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Being Dilliwaala, Delhi (2024)

23/01/2022

Delhi - a city of cities that has been in existence for more than a millennium and still continues to thrive. It has faced numerous challenges and ravaged multiple times. But it still rises from the ashes like a Phoenix. That's Delhi for you!

With urbanization, rapid increase in population and growing number of vehicles, Delhi is facing perhaps of it's most challenging problems. According to a research, the Air Pollution in Delhi reduces up to 10 years from a healthy individuals life. We are consistently on top of the most polluted cities of the world list. And it's high time we did something about it.

We are proud to have taken that first step with joining "Youth Leaders for Clean Air Fellowship" by PRAVAH & . It is a programme for all the young individuals who are passionate to advocate and address the issue of air pollution. As part of it, we'll be going on a journey to address, discuss and engage on the issue of Air Pollution in Delhi for the next 3 months. Looking forward to your support and participation ❤

26/06/2020

The way confluence of cultures has influenced Delhi's Food scene is unparalleled and unprecedented for any city in the world. That's why you can find probably any cuisine from across the world in some corner of the city. Be it Vietnamese, Korean, Afghani, Somalian, Tibetan or European, there's a bit of everything.

In that long list is the Cuisine from Middle East.
While our beloved Shawarma can now be found in every nook and corner, but Al Bake in New Friends Colony is one of the oldest places serving this Mouth-watering delicacy. Owned by MZ Beg & Mirza Saqib who trace their ancestry to Lebanon, this place has been serving customers since 1988. Food is the common denominator which acts as a unifying factor across cultures. The Food brought by different Refugees and Immigrants to Delhi is now an inseparable part of it's soul. Enriching us and bringing different people close to each other ❤

26/06/2020

'How do you carry a place with you?

You pack it
In
The salwar from Sarojini
The Laddoos from Aggrawal Sweets
The Prasad from Bangla Sahib
The Earphones from Rajiv Chowk
The Metro Card from DMRC

You remember it
Like
The morning of Raahgiri Day
The gardens of Mehrauli
The lights of Champa Gali
The roads of Lodhi Art District
The corner seat of Metro coach
The 3rd auto-wala that rejected you
The e-rick that fit that 5th person

You feel it
Whenever
You eat a good plate of Chole Bhature
You drink a good Banta
You feel a hot summer afternoon
You visit a crowded market
You hear the word ‘Dilli’.'
Caption by the super talented ❤

25/06/2020

After winding through the labyrinth of small lanes in Majnu ka Tila, a cup of Coffee at Ama is what one needs to relax. Sipping this heavenly beverage while looking at the Happiness wall is a blissful experience. Written on a wooden slice, the wall has 'Dickyi' (Happiness) in the middle surrounded by 'Shidey' (Peace), 'Tsewa' (Love), 'Ningjay' Choukshey(Compassion), 'Choukshey' (Contentment), 'Rawang' (Freedom) 'Tsultrim' (Principle) and 'Thembaa' (Mindfulness). These interlinked Tibetan words are something we all should ponder about. What they mean to us in this ever changing world and a new normal that we're looking forward to! ❤

25/06/2020

Delhi is a gorgeous but aggressive teenager being brought up by a rich, ostentatious yet conservative family,
Delhi has multiple restrictions and calculated deadlines and her home has a rather toxic environment behind its otherwise pretty walls.
In spite of the demarcation,
Delhi can't be tamed
by the world,
nobody but her lovers.
Delhi has fallen in arms of boys
of double her age
and boys who
would abandon her after a few days
but Delhi cares nothing about time
she only seeks solace in the arms of
these boys for as long as she can
as if she is playing hopscotch
jumping from one pair of arms
to another,
Delhi was fierce, frigid
but her heart was fragile,
it would melt for anyone
who would pour even 1 ounce
of warmth over her bones.
For you,
she'll paint your entire life
in all the nuances of love
if only,
you hold her once
with your warm, assuring hands
in her most vulnerable days.
Delhi is loud, stoic and flamboyant
to most people out there,
but she is also a giver,
a lover,
the passionate and devoted kind
and if you let her fit into your spaces,
she would take it up for as long as you choose to stay
Delhi knows no language,
no language,
but affection.
Poem written by extremely talented .razdan

