Delhi Darbar — Restaurant in Mumbai

"Delhi Darbar: A Royal Disaster"

"Oh, Delhi Darbar, how the mighty have fallen! Once a revered name in the realm of Indian cuisine, this establishment has sadly become a shadow of its former self. Allow me to paint you a picture of my recent tragic encounter with this supposedly "famous" restaurant.

Stepping into Delhi Darbar with my family for a late lunch, I expected a regal dining experience befitting its name. Little did I know that we were about to endure a culinary nightmare that left a bitter taste in our mouths—both literally and metaphorically.

The stage was set for disaster from the moment we sat down. The roomali rotis, once renowned for their delicate fluffiness, arrived at our table half-cooked. When we brought this to the attention of the waitstaff, not only did they refuse to acknowledge the issue, but they also failed to offer the simplest of apologies. It was as if they were determined to set the tone for the rest of our miserable meal.

Venturing into their menu, which boasts of traditional northern Punjabi dishes, we ordered the chicken biryani, expecting a flavorful explosion. Alas, what arrived at our table was a mere ghost of this iconic dish. Bland and uninspiring, it left us wondering if the kitchen had forgotten to add the spices. As for the butter chicken, while slightly better, it failed to impress, with the chicken sliced into thin, sad little stripes that made us question if they had run out of proper cuts.

The service, my dear readers, was another travesty altogether. Average would have been a blessing at this point. Instead, we were subjected to the most blatant form of racial discrimination. While we patiently waited for our food, the waiters scurried to cater to some foreigners who had the audacity to waltz in after us and be served before us. It seems that in the eyes of Delhi Darbar, some customers are more equal than others.

And let us not forget the infamous tip incident. As if the insult to our taste buds and wallets wasn't enough, the waiter had the nerve to boldly ask if we wanted to add a tip to our credit card. Truly, the audacity of such a request left us speechless.

In conclusion, my 30-year association with Delhi Darbar has come to a bitter end. This once-proud restaurant has become a mere shell of its former self, living off a reputation that is rapidly crumbling. To the owners and management, I say this: mend your ways or prepare to shut your doors for good. The days of relying on a famed past are long gone. The only fitting conclusion to this review is a warning to prospective diners—stay away, for your taste buds and...

Delhi Durbar Restaurant in Mumbai is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic traditional Indian food. Renowned for its rich flavors and diverse menu, this restaurant consistently draws a crowd, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself waiting for a table. The queue is a testament to its popularity and the quality of food served.

The ambience is simple and functional, with seating available on both the ground floor and the first floor. While the seating arrangements might not be the most comfortable, especially if you’re looking for something cozy, the focus here is undoubtedly on the food. The décor may be basic, but it provides a straightforward dining experience where the food truly takes center stage.

Speaking of the food, it’s nothing short of exceptional. Delhi Durbar offers a wide variety of dishes, and whether you’re a fan of biryani, kebabs, korma, or thandai, you’ll find something to satisfy your taste buds. The biryani here is particularly noteworthy, widely regarded as some of the best you can find in Mumbai. The restaurant also accommodates requests for customization regarding spice levels, which is great for those who prefer their food a bit milder or spicier.

One of the standout aspects of Delhi Durbar is its pricing. For the quality and portion sizes, the prices are quite reasonable, making it an excellent choice for a flavorful yet affordable meal. If you’re in the mood for spicy, traditional Indian cuisine, this is definitely the right place to be.

In summary, Delhi Durbar Restaurant offers a delightful culinary experience, particularly for those who love biryani and other traditional dishes. While the ambience may not be the most luxurious, the outstanding food more than makes up for it. It’s a top choice for anyone looking to enjoy some of the best traditional...

I've been meaning to try Delhi Darbar in Mumbai for quite some time now because I’ve heard so much about it from friends and family. It’s known as one of the city’s iconic places for Mughlai food, especially their kebabs, biryanis, and rich curries. People rave about their generous portions, authentic flavours, and the old-school vibe that reminds you of how Mughlai cuisine should taste.

Unfortunately, my first attempt to visit didn’t go as planned. I went on a weekend, which I expected would be busy, but I didn’t realise just how packed it could get. First of all, Delhi Darbar doesn’t have its own dedicated parking, which makes things even more difficult if you’re driving there. Finding a spot in the surrounding lanes is next to impossible, especially on a busy evening.

We decided to wait anyway, hoping to get a table soon. But the queue outside was extremely long, and there was no clear system to manage it. We ended up waiting for more than 30 minutes, but the line hardly moved. Seeing families and groups waiting with no clear estimate of when they’d get a table made us feel like it might take another hour or more.

As much as we were craving their famous biryani and tandoori dishes, we finally gave up and left because the wait was just too long. It was disappointing, but I’d still like to come back on a weekday or maybe at an odd hour when it’s not so crowded.

I’d strongly recommend that if you’re planning to visit Delhi Darbar Mumbai, try to go on a weekday or be prepared for a long wait. Also, it would really help if they could arrange some sort of valet service or have parking assistance, because that’s the first hurdle. I hope my next visit lives up to the hype because the food is supposed to be worth every bit of effort. Fingers crossed...