I love food, which is why I love Delhi (amongst other reasons). If you think you are a foodie then I strongly suggest going to New Delhi.  With globalization and the extreme development of Delhi, this city has become more traveler friendly than ever.  There are still some issues, the main one being sanitary.  One has to be careful what and where you eat at all times.  I was there for two months so my stomach became immune to a lot of bacteria out there, but I started the trip with a major stomach infection.   If you are there for a short amount of time, please be careful!  With that being said here are some noteworthy places.

Moti Mahal Deluxe:  This chain of restaurant’s other name in my opinion is butter chicken.  I fell in love years ago with this place when I first bit into Moti Mahal’s butter chicken, and came to find out that this restaurant claims to have originated this dish.  Don’t know how true it is, but you can find consistently good mughlai cuisine here.  The taste has changed since the restaurant started expanding like crazy, but definitely better than anything you get in NY (plus it won’t break the bank).  Check out the one in M block market in Greater Kailash, it is the one I go to.

The Big Chill Cafe:  This chain of café’s is known for quick and reasonably priced Italian dishes.  The menu is vast, and the food is always consistent in taste.  The blueberry cheesecake is famous with Delhites, but I swoon over the lemon smoothie.  The one in Khan Market is my favorite.

Hyatt Regency Delhi:  This is a hotel which is home to some great restaurants of Delhi.   Do check out T.K’s Oriental Grill for some great Pan Asian cuisine and The China Kitchen for great décor. The other restaurants in the hotel are pretty decent as well, but these are the two I would return to.  Don’t be surprised to run into a celebrity at some of these restaurants.  Here is a little tip to make some of these expensive haunts affordable, look for a person who is a member of the hotel, for some deep discounts in dining!

Ploof Deli and Kitchen:  When this restaurant was situated in New Friends colony, it was written about in many international travel articles, so I knew this time I had to try it even if it moved.  While it is famous for its seafood I have to say I was not blown away by the seafood, but if you are sick of Delhi’s flavorful food (believe me the food can sometimes be seasoned to the max) this place is great.  This restaurant did not seem so popular with locals, but was filled with foreigners.