07/06/2020

Delhi is one city where you can find almost every cuisine not just from the country but across the world. Korean Restaurants have become extremely popular in the past decade with multiple outlets opening up in different parts of the city. Busan in Majnu ka Tila is one such restaurant and serves delectable food. The ambience is authentic with a section dedicated to Seating on floor in traditional korean way. Located in the Labyrinth of small lanes, it's a bit difficult to find but absolutely worth it❤

That's Janchi Guksu in the picture which is a bowl of warm wheat noodles with vegetable broth and vegetable toppings. 😍

09/05/2020

Food scene in Delhi has been constantly changing over centuries with Influences from far and wide making a mark here. In the last couple of decades we've seen things changing rapidly with new innovations & focus back on exploring traditional Indian flavors. On such place is Monsoon by Cafe Lota. A lot of us are aware of the legendary status Cafe Lota in Pragati Maidan has achieved with fusion Indian food from different parts of the country. Taking it forward is this outlet at Aerocity. The vibe at monsoon is pretty different from its contemporaries. With concrete floor, louvered windows, potted plants, yellow stucco walls — it is old-fashioned, soothing and charming.
In the picture above is an unusual combination. Broccoli Makhani - A malai-marinated whole broccoli cooked in tandoor on a bed of butter-chicken style tomato gravy- what is not to love? ❤

09/05/2020

The St. Stephen's college Chapel was finally built in 1952 after the delay in the initial plans due to WW2. Covered with trees all around, this quaint corner of the college campus offers a place for worship & meditation for all without any distinction.
The interesting thing about the chapel is that it houses the remains of the founding principal of the college, Samuel Scott Allnutt. Although he died in 1917, he was only brought here in 1979. A difference of almost 63 years. To find out more about this relocation we found the college pastor who was more than willing to enlighten us. He told us that during the expansion of New Delhi Railway station, the Cemetery at Minto Road was being absorbed into the complex. As Mr. Allnutt was the founding principal, the college decided to bring his remains in the campus where it lies now. There's history everywhere around us truly! ❤

St. Stephen's is one of the oldest colleges in Delhi which was founded on 1st February 1881. In the early years it operated from the bylanes of Kinari bazaar, in Shish Mahal in Katra Khushhal Rai till 1890. It moved to its own building in 1891 which was just opposite St James Church which is now occupied by Election Commissioner of Delhi. Finally it moved to it's present location in Delhi University Enclave in 1941. Designed by Walter George, it's an elegant two storey red brick building making it one of the most beautiful campus in Delhi. 😍

08/05/2020

In the picture you can see the beautiful Bodhi Tree made of Stainless steel designed by the famous Subodh Gupta at NGMA (National Gallery of Moden Art). The idea of a national art gallery to germinate and bear fruit was first mooted in 1949. It was nurtured carefully by Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru and Maulana Azad, sensitive bureaucrats like Humayun Kabir and an active art community. Vice-president Dr S Radhakrishanan formally inaugurated the NGMA in the presence of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and artists and art lovers of the city on March 29, 1954.
The choice of Jaipur House, one of the premier edifices of Lutyens’ Delhi, signified the envisaged high profile of the institution. Designed by architect Charles G Blomfield and his brother Francis B Blomfield, as a residence for the Maharaja of Jaipur, the butterfly-shaped building with a central dome was built in 1936. It was styled after a concept of the Central Hexagon visualised by Sir Edwin Lutyens. Along with buildings designed for other princely potentates like Bikaner and Hyderabad, Jaipur House girded the India Gate circle. The famous architect conceptualised a harmony of facades giving the buildings a distinctive character.

