Hi Friends...
Im such a foodie - I think I’ll restrict myself to sharing with y’all my infinite wisdom pertaining to the cullinary delights of Delhi!
A couple of days ago, my boss suggested we venture into the crowded streets of Nizamuddin for a ’business lunch’ at Karim’s. Having savoured the occasional Butter Chicken at the Kailash Colony outlet of the restaurant, I agreed. Little did I know that my palate was soon to be greeted with a Mughlai extravaganza par excellence - friends.... I kid you not.....you’ve not tasted REAL mughlai food until you’ve dined out here.
The dining experience is not much to speak of except the courteous smiles of the waiters! The place is clean and doesn’t smell - so you can sit there and eat peacefully. Think twice (or thrice) before taking your girlfriend there as the people who come there can be a bit lewd at times. Perfect for a group of (hungry) guys though...
The first thing to order would be - the boneless butter chicken for sure (drool!!!). The tangy taste is unique and you wont quite find anything like that elsewhere...Order the standard ’naan’ alongside. I think the maida for the naan is mixed with curd in advance as they are real soft and fluffy....they veritably melt in the mouth....
The mutton seekh kebabs are spicy, soft and in short - to die for....A far cry from the normal ones which require real jaw power to chew!
We also ordered the mutton rogan josh, which I didnt quite like so much. What I did like, though, was the Mughlai Chicken, which is in effect a signature dish by Karim’s which you wont find anywhere. Order it boneless....its a spicy chicken dish with a tomato based gravy. I must warm you that this is very very rich in ghee, oil and the other good things in life which tend to push your weight up a couple of notches. So dont order it if you happen to be watching your diet!!
Do order the Afghani Chicken, which is an offshoot of the standard Tandoori Chicken. Its slightly more spicy and well cooked. Surely better that its Indian cousin...(GAWD IM GETTING HUNGRY!!!)
Steer clear of the Raan - its an enormous portion size but the taste wasnt quite up to the mark. Ive had far better raan at Masala Art and Copper Chimney. The Mutton Burrah Kebabs are super special at Karims and they leave you craving for more..........:-)
Ive heard a lote of praises about the Nihari and Yakhni but unfortunately havent had a chance to have it myself as It supposedly gets wiped off by 8 30 am flat.
To top it all off - have the Phirni. It has a gentle taste and smooth texture...the flavouring is just right too. You could have the Kulfi too (my boss had it) , but I cant give you a first hand account (he said it was spectacular!)
STATUTORY WARNING : EATING KARIM’S FOOD IS A GUILTY PLEASURE. IT HITS YOUR STOMACH HARD AND YOU POSSIBLY MAY NOT BE ABLE TO EAT A THING FOR THE NEXT 16.3 HOURS. BETTER STILL, FOLLOW UP WITH 3 PUDIN HARA PEARLS WITHIN HALF AN HOUR OF FINISHING YOU MEAL HERE!! THE WRITER IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY UPSET TUMMIES. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN BELOW 8 YEARS OF AGE.
Signing off quickly- talking about this yummilicious food has worked up a huge appetite!
Enjoy!!