Last Train to Delhi

LAST TRAIN TO DELHI

Beware curry lovers as you enter mystic and brave new world of India’s capital, Delhi. Brace yourself for the commotion that's in store. You will experience different sensations from the burning of incense, the smells of the delicious street food to the chanting of prayers from a temple or mosque. But also mix it with the smell of burnt rubbish, incessant beeping of horns, crazy yelling indians not to mention the sewerage, dust and pollution and teeming crowds jostling their way past you - then you get Delhi, filled with life and always buzzing.

Mystic ancient Delhi was originally the land of traditional Hinduism and full of holy temples where u can still go to find peace in all the chaos. After this Delhi was dominated by high Islam and became a walled fort city under Mughal emperors such as Shah Jhan, who loved his wife so much he built her the Taj Mahal! Later it had the image of an imperial British city and so Delhi, even today, isn’t one composite city but a conglomeration of multiple settlements. Imagine the possibilities it presents for foodies like you and me!

When you arrive at your chosen food heaven –a dhaba, restraunt or hotel as they call it…you will never be disappointed. Indian food ameliorates any frustration you had in reaching your destination and you’ll forget what you had to go through to get there. The food IS the journey and not just the destination.

All the food is fresh, go to your local butcher and watch the butcher carve up a whole goat, using but a knife nestled between his toes! The service everywhere is amazing not to mention the value.

My favorite north Indian dish was the paneer butter masala (cottage cheese in a buttery spicy tomato curry) with fresh Chapatis (instead of rice which is characteristic of south India) – it was totally to die for and would actually make it onto my "top reasons for returning to india" list. Malai kofta (vegetable kofta in a creamy spicy yoghurt curry) or dhal makhni (black lentils with butter and spices) are also common north Indian dishes that render you unable to NOT lick your fingers. Delhi also gives you the choice of Tibetan or Chinjabi food (a fusion of Punjabi and Chinese tastes).

Old Delhi’s ancient spice bazaars and it’s Muslim quarter are obligatory and a true pilgrimage for the mouth. Old Delhi’s tandoori oven and biryani stalls are a must for non-vegetarians. You can get Afghani style curries made from cashew and almond paste, or fresh tandoori chicken off the bone tossed with oil with wild basmati rice. For some less vigorous dishes try subtly spiced kashmiri curries.

To top of your meal go for some imported Afghani dates, dried fruits or a creamy rice custard with cardamom and cinnamon, called keer. The fresh fruits available are also delicious– custard apples, bananas, and papaya are amazingly flavorsome compared with many of our fruits which have been stored or frozen for a long time.

An almost syrupy-sweet masala chai is perfect (even for those who don’t have a sweet tooth) as you continue to roam the windy alley ways full of friendly but mischievous faces – be careful, Indians are great business people and very charming.

One lifetime is truly to short for delhi, let alone india!