New Delhi, Aug 17 (IANS) If you are in love with the tandoor-fresh Mughlai cuisine of the local eateries in south Delhi's Jamia Nagar but struggle to find a decent place to sit, IC Hotel should be your port of call.
In the over-crowded and noisy lanes of Jamia Nagar, IC Hotel's restaurant provides a rare zone of tranquility and a subtly beautiful view of the Yamuna river from its top floor.
Besides, it provides authentic Mughlai cuisine. Of course, it is primarily for non-vegetarians, but the good news is that even vegetarians won't be disappointed here.
I started with the crispy hara bhara kabab served with authentic mint chutney. The tangri kabab and chicken tikka that followed tasted as good as you get at any of the older shops around.
For mutton lovers, it's best to start with the seekh kabab. It brought to mind the kababs I had eaten at roadside food stalls in the Nizamuddin area.
I was next served the basic kadhai chicken which did not much impress my taste buds. I preferred the spicy dal makhni over the chicken. It was the best I have ever had in New Delhi and tasted even better with jeera rice.
One should also not miss the amazing ghost bhurra kabab served with butter naan.
What distinguishes IC from other eateries in the locality is that it experiments with classic dishes. The Anjeer khurmani malai kofta is one of the signature dishes served. I had it for the first time -- and immediately wanted more.
Sadly, there is not much IC offers in beverages. So I stuck to my favourite fresh-lime soda and enjoyed my gosht sagwala -- mutton cubes cooked in spinach gravy.
Even after having so much, I managed to gulp down a part of the murgh Hyderabadi biryani which I quite liked. A portion of firni -- the sweet dish at the end -- was good too.
Apart from Mughlai, one gets Continental and Chinese cuisine as well. Also, once you step into the restaurant, you will forget you are in one of the most congested areas of the national capital.
It is a pocket-friendly place with amazing service and well worth a visit, especially for a family outing.
FAQs
What: IC Hotel
Location: A 36 Abul Fazal Enclave Jamia Nagar, Okhla
Cost for two: Rs 600 to Rs 800
(The author's visit was at the invitation of the restaurant. Ruwa Shah can be contacted at ruwa.s@ians.in)
