By: David H.
Submitted: 2011-11-25 08:50:08 | Word Count: 691
Delhi is the national capital as well as the Food Capital of the country. It is a truly cosmopolitan city in terms of language, dressing up and the cuisine. There is a marked influence of the neighboring states like Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh on the residents of the national capital region. One can easily find all types of foods in this city, whether it is from south India or any other part of the country. The hotels and restaurants in the city also serve food from various other countries across the globe.
Delhi is indeed a Paradise for Food Lovers. Everyone in the city just loves eating. It is a popular thought that when people in Mumbai and Bangalore are busy either partying or hitting on the pubs, the people here are busy eating. They just need a reason to celebrate and celebration means having a hearty meal comprising of a huge variety of delicacies.
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As soon as you walk into any wedding or a social function, the host will first direct you towards the tables laden with all types of food. One cannot really resist the smell and the aroma which emanates from the food and even the most hardened diet freak is sure to loose control. And all this is done in a very jovial and cheerful atmosphere.
The popular saying, "The way to a person's heart goes through the stomach" fits aptly for the people living in the capital. You feed a guy and he becomes your friend for life. Keep his aroma buds satisfied and he will be willing to do anything for you.
Due to this distinctive and very healthy foodie trait, Delhi has gained recognition as the Restaurant Capital of India. Delhi has seen many different cultures and all of them have left some mark on the cuisine which is found here. The restaurants in the city also serve different variety of foods. Some offer the traditional Mughlai and Punjabi food while others serve the South Indian fare. The city is dotted with restaurants of all sizes, variety, nationality and age.
"Variety Is the Spice of Life" and this mantra is religiously followed by the Delhiites. There are so many varieties of food available here. Delhi is particularly famous for its Mughlai cuisine given the fact that it was the capital of the Mughal Empire for so many centuries. People can enjoy the delectable seekh and boti kebabs as well as the tandoori chicken served at various restaurants. But one can really relish the taste of real Mughlai fare in the Chandni Chowk area which is in the heart of the old city of Delhi.
One can also really savor the taste of vegetarian food as well as a variety of "Paranthas" (flat bread made on griddle) in the Paranthewali Gali which has been there for the past so many decades and which offers all variations and combinations of this delightful dish.
One cannot really miss out on the Ghantiwala Halwai and the vast choice of sweets in this shop which is one of the most ancient sweet shops in the capital.
How can one stay in Delhi and not have a taste of the lip-smacking chaat and bhelpuri. One of the best places to have a real taste of the Dilli Chaat is to visit the Bengali Market or Sunder Nagar. One can also visit Greater Kailash for bhelpuri.
Much of the Delhi cuisine revolves around Paneer(cottage cheese) and there is no dearth of dishes being prepared with this ingredient in mind. You can have Paneer Do-piaza, paneer pasanda, kadhai, paneer butter masala and the list is unending. All these items are served in the bigger restaurants as well as the roadside food stalls which are known as the dhabhas. Most of the people prefer to go to these places as they are much cheaper and have food available at any time of the day.
Thus Delhi can boast about the fact that a person visiting the city need never go hungry for want of choice and variety. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food is available in every area of the capital city.
