Posted on May 28, 2016

The Hippie Trail

THE HIPPIE TRAIL

By Prakriti Bhat

Delhi has no dearth of fine dining restaurants and cafes. And when it comes to Hauz Khas Village (HKV), it’s the ‘baap’ of all food scenes. From cafes to restaurants and pubs, it has everything. Whether it’s the tiredness after a stroll of the Fort and Deer Park or simple foodie cravings, HKV caters to all your needs. While it is more popular for its vivacious nightlife, HKV also houses some hidden gems like The Hippie Trail which completely change your perception of the area.

It may be difficult to locate on the first visit since it is tucked away from the main lane. It is in the same lane as Hauz Khas Social; just a few steps further. As soon as you enter, you will fall in love with the place. It has a very chilled out vibe. This is one place in Delhi where you can strut in wearing your most ridiculous PJs and not be judged by anyone. Such a place is bound to become your favourite hangout spot.

Overlooking the tank, The Hippie Trail is a personification of comfort. It has a floor seating arrangement with comfy moda stools and cushions. My favourite spot is the window seat from where one can have a mesmerizing view that soothes the senses. The walls are painted with funky designs that give a bohemian look to the place. The striking dream catcher near the window seat deserves to be clicked). The servers are very genial.

The menu is quite simple yet full of lip smacking dishes. We went for a Masala Chai to begin our culinary expedition. Unlike popular cafes where the tea is served in tiny little cups, the chai here was served in big tea/coffee mugs. The quantity was heartening. The Mushroom and Cheese Sandwich was the perfect partner to a cup of Masala Chai. Fleshy Mushrooms and oodles of cheese are sure to lift up your spirits with their scrumptious flavours.

I really wanted to have Pancakes but it wasn’t included in the menu. The kind staff made Nutella Pancakes on special request which only goes on to show their congeniality. (P.S. – This was not a Bloggers Meet. The staff was genuinely very accommodating). One plate consisted of two pancakes slathered with a generous amount of Nutella. They were soft, spongy and the Nutella just made it even better.

The Hippie Trail is one of those cafes which become your Portkey to peace. Play board games while sipping on your tea or coffee and indulge in great food with a hearty conversation. Or you could just strike up a random tune on the guitar that they have.

Live, Laugh, Enjoy. That’s The Hippie Trail for you.

Cost for two- Rs. 600 (approx)

Address- Shop 13 A, Deer Park, Hauz Khas Village (near Hauz Khas Social)

Contact No. – 9899203016

Anubhav Sapra

Anubhav Sapra is an avid foodie! He is a Founder but proudly calls himself a Foodie-in-chief at Delhi Food Walks. He is also a street-food and Indian regional cuisine connoisseur and loves to write about street-food.

http://www.delhifoodwalks.com

Posted on August 24, 2015 August 24, 2015

Chaayos

CHAAYOS

By Ritika Dhawan

With all the quirkiness surrounding Hauz Khas Village, there is a new member in the neighbourhood – CHAAYOS. It has just been a month and people are already loving this place which promises to serve a good cup of tea every time you walk in .

As you start walking into the colourful lane of Hauz Khas Village, on your left a bright big green door catches your attention and the minute you walk in, a characteristic aroma of freshly brewed tea will greet you. Sack cloth covered seating , big windows, ‘for the love of chai’ posters gracing the walls and lampshades made out of traditional chai glasses add up to the great ambience.

As you start going through the menu, you are spoilt for choice as they have a variety of teas- speciality teas, classic teas and the best one ‘meri walli chai’, which gives you the option to customize your tea according to your taste. There are 12 add ons for the ‘meri walli chai’ alone. Classic teas include the green tea, English breakfast tea , Darjeeling first flush and many more. The speciality teas range is something to look out for, with flavours such as Moroccan mint and aam papad chai, they truly stick up to their motto ‘Experiments with Chai’.

The people behind this creative venture are Nitin Saluja and Raghav Verma, two IIT graduates who wanted to preserve and flourish the heritage of chai addas. Be it tulsi chai, paani kam chai, adrak wali chai or even a hari mirch chai, they make sure that everyone can sip a perfect cup of tea in a cosy environment. With their increasing popularity, they are set to open many more outlets in the coming months. Talking about their favourite cup of tea, marketing and business development head Raghav Verma loves his hari mirch(green chilli) chai. These ever smiling faces of the owners show how proud they are of their creation.

If chai is not enough for you, they have a variety of delectable sandwiches available for you to binge on. A highly recommended item on their menu is the Chocolate Bun. A crisp, toasted bun layered with chocolate hazelnut spread will make you drool and leave you asking for more. Their hari mirch chai is worth trying, when you take a sip the flavours of adrak, cinnamon and elaichi take over your senses but suddenly you get this kick of green chilli which makes this chai a master creation. We recommend that with every visit of yours to Chaayos, try every combination on their menu and be experimental with this favourite beverage amaongst Indians.

