Akbari Fish, Dal Qureshi, Machli Begum Bahar along with Butter naan and Sheermal. We concluded our epicurean journey on a sweet note with Daulat Ki Chaat, Zaffrani Rasmalai, Shahi Tukda, and more.
Overall the ambience and the gastronomic delicacies of Old Delhi filled the evening with memories of a Chandni Chowk I haven’t enjoyed in a while. So if you want to enjoy everything that the walled city has to offer minus the unhygienic food stalls and the crowded streets, head straight to Zaiqa-E-Dilli Food Festival which promises a captivating mosaic through the flavours of Old Delhi, right in the heart of Noida coupled with soulful Sufi musicals and quirky activities.
Where:Infinity, Crowne Plaza Mayur Vihar, New Delhi
When :February 16th – February 29th, 2024
Time:7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Deblina Poddar
