Delhi Delhi — Restaurant in Maungakiekie-Tāmaki

We recently dined at Delhi Delhi in Royal Oak, Auckland, and here's an honest take on the experience.

To begin with, the ambience is top-notch — a warm, welcoming atmosphere with beautifully curated interiors. From the small wooden lamps to the elegant wall art of Indian women in traditional attire, and decorative elements like elephants and rhinos, it truly captures a slice of India.

Now, coming to the food:

For starters, we ordered:

Hara Bhara Kabab: Crispy, fresh, and packed with flavour. A great start to the meal. Dry Manchurian: Unfortunately, this fell flat. The texture was soggy, and the taste was predominantly tangy without much depth. It lacked the expected Indo-Chinese punch. For the main course:

Malai Kofta: We specifically asked whether it would be sweet or spicy and were told it wouldn’t be too sweet. However, it turned out to be excessively sweet, with the kofta made of dates and the curry base heavy on cashew paste. Definitely not what we were expecting. Dhaba Style Dal Tadka: This was decent, buttery and smooth, but felt like it was missing that distinct dhaba masala punch. Still, enjoyable. Fried Rice - brilliant taste and well made! Loved it Momos - not a fan of! But nicely made.. Cheese Chilli Naan: Quite disappointing — the naan was double-layered like a double roti, overloaded with cheese. The taste of the naan itself was totally overshadowed and missing altogether. What really stood out was the service. The shift manager, Mr. Sidhu, was an absolute gem — professional, courteous, and genuinely customer-focused. He checked in multiple times and made sure we were comfortable. The chefs were friendly and shared warm smiles from the open kitchen, which added a lovely personal touch.

The presentation of the dishes was neat, and the plating was thoughtful. The cleanliness of the place is also worth noting — everything felt hygienic and well-maintained.

Overall, it's a beautiful spot with great service, but the food quality was inconsistent, especially in terms of flavour balance. If they can improve the authenticity and taste consistency, this place has a lot of potential.

Would I return? Possibly — but only after checking with the chef about the...

Birthday Celebration at Delhi Delhi Restaurant & Bar

I recently celebrated my birthday with family and friends at Delhi Delhi Restaurant & Bar, and it was an impressive experience. We were greeted with warm hospitality and a lively atmosphere.

Food: The food was delicious! We tried a variety of dishes, and each one was satisfied with authentic flavors. The butter chicken was creamy and rich, the vegetarian food palak panner, butter paneer, veg manchuria & bendi masala were perfectly spiced, and the naan was soft and fresh. The presentation of the dishes was also impressive, making the meal even more enjoyable. Service: The service was excellent. The host & staff were attentive, and friendly, ensuring we had everything we needed. Our orders were served promptly, and the staff frequently checked in to ensure we were satisfied.

Ambiance: The ambiance of the restaurant added to the overall experience. The décor was elegant, and the seating was comfortable. The lively yet cozy environment made it a perfect place for a celebration.

Overall, Delhi Delhi Restaurant & Bar exceeded our expectations. Thank you for making my birthday celebration truly memorable. I recommend...

We booked the entire Delhi Delhi Restaurant to celebrate our daughter’s birthday, and I must say, this was by far the best restaurant experience we have ever had! Over the past 10 years, we’ve hosted her birthday at different venues, but none have come close to the outstanding service and hospitality we received here.

A special thank you to Sidhu Ji, who went above and beyond to accommodate every request with such warmth and dedication—it was truly overwhelming in the best way possible.

The food was absolutely amazing, and the staff were incredibly attentive, ensuring every little detail was taken care of. The ambiance, service, and overall experience exceeded our expectations.

I highly recommend their banquet menu option, which offers a fantastic selection at very affordable prices compared to other restaurants. If you're looking for a venue for a special occasion, Delhi Delhi Restaurant is a...