Looking for a place with a cosy environment, to sit and chat with your friends over rounds and rounds of chai – Chaayos is a pit stop.

Anubhav Sapra

http://www.delhifoodwalks.com

Posted on February 13, 2015

Bulldogs

By Anubhav Sapra

I got a chance to visit the recently opened lounge, Bulldogs, in Hauz Khas Village and try out their unique delicacies. Bulldogs is spread over three levels, each one having its own unique characteristic. The first level is a bed lounge with lower seating, the second level is a sofa lounge, and the third level is the terrace, quite closer to the sky. I seem to have been dating the stars, that day. Indeed, it was a great feeling to be close to nature. Bulldogs also has the unique concept of a ‘drink exchange game’, a guest driven, all day long, happy hour where the prices rise or crash and one can buy drinks at literally rock bottom prices. Sounds interesting! Though, it is quite an audacious attempt for one who risks it.

The music was at its peak at the bed and the sofa level. For those who enjoy loud music, it seems to be a treat. However, I prefer it to be mild. On request, they lowered down the pitch at the terrace level. As I seemed to be alone at the level, it worked for me. I found myself a comfortable sofa with a bonfire stand besides it. It was quite a pleasant feeling. The staff was warm and welcoming and would do their best to make you feel at home.

I was overwhelmed to meet the chef there, Mr. Yograj Chauhan. ‘Humble’ would be just the right adjective for him. The chef graciously introduced me to some of the most exotic dishes on their menu. The chef first served me with a platter of short dogs, which are basically bite-sized hot dogs. I tried some vegetarian and non-vegetarian ones, a few of them being: mutton seekh, murgh malai tikka, butter chicken. The buns were soft and the fillings were excellent in taste. If you are fond of mushrooms, try the short dog laden with cheese and mushroom. It was simply the best! I enjoyed every bite of the short dogs I had. If you ask for a platter, you are free to choose any four short, hot dog fillings based on your taste preferences.

In Bulldog’s Quick Bites menu, I had stuffed cheese mushrooms (crispy fried mushroom stuffed with cheese), chicken popcorns (crumb fried chicken pieces), fish sticks (crispy breaded fish served with tartar sauce). All the dishes in the Quick Bites menu were delectable except the seekh kebabs which were a bit dry for me. In the main course, I could only try the juicy and succulent pork chops, marinated with Italian herbs and served with mashed potatoes, as I was already too full.

Desserts are a must for me, even with a full stomach. I had an apple pie and a choco lava cake with vanilla ice cream. I enjoyed the apple pie, usually not found so easily. The menu has a long list of interesting dishes in the main course like lemon butter fish (pan fried sole in lemon butter sauce), spicy tiger prawns (tiger prawns marinated with chillies, and served with crispy rice, salad and thyme veloute sauce) and stuffed chicken breast (chicken breast stuffed with spinach, cheese, jalapeno, served with lyonnaise potato and salad). As the quick bites were excellent, I am sure the rest of the main course would be amazing too. I am now planning to go back to try them all soon.

Address: Bulldogs: T – 6B, 2nd, 3rd & 4th Floor, Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi-110016

For reservations and enquiries: +91.9810004215 / +91.9810102306 / +91.9810088667 / +91.11.43524216

Timings: 12:00 Noon – 12:30 AM

Meal for 2: Rs.800 ++ (Without Alcohol) & Rs.1200 ++ (with Alcohol)

Anubhav Sapra

http://www.delhifoodwalks.com

Posted on April 19, 2014 April 26, 2015

Desiya Cafe

April 19, 2014

Gappe Gol Hain

By Aisha Bhattacharya

What do you do when you get a Gol Gappa craving these days? You, hunt for a safe place to eat it which invariably leads you to Haldiram’s or Bikanervala where you get this sanitized-sealed packet of gol gappas and an unappetizing bowl of vaguely sweet & sour water. The joy is missing. Like we Dilliwalahs say, “Feel nahi aati!” (It doesn’t feel the same). The more adventurous types eat off the roadside, always a little sceptical and asking, “Bhaiyya, Bisleri ka paani hai na?” (It’s Bisleri water right?)

Doesn’t feel quite right… does it? Fear no more, the soon-to-be-officially launched Desiya Cafe has just the thing for you. Located in the heart of the Bohemian hub in south Delhi – Hauz Khas

Village aka HKV (shorter version for Social Media Convenience) Desiya Cafe is the first building when you exit the fort or the last one before you enter the fort. Located on the ground floor is Desiya Express which serves Indian street food in a hygienic way while still maintaining the roadside ‘feel’ of it. As of now, they only have the ground floor open which seats about 12 – 15 people at best. There is a long running table along the wall where you can stand or sit. An open kitchen is behind it so you can see your food being prepared in front of you. The chairs are rather comfortable and don’t make you want to get up. The first floor is still being done and will have the Desiya Express menu plus an add-on Dining menu. This restaurant is owned by Jackpot Ventures who have the already well known Turkish and Lebanese restaurant ‘Faarsi’, also in HKV.

