Rajdhani Thali, Connaught Place

Because it is all about going back to your roots

Want to eat- Daal baati, gatte ki subzi, kadhi pakora, chaas. Basically, Rajasthan on a platter, literally! And yes, it is a pure vegetarian place.

Where to go- Rajdhani Thali, Connaught Place. Yes, right there, next to KFC. 

What to wear- I would say anything, but if you want to go the whole Rajasthani way then definitely opt for Indian attire

Whom to go with- Family, husband, kids, parents. It is the best place to treat someone as it's not just the food, but the outstanding service which makes the entire dinner nothing less than a royal retreat

How to get there- It's in Connaught Place. Everyone knows how to get to Connaught Place. Just make sure you stay on the outer circle

What to order- As soon as you step in there's a customary tikka and hand wash and within seconds your plate starts getting filled with food. Seriously, since a Thali is all they serve, there's not much to order. And refusing anything they serve is out of question!

What to do around- Before you step in you can shop, sit in Central Park, walk around and make sure your stomach is empty enough to take in all the food. Just make sure you park your vehicle right outside the restaurant because later you will be too bloated to even take a single step

What's for dessert? Make sure you leave room for sweets. With moong daal halwa, gajar halwa and other Indian sweets, the mitha section is well taken care of.

Why Rajdhani Thali- Two reasons. First, I really wonder where else will you get this authentic and dripping with ghee daal-baati choorma and gatte ki sabzi in Delhi. Second, I think the innocence with which the staff insists you to keep gorging all- you-can beats even my mom by a small fraction, thus recreating a gesture typical only to Rajasthanis, mothers and grandmothers

Cost for 2- Rs 1000 (including taxes, no alcohol, not here) 

What we reviewed- I hail from Bombay and personally, wasn't fond of the Rajdhani there because of the heavy stress on the sweet Gujrati food. ( I swear by my dhoklas and khakras, but sorry Gujju people, a North Indian likes spicy food!). But the traditional Rajasthani delicacies and straight from the heart service reiterated how courteous Indian or specifically Rajasthani hospitality can get. The language of the staff, the way they are dressed and the overall dining experience transports you to Rajasthan from the moment you step in. From washing your hands with rose petals to bringing the traditional 'gud' (jaggery) towards the end, these little nuances create a royal dining experience and make you feel like a king, signifying Indian heritage through this gastronomic affair. 

P. S. A word of advice; don't drink chaas before the meal, It bloats you up and makes you feel full. You really don't want that!

Mamagoto, Vasant Kunj

Of novel menus, quirky graphics and a fun, Pan- Asian dinner

Want to eat- PAN- ASIAN CUISINE. In bold. Not just Chinese or Thai but rather celebrating the food-versity which Asia as a continent has to offer.

Where to go-  Mamagoto, DLF Promenade, Vasant Kunj, South Delhi's brimming all-under-one-roof food hub.

What to wear- Casuals, since the place is a very relaxed and casual eatery, 

Whom to go with- If you are not a big fan of noisy ambiance, it is not recommended to go with your family or for a special romantic evening. But a great place to go out with colleagues or catch up with friends.

How to get there- Take the metro to Chhatarpur. From there you can hop in an auto, shared auto or take a bus to CPWD complex. Otherwise, one can always drive down.

What to order- Must try their noodle bowls and soups. In fact you can be your own judge since their graphically designed Asian menu is inventively segregated with keys like 'mama recommends', 'healthy eating', ' 'spicy' and other such indicators to pick your favourite! 

What to do around- Window shop! (OK, not for the guys) Or really shop! DLF Promenade is one of the most renowned malls of the city and there is a high possibility you will find something interesting. Else you can simply stroll around till your table is ready

What's for dessert?- Even you are stuffed to the hilt, you have to try their Caramel sponge cake with toffee sauce and the chocolate mud cake.

Cost for 2- 1500 for two, (excluding alcohol and taxes)

What we reviewed - This much famed, much hyped restaurant lives up to what we expected, maybe even a little more. In the name of 'authentic Asian cuisine' while I expected bland and boring food, this place completely took me by surprise. The interiors are a complete delight as they complement your Asian dining experience, with the roaring yellow tiger and Chinese artifacts for your company. A recommendation would be to check with the server once what you are ordering if you don't want to be put off a cuisine by eating something which didn't suit your palate. Go there if you like Chinese, Japanese and Thai food in a lively and vibrant setting which reeks of Asian-ness in the most fun avatar possible!