One of the first colonies of New Delhi, Amar Colony is home to people from across India, Africa and Afghanistan. The diverse population in turn, calls for diversity in food as well. The major places to eat here are concentrated in the main market area and most of the shops are just a few metres away from each other.
Here are some places you must try.
This is the first place you’ll hit if you’re coming from the Moolchand metro station. One of the oldest food outlets, it’s known for its chhole bhature. I’ve been feasting here since school and the taste hasn’t changed a bit in the last 15 years. The service here is quick but one shouldn’t come here looking for hospitality or ambience. The place also serves rajma chawal, samosa and aloo kachori.
#LBBTip: The place opens as early as 5.30am and the chhole bhature usually finishes by noon, especially on weekends, so time your visit with sunrise, maybe?
Price: INR 60 for a plate of chhole bhature
There is something charming about street-style south Indian outlets. They aren’t just light on the pocket but taste pretty darn good. Don’t go here expecting star hospitality, but just to indulge in some lip smacking food and the quickest service. This place is superb value for money.
They will generously serve the sambhar with the food, and won’t mind giving you refills. Must try their Dal Vada apart from the regular dosa and idli. This outlet serves desi street style chow mein too.
Price: INR 60 for a dosa, INR 40 for a plate of idli
Don’t be discouraged by the owner’s blank, expressionless face; the service is flawless. Hunger Strike is famous for its tandoori momo. The momo are decently-sized and adequately stuffed and served in layers of cream. I personally love the Chicken Tandoori momo and and the vegetarian ones {fortunately, the usual cabbage aftertaste is missing} the Soya Chaap version is interesting. They also serve some Chinese fare and shawarma, but neither of these are too impressive.
Price: Starting at INR 100 for a plate of momo
This is one of the oldest shops in Amar Colony and very popular amongst residents. You can buy some of the crispiest and tastiest namkeen from here for your daily tea breaks. The Namakpaare from this shop are a must buy.
Price: INR 80 for 500 grams of Namakpaare {approx.}
After eating all the chatpata this market has to offer, Kulfiano with its range of sweet cold kulfi comes as a blessing. Choose from a wide variety of flavours such as Jamun, Coconut, Lychee, the regular Kesar and Pista and a personal favourite, Paan. They also do sugar-free versions.
Price: INR 90 for a large portion
This one is a dairy product cum sweet shop. It’s quite popular with the locals for their dairy product needs such as fresh cream, curd or paneer {the masala version is a specialty}. They also do some amazing milk-based sweets. One should definitely take back the super soft Sponge Rasgullas and Rasmalai, Kalakand and Chaina Murgi.
Price: Starting at INR 24 for Sponge Rasgulla {per piece}
People flock to Queen’s Kitchen in the dozen for their vodka momo. Made with a vodka-flour batter and doused in a tomato garlic gravy, these are a real treat. The joint also does a stellar Afghani Chicken and Chicken Keema Masala.
Price: Starting at INR 140 for a plate of momo
The narrow lanes of Amar Colony are very difficult to manoeuvre your car through, so if you’re driving, parking at one of the metro stations and walking to the shops is advisable. You might also want to check out High On Burgers for their stellar take on burgers.