I was lucky enough to be invited by the Corporate General Manager, Ankush Myint for a preview of the place and I have to say I was rather impressed by the spread he arranged for me.

Having previously worked in HKV, I know exactly what the Gol Gappa craving is like. I would run to Evergreen 9in Green park Market) and eat insipid ones just to feel better. It never quite worked out well. So imagine my excitement when the first thing to arrive was ‘Gol Gappas’!! I was given 3 atta and 3 sooji ones (which I replaced with atta), a sweet tamarind flavour water, a tamarind chutney, the typical stuffing of cubed boiled potatoes and boiled kabuli chana and my favourite sour water (which I find always tastes like jaljeera). The Gol gappas were huge and that is intentional said Ankush. Apparently till the water doesn’t drip down the side of your mouth it doesn’t feel like the ‘real thing’. This is a tried and tested theory! The entire ensemble is well presented and tasted like it should. A spicy, sour, sweet and crunchy mouthful of heaven.

Next, was the Mumbai staple – Vada Pav. Admittedly I have never been a huge fan but, this one hits the right spot! Butttery bun with a Vada that melts in your mouth, add a dash of the garlic and jeera chutney and you’re good to go! I didn’t just taste, I ate the whole thing. To wash this down I was presented with two beverages – a Kala Khatta Sharbat and a Masala Shikanjvi. The Kala khatta sharbat was a tad bit too sweet for me and when I suggested they add more chaat masala to it, Ankush said that customers had complained that by the time they reach the parking lot, “Pet mein gur gur hoti hai” (stomach starts to rumble) So the executive decision taken was to leave it a little sweet. The Masala Shikanjvi on the other hand, had the right mix of flavours. Nice and fizzy with the right balance of chatpata flavours that reminds one of the masala shikanjvi in Modi Nagar. Yes, ‘That’ one! I found if you sip these two drinks together, you get this wonderful kick of a sweet, salty, tangy, spicy, fizzy liquid.

I was then served a kebab platter with Ajwaini Fish Tikka, Kalmi Kebab and Bhatti Tangri. All three were good standard kebab fare available in Delhi. The fish was exceptionally good, so you must try that if you enjoy fish.

At this point I couldn’t eat another morsel but Ankush insisted I had to try one last thing – Night watchman ka Chicken in a Bun. The name sounded odd but greed and curiosity got the better of me and I succumbed to this onslaught of delicious food. The dish is essentially a buttery hot dog bun slit on top and filled with a wetish spicy chicken keema and topped with some mint chutney. So good. So so good. The story behind this dish is about a Night Watchman who would make this during his shift and a lot of people in 24 hour work environments would come to his thela for a midnight snack. He reported made quite a packet selling this invention. The chicken keema is done Rahra style, well cooked and flavoursome.

In a nutshell Desiya has a big menu with quick service, food that tastes as good as it looks and quirky interiors that make you smile. It recreates the charm of Chandni chowk on your palette while keeping you safely ensconced in a bubble in South Delhi. I would think they will offer stiff competition to Dhaba by Claridges. So, the next time you’re wandering around in Hauz Khas village craving street food, be sure to pop in for a visit and you shall not leave disappointed.

Price for 2: 800 (without alcohol)

To speak to them call: +91-8130200444

To visit them go to: Desiya Cafe, 50-E, Ground Floor, Hauz Khas Village

Anubhav Sapra

http://www.delhifoodwalks.com

Posted on October 28, 2013 April 26, 2015

Mia Bella

By Tanya Kapoor

It was a perfect Thursday evening and we had an occasion to celebrate as well!! It was my friend’s birthday and we girls planned to party it out at Hauz Khas Village. We chose Mia Bella- a gastro pub as our destination.

If location is one of the key aspects of a famous restaurant then Mia bella has definitely nailed it. Mia Bella , situated on the top floors of the building opening up to a beautiful terrace overlooking the lake , Mia Bella perhaps has the best view of the lake among all restaurants at Hauz Khas Village. Location here is definitely the winner!

The contemporary interiors are adorned with wall clocks, mirrors, pieces of art such as the classic cupid. The color palette includes balmy hues of yellow, valley green and wooden brown. The menu includes Middle-Eastern, European and African fare. A large chunk of the dishes are devoted to the Braai cuisine, more commonly known as the South African version of barbecue.

