Mademoiselle’s Favourite Cafe’s | Around Town

By Mademoiselle Chou-Fleu

Remember when we were all younger, and the idea of an outing was an elaborate meal at a restaurant, or a day spent at a friends house? That was until Delhi became the hub of all sorts of cafés- from Hauz Khas’s boho offerings to G.K.’s fancier set-ups. So whether it’s Sam’s Café which has DU student’s flocking towards Paharganj, or 1911 at the Imperial, whatever your budget, whatever your mood, there’s a café for all of us in Delhi. And a fellow Dilliwaala’s foodie alter-ego, Mademoiselle Chou-Fleur, is giving us a list of her favorite cafés!

 A Café For All | A list of all my favourite cafés for every mood and need

Just Plain Groovy

TLR , The Living Room, Hauz Khas Village | So if you’re looking for a place with a guaranteed buzz this it. Uber hipster fun. There’s always something happening at TLR. The rooftop’s an added bonus. I’m usually distracted by the selection of starters and end up filling myself on those. With free wi-fi and comfy couches its the perfect place for an afternoon of work or bumming. That easily transforms in to an evening of great music and colourful people. And it’s looking even more stellar with its recent renovations.

Flipside Cafe , Hauz Khas Village | With its red walls, quirky crooked lamps and murals, it is a playful treat for more than just your taste buds. But combine it with a delicious dose of crepes and fruit tarts, you can certainly lose yourself here for a few hours. And if you can get your hands on anything with their homemade pesto, you will be happier for it!

{ Chocolate mousse at Flipside }

{PS: Find out more about Raavi, owner of Flipside Cafe, here. }

Mocha Art House, DLF Promenade, Vasant Kunj | The inside seating is becoming a gallery of sorts with visual stimulants. I have really enjoyed some of the graphic and graffiti art in there, but sadly that couldn’t fill me alone for the food is quite appalling. Yet not a bad spot for some ice-tea, sheesha and the ever changing and always stimulating art.

Ziro, Hauz Khas Village | Combines a store, chilling area and very homey rooftop. Enjoy a bindass evening as you tuck in to one of their many exciting varieties of maggi!

Literary Wise 

Triveni Tea Terrace, opposite FICCI, Tansen Marg | Triveni Tea Terrace is somewhat of an institution from the old glory days. You will find an interesting mix of the khadis, office crowd, and the politically charged. Though, I hear since its re-opening it is missing the jambalaya of spicy people, leaving only a few boiled corporate types. Ooops! However, it still has its green out door space and its famous keema mattar.

Cafe Turtle, Khan Market & GK N Block Market | Though I’m not the biggest fan of their food, Cafe Turtle always feels warm and cozy and has a wonderfully eclectic selection of books.

Shop and Sip

Latitude , Khan Market | Strategically located above the good earth store. Its utterly charming and it got me bad. They have everything on their menu from rice paper rolls to pate. And the best part is they do it well. The menu is ever changing but it usually holds on to their delicious Goat Cheese Salad and the Cheesecake is to die for!

{ Goat Cheese Salad at Latitude }

Basil & Thyme , Santushti Complex | Its been a Delhi favourite for years. Regulars keep coming back for Mrs. Manekshaw’s crepes, tarts and risottos. Burn those calories off with a walk around some of Santushti’s eclectic shops. Though you may be burning a hole through your wallet too, as these shops certainly aren’t cheap.

Café E | Despite being in the atrium of the luxe Emporio Mall, I wouldn’t underestimate the food if I were you. My new favourite stop for sandwiches, crepes and waffles… oh my!

{Waffles at Cafe E }

Down for a Bite

Amici, Khan Market | A great little cafe to grab a bite or some coffee and dessert. Also has some of the best pizzas in town – do try the Blue Mushroom Pizza! Its one of those super convenient places to meet with a friend or colleague or even get some solo time in. And you definitely won’t be made to feel like you’re overstaying your welcome as you sip on the same cup of coffee for the next hour.

Ploof Deli, Lodi Market | Great place to stock your pantry or belly, with a cute little alfresco area upstairs. I would avoid the sandwiches unless they have finally done something about it. But Ploof’s signature seafood dishes still remain, so dig in.

Diva Café , N-Block, G.K 1 | The place has a warm cosy feel to it. Perfect to spend your time chatting, drinking, all while taking your time going through the menu, dish by dish.

{ Cheesecake at Diva Cafe }

Elma’s Bakery and Tea House, Hauz Khas Village | Have I wandered in to a children’s book all cute and quaint, complete with the smell of fresh baked goodies? Elma has a knack for working nostalgia, it took me down a road I never knew I had been before. A road sprinkled with tea and crumpets..

{PS: Have a look at Rohini’s {Manager, Elma’s} picks from their menu, here.}

Wanderlusters Welcome

Kunzum Travel Café, Hauz Khas Village | The focus is not on food. As far as I know you can get tea and coffee with some biscuits. But this is a great place to meet and share experiences with travel lovers alike.

Sam’s Café, Vivek Hotel, 1534-50 Main Bazaar, Paharganj, Delhi. Ph: (11) 4154-1436 | I’ll be frank here I have never been to the famous Sam Café. Its where the hippies, wanderers and nomads meet. In what I like to call the underbelly of Delhi –  So if you can brave the grit and grime its an exciting place to explore.

Oh So La Dee Da

Oberoi Pastry Shop, Oberoi Hotel, Dr. Zakir Hussain Marg | I keep going back for more. Mainly for one thing and that is the bacon onion quiche. Great for breakfast, brunch and mid day indulgence! 

{ Tartlets at Oberoi’s Patisserie }

{PS: Their chef shared one of his favorite recipes with Little Black Book, Delhi. Get your chef-on, here. }

L’Opera, Khan Market | My current favourite patisserie! Delectable sweet treats that leave you pining for more. Definitely your one stop shop for macarons, breads, my favourite almond croissants – and a mille feuille that surpasses any other pleasure!

1911 Imperial Hotel, Janpath | Home to one of the best Beef Burger’s in town. I prefer the al fresco area weather permitting of course. I do think it is one of the most beautiful and charming hotels in the city.

Threesixty, Oberoi Coffee Shop | This is one of those see and be seen spots. I try an avoid it due to the mere cliche of it all. Unless I’m craving some good sushi, which is the one thing they make fantastically. The pizzas aren’t half bad either. It is a huge, well lit space, with a constant buzz in the air. You know it won’t be a dull meal for sure.

 Enjoy, Dilliwaalas!

About the Author | We’ve been following Mademoisellechou-fleur.com, and her recommendations are great! She’s a true foodie, and has sampled plenty of Delhi’s restaurants- from the fru-fru fine dining ones, to cafes, and some not-so-fancy yet fabulous joints. We love that her style of writing is conversational {so enthusiasts like us actually understand!}, and professional at the same time- she knows what good food’s all about!