5 Hearty cafes you can’t miss in New Delhi

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The capital of India comes with a lot of gastronomical delights, and the best way to experience a lazy day in the city is with a cuppa of masaaledar chai, old Bollywood tunes playing in the background, and lazy lunches under soft sunshine. Enjoy a day of afternoon naps, carefree board games, and plates that arrive steaming hot and indulge in timeless cafe menus that celebrate North Indian dishes inspired by seasonal produce, slow-cooked recipes, and age-old culinary wisdom. From comforting shorbas and street-style kebabs to rich mutton nihari and makhanni butter chicken with hot rotis, fragrant pulaos and warm halwas – turing every bite into a celebration of food, nostalgia, and pure comfort.

Dhaba Estd.1986 : At the vibrant Dhaba Estd. 1986 outlet, Punjabi highway flavours take centre stage in a contemporary yet nostalgic setting. From the tawa, tandoor, and patila emerge robust, authentic dishes layered with pure Punjabi tadka. This is where food becomes the destination — served garma garam alongside old-school charm, lively conversations, and loads of swaad. Don’t forget to try their winter special tandoori kebabs with the slow-cooked dals and tandoori naans.

Café Reve: On foggy winter evenings when comfort is non-negotiable, Réve Bistro delivers bowls that truly get the season. Sip on their velvety broccoli and pea soup, or dive into jumbo prawns and baby octopus simmered in a classic coconut sambal. And, if you are craving European warmth, check out the menu delivering smoky, spicy stars like the Chipotle chicken and Devil curry stealing the show and pair it with classic bites.

Monsoon : Monsoon by Café Lota’s menu is comfort food with quiet depth. Think festive, region-led flavours that warm you from within like their famous Anglo mutton stew with fluffy poi or a smoky roasted tomato and carrot soup paired with in-house bread. And, the star of the show — the slow-cooked, deeply spiced mutton Beliram. The Kashmiri malai paneer, creamy yet restrained, is perfect for unhurried winter evenings and lingering conversations.

Khubani: Khubani’s food is indulgence with intent — this is where flavours fuse on the plate and food stories linger long after the last bite. Popular as a wholesome destination, the Aerocity outpost blends high-energy evenings with thoughtfully curated, progressive local favourites. Expect bold, authentic flavours in every bite, especially the Adana kebab and generous kebab platters. The slow-cooked kormas and rich desserts make a strong case for repeat winter visits.

JW Marriot, New Delhi: Dining at JW Marriott Aerocity is a globe-trotting affair. With popular restaurants like K3, Adrift Kaya, JW Lounge, and Delhi Baking Company, the luxury hotel brings together regional favourites and international classics under one roof. Head to K3 for warming shorbas, flavour-packed kebabs, and seasonal halwas from the winter menu; and, don’t miss their lavish weekend brunch with their special winter grills, slow-cooked curries and decadent sweets for an indulgent time.