Coming to the food,we ordered for Chicken Peri Peri, Mint Mutton shanks and mezze platter.

With a tangy texture, Chicken Peri Peri was well-cooked and balanced by the delicious accompaniments – a fresh, juicy leaf salad with lettuce, rocket leaves, basil, mint and a vinegar dressing; soft, creamy mashed potatoes with butter and seasoning and garlic bread. The chicken was soaked perfectly in its sauce and gave little reason to think about anything except our next bite.

The second dish, Mint Mutton shanks, was an even match and was served with perfectly fried potato wedges and garlic bread. The meat was tender and a level of ease in its texture. The portions were sizeable and filling.

Beautifully presented, the mezze platter was a treat for our eyes, not so much for our taste buds. The quantity did not justify the price here.

The portion sizes are huge! Truly for people who are hungry and need a good, filling meal. But it was superb in taste too.You just need to place your order and your order will be served smoking hot on your table. You get variety of ice teas fresh lime sodas and other aerated beverages. So, while I was happy that we have restaurants with such brilliant views , I would call it safe to visit Mia Bella , enjoy a sunset evening , sipping cocktails , beers or other drink of your choice and enjoy the delectable south African cuisine.

Take a bite, close your eyes, eat slow, feel the flavors – is the mantra to be followed in Mia bella .

Overall, Mia Bella is recommended to those certain times when you want to enjoy a brilliant view and sip a quite drink along with good company.

Anubhav Sapra

http://www.delhifoodwalks.com

Posted on August 12, 2013 April 26, 2015

A Fine Taste

A Fine Taste

English. Exquisite. Elegant .Exclusive. Expensive.Combining all of that, you get Elma’s cafe, a cosy cafe in the streets of Hauz Khas Village. So here I was with two other friends, out to review the place that is very popular among the food joints in HKV.

Entering the place, you notice the beautiful and delicate ambience, made complete with floral prints on the drapes and curtains, cupboards with old cups and plates, a piano and a quiet view of the deer park. The bakery items on display are so amazing to look at, that customers sometimes sit for long durations of time, just gazing at the display! Cooks working in the open kitchen constitute another view that is enjoyed by visitors. However the seating is very limited , since it’s a small cafe.

Talking to the owner, we got to know that her son started TLR cafe, another food joint in HKV. Since the quality of the outsourced breads was not satisfactory, she decided to open a bakery of her own that would provide good quality bread. This and the fact that coffee could be found everywhere but different types of teas were difficult to find, she being a tea person, established Elma’s.Here’s a fun fact for those of you who didn’t know: Elma is the name of the family dog and Edward is the family cat! Edward’s is on the ground floor and Elma’s is on the 1^st.They share the same menu.

The famous desserts of the place such as the Red Velvet Cake and Moist Chocolate Cake are absolutely fabulous but we wanted to try new items, so here they are. Let’s begin with Nilgiri Frost, a favourite of the owner too. It’s a lighter colour than Earl’s Grey, the taste is just right, neither too strong nor too mild. The cup is very aromatic and it goes well with heavy cakes. It tastes best without milk. The next tea we tasted was Earl’s Grey, which was again very aromatic but was a darker colour. It was stronger than Nilgiri Frost. Both of them were very typical teas and must be tried by tea lovers for sure. Apart from this, the Belgian Chocolate shake was amazing too, rich in chocolate and pleasure!

The freshly-made scones with the great texture, accompanied by pure fruit jam and cream were a delight to our taste buds.The apple pie was perfectly made, with a very crisp outer layer and the handmade pattern on top. The taste of apple was very subtle. Mac and Cheese was beautifully baked. The three neat, distinct layers were as follows: a crisp layer of bread crumbs on top, followed by a delicious cheese layer and then the macaroni. It was quite filling. Lastly, we had the healthy ‘lean and green sandwich’, which had Elma’s slow roasted tomatoes on a bed of lettuce and rocket leaves drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. It is very apt for a light breakfast, the taste is not overpowering.

Taste	Ambience	Service	Value for Money
9/10	8.5/10	8.5/10	8.5/10

Indulging in the quaint atmosphere of the place, one understands how this place attracts people who prefer boutiques over malls, who are not mere customers but are food enthusiasts, who are willing to pay a bit extra for something special. So if you enjoy the finer things in life, try out this place for sure!

Cost for 2 people: Rs 1000 approximately

Name: Elma’s Bakery, Cakes and Tea Room
Location: 24/1, Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi-110016

Contact:
Phone: (011)26521020; 9711117516
Email: elmas@tlrcafe.com
Owner and Head Chef: Shelly Sahay, of Le Cordon Bleu

Foodie Correspondent: Gopal Seth
Foodie Photographers: Saumya Gupta & Shreya Chowdhury

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