Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Karim's -- a non-vegetarians's delight!



Karim's.
Delhiites are probably aware of the name. For the uninitiated though,
this is the best restaurant in Delhi, serving non-vegetarian food since
1913. Every food guide worth its name has voted it Delhi's best
restaurant for many years. No one who has visited the restaurant will
disagree.

As for me, I am a die-hard fan.

Karim'sThe
original Karim's is bang opposite Jama Masjid in the walled city area
of Delhi. It is close to a market known as Darya Ganj. Those visiting
Karim's for the first time will be surprised at the location. Getting
there is not easy, you will need to ask locals for help.

Until
the 1990s, Karim's did not have any branches, but they have now opened
branches in Nizamuddin, Kailash Colony, Noida, Gurgaon with the latest
in Kamla Nagar. The quality of food, however, has a long way to go
before it matches the original Karim's.

At
this mouth-watering point, let's talk of the food. As I said at the
outset, Karim's is a gastronomic delight for non-vegetarians.
Vegetarians are welcome too, but at their own risk.

For
starters, I'd recommend the Mutton Burra (succulent pieces of mutton
cooked in an oven). Believe me, you have not tasted softer mutton.

You could also try Mutton Raan (part of the thigh). This starter is huge, and is meant for four or five people.

Alternately, try the kebabs. You have a wide range to choose from, including Seekh Kebabs, Shammi Kebabs and Mutton Tikka.

In the chicken category, sample the Chicken Seekh Kebab, Tandoori Chicken or Chicken Tikka.

For
the main course, please, please order the Mutton Korma, Mutton Stew and
Badam Pasanda (boneless mutton cooked with yoghurt, almonds and
spices). You will fall in love with all of them.

Those
who like chicken can go for the awesome Chicken Noor Jehan and Chicken
Jahangiri. Karim's offers other dishes as well, but the five I have
mentioned are unbeatable for their flavour.

As
for the bread, try the Roti (prepared with wheat flour and
yeast). Thick and slightly sweet, it is an interesting deviation from
the traditional tandoori roti. Alternately, order the Keema Parantha (parantha stuffed with minced mutton). Karim's also offers roomali rotis, butter nans and paranthas.

Do remember to save space for dessert.

Karim's
serves two main desserts that are out of this world. Kheer Benazir
(prepared with milk, broken rice, sugar) and Shahi Tukda (fried bread
soaked in condensed milk) are both delicious ends to a satisfying meal.
They are perfectly made. Any meal at Karim's is incomplete without
these desserts. And yes, if you are ordering the Shahi Tukda, do order
it with the meal itself, as it takes a while to prepare.

The
most exclusive dish at Karim's is the Tandoori Bakra -- a full goat
stuffed with dry fruits, basmati rice, minced meat and spices. It costs
Rs 3,500. You have to order a day in advance and make a 50 percent down
payment. I have not sampled it yet, but definitely will when I visit
the restaurant with a huge group.

The
service at every Karim's restaurant is impressive; despite the huge
crowds that gather, it is also very quick. A meal for two -- with
starters, main course and dessert -- will cost Rs 300-400 if you eat at
Karim's, Jama Masjid. If you eat at the other branches, add 40 per cent
to this figure as the dishes there are more expensive.

The
original Karim's does not offer valet parking, but its branches do.
Credit cards are at all branches except the main restaurant.

The
ambience at each branch The original has tasteful interiors and
can comfortably host about 100 people. The ambience at the East of
Kailash branch is okay; the one in Gurgaon, least appealing.

Non-vegetarians must visit Karim's at least once. The next time you feel the need for a satisfying meal, you know where to go.

Address

Karim's

Jama Masjid

Gali Kababian

Old Delhi -- 110 006

Phones: (91-011) 23269880, 23264981





powered by performancing firefox

No comments:

Say out LOUD !