18th February 2024, New Delhi: As I entered Edesia, the air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of spices and the sound of soothing gazals. Edesia, Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla had been transformed into a mini version of Old Delhi, with colorful and artistic decorations adorning the entrance the ambience changed instantly as we entered the world of Daawat-E-Khaas. The attention to detail was astounding, right down to the scents that filled the air.
I made my way to the bar and ordered the Anarkali Martini, a delightful concoction that combined the flavors of pomegranate and citrus. It was the perfect start to my culinary adventure through the streets of Delhi 6. As I sipped on my drink, I couldn’t help but be amazed at how the team at Edesia had managed to capture the essence of Old Delhi not just through the food, but also in the ambiance of the restaurant.
I made my way to the food stalls that lined the dining area. Each stall showcased a different delicacy, and I couldn’t resist trying them all. The biscuit roti, a traditional bread, was soft and buttery, while the sheerman was a sweet and creamy delight and ofcourse the unresistible Khamiri.
The Daulat ki Chaat, a heavenly dessert made with whipped cream and saffron, had a melt-in-your-mouth texture that left me wanting more.
I moved on to the savory offerings of Parathe Wali Gali, where I was greeted with a wide variety of stuffed parathas. From the classic aloo paratha to the more adventurous paneer tikka paratha, each bite was a burst of flavors. The Jama Masjid ke NonVeg Kabab, marinated in a blend of spices and grilled to perfection, was a carnivore’s delight.
Next, I couldn’t resist indulging in the chaat specialties of Chatori Delhi Ka Jayaka. The tangy and spicy flavors of the pani puri and sev puri brought back memories of street food stalls in Old Delhi. Washed down with a refreshing Chawri Island Tea, it was the perfect combination.
As I made my way back to my table, I couldn’t help but marvel at the dedication of Ashutosh Bisht, the Executive Sous Chef of Crowne Plaza Today. His passion for recreating the culinary traditions of Old Delhi was evident in every bite. “We went to Old Delhi lanes and tried to experience, explore and learn about the various culinary traditions, recipes and varieties available and then recreate the same magic with our professional touch of art”, said Chef Ashutosh. It was clear that he and his team had put in countless hours of research and experimentation to bring the flavors of Delhi 6 to life. On his suggestion ( and thankfully so ) we could dare to experience the enormous-looking Kachura with all its original flavour and delicious best.
The 14th edition of the Dilli 6 Food Fest was truly a journey through the rich heritage and diverse flavors of Old Delhi. From the mouthwatering kebabs to the flavorful biryanis, each dish was a testament to the culinary traditions of the city. It was indeed one of those unforgettable dining experiences, filled with flavor, history, and tradition.
*Date & Time: * February 12th – February 25th, 2024 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
*Location: * Edesia, Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla Theme – Daawat-E-Khaas
Anirban Dasgupta
