With a revamped menu that includes street food, Cafe Delhi Heights makes for a must visit, says Shalini Saksena
Not many know the concept and the difference between a cafe and a restaurant. Those who are very initiated or are well-travelled will definitely raise their hands and want to answer that question. The basic difference is that a cafe is a place where people go to have their coffee. In the US, however, a cafe means a place which serves light meals like sandwiches and burgers. A restaurant, on the other hand, is a place where customers are served food and drinks. A deli while similar to a cafe will usually serve sandwiches with ham or turkey.
But here in India especially Delhi, not many are bothered about the difference as long as the eating establishment serves ‘good food’ that is value for money which in other words translates to humongous portions that can’t be eaten by a single person and the price is less than Rs 500.
One such cafe that comes to mind is Cafe Delhi Heights. Regular visitors to this place are well aware of their Juicy lucy Burger. Even two people can’t eat the whole portion. That is the whole premise of the cafe — to give the customers a sense of satiation in all aspects — taste, which is brilliant and value for money.
Given the fact that they have recently revamped their menu means that there is more in terms of dishes that fit the budget. Take for example the lunch Box. Priced at Rs 375, they are a great idea for those looking for a combo like Buttered Chicken with Rice (Rs 455) or Raj-Maa with Rice (Rs 375). Even the Bunny Chow with a great dish with options of cottage cheese and minced meat. For those who don’t know what a Bunny is, it is a South African fast food dish with a hallowed out loaf of bread filled with curry.
One can start with Banta Soda Remix, a cocktail with vodka and banta and masala. In this summer heat, the drink is refreshing with plenty of punch. The good part is that these are offered in different price range — small, large and the pitcher. The other new entrant to the cocktail is the Knockout Stage which is Bourbon infused five white spirits, blue curaçao, a sweet and sour mix and club soda. Try this only if you are not driving. This cocktail gives you a kick.
For starters, go for the Tip-top Market Palak Patta Chaat (Rs 195). While it is not as spicy as the street chaat, it is crispy and the chutneys come together beautifully. This dish is a great way to whet your appetite. The non-vegetarians can go for Grilled Chicken Skewers with Asian Herbs and Spices (Rs 355). Served with peanut butter sauce, the chicken is succulent and grilled to perfection.
For the main course try the Triple Sichuan Fried Rice. The vegetarian is priced at Rs 275, the chicken at Rs 345 and seafood at Rs 425. What makes this dish amazing is that it has rice and noodles with crispy fried noodles as garnish to give that crunch with every bite. All that this rice needs is a gravy. One can go for a chilly chicken or a chilly cottage cheese.
While the Grilled Chicken Breast is not new to the menu, what makes this dish great and a must try if you are a non-vegetarian are the sides. The stir-fried veggies are done to perfection as is the mashed potato. The chicken is done to perfection without making it chewy or dry.
One should not forget the bread basket that is for free and served with two kinds of butter. Go for the chilli flake butter. It has just enough chillies to work your taste buds for the main course.
Though not many go for a dessert in a cafe, one can try the Motichoor laddoo Cheesecake — it is great fusion idea where Greece meets India.