Zaiqa-e-Dilli returns with a love letter to flavours with iconic street flavours, says Gyaneshwar Dayal
Ever dreamt of old times when you wanted to have lip smacking street food you headed to the walled city of Delhi and savoured everything that was sinful yet tasted like heaven - choley bhature, parathas of paratha wali gali, and maggi, papri chaat, Daulat ki chaat and what have you. Times have changed Delhi is far more crowded than it used to be but Delhi Street food is same. And the good news is you can have the same taste in same ambiance in Crowne Plaza Mayur Vihar which is celebrating Zaiqa-e-Dilli till March 2. And here you get to taste not only the old Delhi street food from Lajpat Nagar but also get a feel of Majnu ka Tila.
Crowne Plaza New Delhi Mayur Vihar's signature dining destination, Infinity, has curated street food of Delhi for lovers on a flavourful journey through 'Zaiqa-e-Dilli'-a food festival that brings the essence of the capital's legendary street food to life. This year's theme, Khat - A Culinary Love Letter to Dilwalo Ki Dilli, is an ode to the city's deep-rooted love affair with its vibrant food culture, where every dish is a cherished memory, and every flavour a story waiting to be relished.
This years edition of Zaiqa-e-Dilli takes an immersive approach to authenticity. Executive Chef Roushan Sharma and his team, in collaboration with Namastey Culture, embarked on a culinary treasure hunt across Delhi's bustling streets-from Jama Masjid's lanes to Daryaganj's historic eateries and Connaught Place's timeless food hubs. This meticulous exploration led them to the soul of Delhi's food scene-Lotan Ke Chole Kulche, Sanjay Kumar's Daulat Ki Chaat, Aslam's Butter Chicken, Kuremal's Kulfi, Jain Fruit Sandwich, and many more. To recreate these flavours with precision, the team observed, tasted, and learned firsthand from the masters behind these legendary dishes.
"Food in Delhi is more than sustenance-it is an emotion, a tradition, and an inseparable part of the city's identity," shares Executive Chef Roushan Sharma. To add an authentic touch, original vendors will prepare signature delights, ensuring that guests experience these dishes exactly as they were meant to be savoured.
ICONIC FOODS
Guests at Zaiqa-e-Dilli will indulge in over 100 of Delhi's most iconic dishes, served through a rotating menu featuring the capital's best street food. The culinary lineup includes Chandni Chowk's famous parathas, Connaught Place's comforting Rajma Chawal, Lajpat Nagar's crispy Ram Ladoo, and Jama Masjid's irresistible Chicken Changezi. Majnu Ka Tila's Momos, Rajouri Garden's Chole Bhature, and Karol Bagh's succulent kebabs will also take the center stage, alongside live hawkers crafting refreshing Bunta.
Dahleej-e-Dilli festival’s atmosphere will transport you to the bustling streets of Chandni Chowk, writes ABHI SINGHAL
Tumse milna purani Dilli mein…..this always reminds me of Old Delhi and the flavourful food that one can eat while being there. To experience the same, all at a single restaurant, Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla hosted the 15th edition of its signature food festival – Dilli 6 – Dahleej-e-Dilli till 5th March, bringing the spirit of Purani Dilli to life. This food festival, which takes place every year, offers a genuine taste of Old Delhi's rich flavours and ageless customs while re-creating the ambience of its lively streets with desi decors.
A variety of classic delicacies that embody the essence of Dilli 6 were available for the guests. Every mouthful reveals a tale, from the rich and creamy Paneer Changezi Paratha from the Paranthe Vaali Gali to the tart joy of Matar Kulche, one could feel the flavour. From the making of Chana Jor Garam and ambience of love, shayari songs gave the feeling of spending time at Purani Dilli.
While those who prefer sweets could not pass up the Shafiz Ki Phirni and the smooth Kulfi, meat lovers could savour the slow-cooked excellence of Mutton Nihari and the hearty warmth of Haleem. Every element of the setup was homage to Dilli 6, from installations with a nod to heritage and the smells of sizzling kebabs.
