With it's birth as Shahjahanabad in 1639, the wallet city of Delhi continued to be the capital of the Mughals till the end of the dynasty - and carried the history forward with the havelis and the royal cuisine - both speaking of the grandeur of the olden years that this place has seen. Today, although the scene has completely changed - with dilapidated buildings and crowded alleys carrying weight of the old world charm on their shoulders, the aura still prevails.
Frequented by foodaholics and on a must-do list of foreigners, Chandni Chowk is a place unknown to none. Be it the best mughlai food available throught the year, the seasonal delicacies, or the history of the place - it attracts people from every nook and corner of the world - Indians and foreigners alike. President, Heritage India Foundation and MP Mr. Vijay Goel & his son Siddhant, orchestrated the restoration of Haveli Dharampura - located in one of the bylanes - Gali Gulian, Dharampura - over 7 years! A work of passion and dedication - the before and after pictures of the three storeyed haveli - speak for themselves - the story of a khandahar turning into a heritage hotel. Just consider the facts - 7 years; 45 lakhs, around 1000 trucks of debris - don't they speak of the enormity of the task?
view from the courtyard
the yet to open rooftop restaurant
The majesty of the haveli will leave you spellbound - well appointed rooms and suites, chajjas, a central courtyard with a fountain, a library, a rooftop restaurant with a view and a 360 view of the walled city - are examples of the magnificence. Haveli Dharampura is the perfect example of restoration - the mughal architecture is perfectly preserved - a feat achieved during the first 3 years. What was once dotted by ramshackle balconies, flaking walls and a claustrophobic colony of 60 rooms, has now been transformed into royal rooms & suites, each named after a gate of Delhi. There will be performances, a museum, a library, a heritage centre to name a few.
the well appointed royal rooms
the rooms are named after gates of delhi
some artistic jharokhas
Lakhori is the quaint in house restaurant of the haveli - and will cater to both the residents and non-residents. The menu here is in full sync with vibe of Chandni Chowk - where traditional and modern co-exist in symphony - some age old mughlai recipes, some modern twists and a plethora of exciting beverages to choose from. The smoothies and mock-tails are a perfect blend of time-honored and modern recipes - who knew the customary chai-biscuit could have an avatar as a beverage. Jahan-Ara was everyone's favorite - a khus based mocktail infused with some chili flavor made its rounds. The array of smoothies tasted as good as they appeared to the eyes and Paan Banarasi - a liquified version of the favorite mouth freshener was refreshing.
murgh ke paarchey - that desi ghee hollandaise was pure bliss
dahi puri
the beverage avatar of chai biscuit
jahan ara
the smoothies - look at the colors
paranthas - chandni chowk style
desserts anyone - varieties of kheer
The menu boasts of mughlai cuisine with twists - kadak roomali roti redefining the concept of community eating, the kebabs served with miniature paranthas and the very surprising aloo gobhi mutter deconstructed - a must try - what a brilliant way of presenting the household common. The menu has ample choices - especially the vegetarians are going to be very contented eating here.
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kadak roomali roti - community eating!
aloo gobhi matar deconstructed
mutton korma
The haveli, now a Welcome Heritage property opens to public next month, reservations are on. It is perfect way to rejoice the history and aura that Chandni Chowk so elegantly echoes.
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