Kala Cafe — Restaurant in New Delhi

My First Visit to Kala Cafe: A Symphony of Art and Flavor

Stepping into Kala Cafe for the first time was like walking into a vibrant painting where history and culinary artistry blend seamlessly. Nestled in the historic heart of Janpath, Delhi, right next to the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Kala Cafe is the brainchild of Neha Gupta, a renowned name in Delhi's F&B scene, known for her other ventures like Nineteen78.

A Historic Backdrop

Kala Cafe isn't just a place to eat; it's an experience that marries the richness of Indian culture with contemporary art and flavor. The historic setting of Janpath adds a unique charm, making every sip and bite feel like a celebration of Delhi's rich heritage.

The Ambiance

As soon as I walked in, I was captivated by the artistic ambiance. Each corner of the cafe tells a story, with art pieces adorning the walls and a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes you want to linger. The blend of traditional and modern decor sets the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable culinary journey.

The Culinary Experience

Kala Cafe is an all-day diner, open from 10 AM to 8 PM, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely brunch, a quick lunch, or a relaxing dinner. The menu is a testament to Neha Gupta's vision, offering a delightful mix of authentic Indian street food and global favorites.

Here's what I tried on my first visit:

Gol Gappe: These were a refreshing burst of flavors, with the perfect balance of tangy and spicy. Dilli 6 Papri Chaat: This dish transported me straight to the streets of Old Delhi with its authentic taste. Peri Peri Fries: A spicy twist on a classic favorite, these fries were crispy and flavorful. Chandni Chowk Ke Chole Bhature: This dish was an absolute delight, with soft bhature and perfectly spiced chole. Fusilli Al Pesto: A surprising addition to the menu, the pasta was cooked to perfection and the pesto was fresh and flavorful. Manchurian Gravy with Fried Rice: A hearty dish that combined the best of Indian and Chinese flavors. Moong Dal Halwa: Rich and indulgent, this dessert was the perfect end to my meal.

Refreshing Beverages

To wash down these delightful dishes, I opted for a Cold Coffee and a Mango Shake. The Cold Coffee was smooth and invigorating, just the way I like it. The Mango Shake, on the other hand, was refreshing and brought back sweet memories of summer.

Exceptional Service

The service at Kala Cafe was prompt and attentive, enhancing the overall experience. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, ready to recommend dishes and ensure that every guest feels welcome.

Final Thoughts

Kala Cafe is not just a cafe; it's a journey through the rich tapestry of Indian flavors and artistic expression. Every dish is a masterpiece, and the historic setting adds a unique charm that makes you want to come back for more. Whether you're a food lover, an art enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a unique dining experience in Delhi, Kala Cafe is the place to be.

I can't wait to revisit and explore more of their exquisite menu. If you're in Delhi and looking for a place where every sip is a work of art set against the backdrop of history, Kala Cafe is...

Visited Kala Café after seeing it trending on Instagram and featured in multiple reels, so I decided to check it out. Unfortunately, my experience was far from what I had expected. The café was not at all worth the hype. In fact, it was extremely disappointing and frustrating on several levels.

The only part of the experience that I can say was good was the ambiance. The service, unfortunately, was a disaster. The staff seemed lost and inattentive, completely unaware of how to manage a busy café. It was clear they lacked coordination and the overall experience suffered because of it.

As for the food, it was one disappointment after another. I started with sambar dosa, which looked decent, but the sambar was so watery and thin that it barely resembled sambar. It took roughly 25 minutes for the first dish (the sambar dosa) to arrive. I then tried to order other items, including gol gappe, chhole bhatture, spring rolls, honey chilli potatoes- only to be told they were not available. Left with limited options, I went with red sauce pasta. The taste was strange and difficult to describe. Even after requesting the staff to improve it, I would rate it 5/10.

Next, I ordered pizza, which was just average, 6/10. I then tried to order some Chinese dishes, but yet again, I was informed that they weren’t available. Frustrated, I ordered crispy chili paneer, which was another disappointment. The texture of the paneer was so bad—it was rubbery and difficult to eat.

Towards the end, I decided to order a brownie with ice cream. Initially, I was told it wasn’t available, but later they managed to arrange it. Ironically, the brownie with ice cream was the one item that was actually enjoyable.

Overall, this cafe is not worth the hype at all. The poor service, subpar food, and repeated lack of availability of menu items made for a frustrating and unsatisfying experience. I wouldn’t recommend this café to anyone based on my visit. It was a letdown in almost...

📍 Location: Nestled in the heart of Delhi, Kala Cafe is easy to locate and hard to forget once you’ve tasted its menu. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, it’s a spot that’s buzzing with energy.

🕒 Timings: Open throughout the day (please check live timings before visiting), Kala Cafe becomes especially crowded during brunch and early evening hours – so plan accordingly!

✨ Ambiance & Decor: The ambiance is vibrant, youthful, and artistically rich – true to its name, ‘Kala’. With boho-chic decor and indie music humming in the background, the place has a very inviting vibe. However, due to its popularity, it was absolutely jam-packed during my visit – but that speaks volumes about its charm and taste!

🥤 What I Tried & Loved: • Chocolate Shake – Thick, creamy, and indulgent. A chocolate lover’s dream come true. • Smoothie – Fresh, perfectly chilled, and absolutely refreshing. • Chole Bhature – Fluffy bhature with rich, spicy chole that hit the spot. A perfect Delhi-style breakfast done right. • Momos (Veg & Paneer) – Soft dumplings with flavorful fillings and delicious dips. Both versions were mouthwatering.

🍽️ Service & Wait Time: Be prepared to wait in a queue, especially during peak hours. It’s first-come-first-serve, and yes, you will need some patience to get a table. But trust me, the food and atmosphere make it worth every minute.

🗣️ Why People Love It: • The taste is consistently top-notch • The ambiance is picture-perfect for casual hangouts and even solo coffee runs • It’s become a local favorite, which explains the constant crowd

🔻 Room for Improvement: • The waiting time can be a bit much on weekends • Slightly better queue management or a token system could improve the experience

🎯 Final Verdict: If you’re in Delhi and craving great food in a cool setting, Kala Cafe is a must-visit. Just come prepared to wait — because good things (especially Chocolate Shakes and Chole Bhature!) take time.

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