Our Top 5 Reasons To Visit Karim's at Jama Masjid, Delhi for an Unforgettable Experience.

“If I check your blog after 10 days will you have written about me?” he asked. I looked at him and replied, “I promise.” Now promises are like babies right? Easy to make but hard to deliver. But I vowed to keep this one made between mouthfuls of khameeri roti at Karim’s at Delhi. Because, I am sure Mike, will read this someday. Because promises made on a table full of food that touches your soul are not to be broken. Who is Mike? And where was this promise made? I smile as I remember one of the most memorable meals I have had in recent times at an informal setting at Karim's near Jama Masjid, Delhi.

Here are our Top 5 Reasons to visit Karim's for an unforgettable experience: 

Dine at a Legendary Eatery

Located near Jama Masjid in the heart of Old Delhi, Karim’s is a legendary culinary destination. Established in 1913 so that commoners could also enjoy the taste of royal food, one can see appreciative endorsements all around the restaurants by National Geographic, BBC, Lonely Planet and many more. But nothing prepares you for the explosion of tastes at Karim’s and the treat that awaits for your taste buds. No complex flavors or molecular gastronomy here- only food that satisfies your hunger and touches your soul. Its not everyday you get to eat food at an eatery run by the fourth generation of cooks that served in the royal courts of Mughal Emperors.

The menu at Karim's- mouth watering, no?

See a different side of Delhi

When was the last time you hitched a roller coaster ride in a cycle rickshaw that dared to enter impossibly narrow lanes? Maybe years back. We enjoyed an amazing ride for INR 50 as we passed shops selling everything from intricate laces, silver jewelry, toys, watches to handicrafts at Chandni Chowk. The atmosphere is different and a welcome change from the glossy malls and is an experience in itself.  If you have time do visit the beautiful Jama Masjid, one of the biggest mosques in India. We visited the Red Fort nearby, a World Heritage Site and an iconic symbol of India and jumped from the cycle rickshaw to buy trinkets. 

Visit the Red Fort nearby- an iconic symbol of India. 

Food is Finger Licking Good

Where do we even start? Succulent Kebabs- Burrah and Shami (made in tandoor- a clay oven)....soft, sweet and fluffy khameeri roti (made with flour and yeast), the delicious Mutton Korma (Peppery lamb gravy) ,the famous Badam Pasanda (Lamb in almond gravy), Kheema (minced lamb cooked with Indian spices), Biryani…..the menu is so good that one is spoilt for choice. If you are in a big group (12 to 15 people) and can give an advance notice, Karim’s will delight you with “Tandoori Bakra”, a traditional preparation of full goat stuffed with chicken, rice and egg- a carnivorous treat. There are a few dishes for vegetarians too, but we have never tried them. Do not….and we repeat…do not leave without trying the desserts- Phirni (made with rice and milk and flavored with saffron and rose) served in earthen pots and Kheer (made with rice and sweetened milk).

Khameeri roti & Mutton Korma.

Seekh Kebab- minced meat on skewers.

Value For Money

Super fast service and pocket friendly prices were our other two highlights at Karim’s apart from the heavenly food, of course. Each piece of Kebab cost INR 50 (Yes, less than a dollar) and the curries can be ordered as per choice- full or half portions. We paid less than INR 1000 for a meal for two and heard our wallets whisper a silent thank you..... it was month ending, you see :-)

The handis at Karim's that hold the key to one of the best meals in Delhi.

Soft rotis being rolled at Karim's.

You Sit as Strangers and depart as Friends

Long before the culinary scene in India welcomed community tables, foodies from all over shared tables at Karim’s. We did too. Though we had company, as my colleague Irfan was with me, the minute the food arrived we started chatting with Mike, who was sharing a table with us. His cheeks had turned red with the spicy lamb curry he devoured but his smile told a story that he would remember this meal.  Food is the language that is common at Karim’s and it has the power to bring people of different backgrounds, belief and cultures together.  Go on, sit with a stranger and enjoy food- who knows you might find a foodie friend.

Me with colleague Irfan and Mike- all smiles after the splendid meal.

Have you experienced a meal like us, anywhere?  Have you made friends while unabashedly devouring seconds of your favorite dishes? Has food touched more than your plate, anytime? Tell us in the comments section below and we may just send a little surprise for you.

Where:
Karim's
Jama Masjid,
Gali Kababian,
Old Delhi

Call: 011 23269880