Traditional restaurants in New Delhi

New Delhi is a historical city that is home to some of the finest traditional Indian food. India has a variety of traditional tastes to offer and their capital of New Delhi fully embraces that authenticity. Here is our list of the 11 top traditional New Delhi restaurants for a taste of customary local cuisine.

Moti Mahal

Moti Malhal is one of New Delhi's oldest surviving restaurants, it is guaranteed the food is both traditional and fantastic. Moti Mahal was established in 1947, shortly after Indian independence and can still be found in its original premises. This is the best place to try local delicacies.

Must-try dishes

Don't leave without trying the Tandoori Chicken (A$8) or the Burra Kebabs (A$6)

Prices

Lunch prices can range from A$3 to A$10, while dinner usually costs more at around A$12 per person.

Bukhara

The legendary Bukhara is known for simplicity and classic dishes. This is the place to go for a kebab, as Bukhara is internationally-renown for this customary Indian staple. Enjoy your meal in a dining room of clay tiles and bare wood, making your dining experience all about the food. The prices at Bukhara are on the higher end in comparison to many other restaurants New Delhi has to offer, but the fine dining experience is incomparable.

Must-try dishes

Make sure you order the Dal Makhni (A$45) or Panner Tikka (A$38)

Prices

Dinner for two is approximately $A120.

Dum Pukht

The colourful, mesmerizing and vibrant country of India is home to a variety of religions, cultures and races. But to appreciate traditional, honest Indian cooking, head straight to Dum Pukht. Enjoy your meal among the regal décor in a blue and silver dining room complete with crystal chandeliers. This famous Indian restaurant uses traditional methods of slow cooking in a clay pot, to allow the natural flavours and aromatic herbs and spices to intensify each dish they create.

Must-try dishes

Don't leave without trying Kakori Kabab (A$20) or Mutton Dum Biryani (A$28)

Prices

Dinner for two is approximately $A100.

Park Balluchi

Park Balluchi is located in the middle of Deer Park, and offers diners stunning views of the local wildlife. In between scenic sights, diners will appreciate a wide range of authentic Indian dishes. With colourful veggie stews and rich curries and tandoori-baked breads, you will not be disappointed in the locally sourced ingredients that are cooked to perfection.

Must-try dishes

A visit to Park Balluchi must include an order of the Butter Naan (A$2) or Dal Balluchi (A$6).

Prices

Meals at Park Balluchi can range anywhere from A$4 to A$16.

Punjabi by Nature

Punjabi by Nature is an elegant place and will definitely leave you satisfied. The waiters are dressed in Punjabi attire and the restaurant itself is decked out in traditional Indian décor. At this family friendly destination in India, the food is excellent, servings are generous and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. Punjabi by Nature gives diners a complete traditional Indian experience.

Must-try dishes

Don't leave without trying the Dahi Ke Kebab (A$22), Kandhari Murgh (A$30) or the Dal Makhani (A$30)

Prices

A typical meal at Punjabi by Nature is approximately A$35.

Chor Bizaare

This unique restaurant aims to capture the atmosphere of the open-air markets found in every large Indian city. Alongside the unique and eclectic decorations that generate an old-world setting, the menu is just as enticing. Chor Bizaare is considered to have some of the best cuisine from India's northern Kashmir region and is also a great value for its cost. Enjoy an authentic Indian meal while on a guided New Delhi walking tour that is offered by Chor Bizaare.

Must-try dishes

If you are dining at Chor Bizaare, definitely try the Goshtaba Wazwan (A$10) or the Tandoori Murgh (A$11).

Prices

A meal at Chor Bizaare is typically around A$10.

Dakshin

Located in the Sheraton New Delhi, Dakshin serves a smorgasbord of foods from Southern India. Dakshin will most definitely discredit any thoughts that Indian food is all vegetarian and is mostly made of dosas—a fermented crepe made from rice and black lentils. Instead, Dakshin offers a menu of pan-fried sole and deep-fried prawns. Not only will are you offered a hearty, non-vegetarian meal for all the carnivores out there, but the ingredients and spices used in all their dishes are authentic and locally sourced.

Must-try dishes

Don't leave without trying the Chetinad Chicken (A$16) or any of the variety of chutneys (A$6)

Prices

The average price for a meal at Dakshin is around A$75 for two people.

Alkauser

This hole-in-the-wall, family-owned street vendor earned their stripes back in the 1890's for their famous kebabs. Ask for the kakori kebab, an Indian delicacy of lamb and spices, and you will understand why this eatery is so well-regarded. This place is far beyond excellence, and a great pit stop if you get hungry during your exploration of New Delhi.

Must-try dishes

Definitely give the Lakhnawi Dum Handi Biryani (A$7) or the Kakori Wrap-a-Kebab (A$5) a try.

Prices

A dining experience at Alkauser will not cost you any more than A$8.

Coast Cafe

Coast Café is a beautiful restaurant, surrounded by windows offering an airy, open dining experience. Enjoy wonderful views of the parks in Hauz Khas during your meal. Coast Café serves up delicious, traditional Indian cuisine with a lighter twist. If you've had enough kebabs and fried dishes, Coast Café is the perfect restaurant for a satisfying but not overwhelming meal.

Must-try dishes

Don't leave without trying the Kerala Grilled Chicken (A$15).

Prices

Eating at Coast Café is approximately A$35 for two people.

Karim's

Serving food since 1913, Karim's is incredibly well known throughout New Delhi. Karim's can be found in their 100-year-old original establishment, and at this historic restaurant you can expect meaty Mughlai treats and other traditional Indian dishes. There is no doubt as to why this eatery is often referred to as 'synonymous with the area' after you've had an authentic meal here.

Must-try dishes

Karim's is particularly well known for the Old Delhi style kebabs (A$8).

Prices

Karim's will cost you around A$15 per person for a meal.

India Accent

India Accent had to be put on the list, even if it is an innovative Indian restaurant. Even with the mix of contemporary international cuisine and local Indian food, India Accent is not a place to miss. This exclusive restaurant throws together unexpected ingredients in surprising and creative combinations and while it takes a little bit of bravery to test out these unique dishes, we promise, you will not be disappointed.

Must-try dishes

Don't leave without trying the Butter Chicken Kulcha (A$22) or the Chicken Tikka Quesadillas (A$18)

Prices

Dinner for two is approximately $A85.

New Delhi is packed with good food and has an abundance of amazing restaurants. The capital of India is home to some of the most authentic local cuisine, and not only does it taste good, but the history and tradition behind their famous dishes is unbelievable. Dive right into New Delhi cooking with Cover-More travel health insurance, just in case all of those kebabs do not sit right.

Image courtesy of Flickr user Tim Moffatt; cropped from original