Its collection of more than 1700 works by 2000 plus artists includes artists such as
Thomas Daniell, Raja Ravi Verma, Abanindranath Tagore, Rabindranath Tagore, Gaganendranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose, Jamini Roy, Amrita Sher-Gil as well as foreign artists. Some of the oldest works preserved here date back to 1857.

07/05/2020

The first time I had this Heart shaped Aloo Tikki was as a kid at a relatives shop in Karol Bagh. Not only was beautiful to look at but equally tasty if not more. And the mixed chutney along with it was pure bliss. Tried all sorts it Aloo Tikkis in the city but none was as aesthetically pleasing. So when I joined college, the first thing I did was to find this shop. After having bumped into two other places with similar name, I finally found this place called Sindhi Tikki Corner. Having it after almost 10 years, it felt like I was a kid again. The same taste, the same shape, the same chutney. That was a moment of pure happiness and emotions. Some food experiences are such that they stay with us forever, year after year and this dish is one such.
Taking such a snack which is already close to every Dilliwaala and serving it in the shape of a heart was such an Authentic idea. Glad to have found this place again. Their Gol Gappas are absolutely worth giving a try too.❤

07/05/2020

'Kya Zafar ki rooh kabhi ghumti hai?
Rangoon se Dilli ka raasta Dhoond ti hai?
Kachhi qabr ka naya ghar
kya rooh khushi ke aasoon roti hai?
Ya dilli ke gham mein pighhal ti hai?

Sufi jo dil, Sufi jo jaan
Khoon jahan mitti se judd chuka
Kya Zafar ki rooh dilli ke liye tarasti hai?' Poem and Picture by the super talented

Zafar Mahal is the last monument built by the Mughals and is in a pretty bad shape right now. Like some of his ancestors Bahadur Shah Zafar wanted to get buried here only, in the Vicinity of Qutub Dargah. But alas it was not meant to be and he was buried in an unmarked grave in 1862. As luck would have it his grave was found in 1990 in Myanmar where now it's a full fledged complex. While Zafar lies buried in Myanmar, we're sure his grave is aching to get back to his beloved land and inshallah one day it'll happen ❤

05/05/2020

If you think old Delhi and breakfast for vegetarians, this picture will surely come to your mind. With 6 generations enriching this establishment with their experience, Shyam Sweets was founded Babu Ramji in 1910. They owe thier legendary status and glory to Bedmi Puri & Aloo and Nagori Halwa which is made with a secret spice mix. Both these distinct dishes leaving the customers drooling for more.
Bedmi poori is different from the regular ones as it has grounded urad dal & secret spice mix added to it along with wheat flour. The deep fried pooris are accompanied by Aloo curry and Chhole generally, with Kaddu replacing it on Sundays. The savory-sweet combination is incomplete without Nagori Halwa. Nagoris are small pooris which are crispy, crumbly paired with Suji Halwa.
The shop is located at Barshabullah chowk in Chawri Bazaar, which used to be the quarters of courtesans in mughal times but is now a market for wedding cards and paper. You would find yourself waiting in a long queue here on a Sunday morning but let us assure you, the wait is absolutely worth every bite of this heavenly goodness ❤

04/05/2020

Scenes from a regular day in Corona free world. The cycle wale bhaiya with his cycle decked up of all the supplies for 24*7 smiles uncle at the tea stall, parked the cycle under the the greens of an British era house, Civil lines was the city for the elite the British on the out skirts of Shahjahanabad.

After doing all the exchange of goods he used to grab a free cup of tea chatting to uncle who would be busy preparing 'Butter-Mirchi' Maggie, Bun maska and Chai, responding to cycle wale bhaiya once in a while.
Those were the days, chilling at the favourite chai wala of civil lines Delhi. An ode to all the Gulab Tea Stall Fans 🍃

Picture & Caption by 💛 Check out her feed ❤

04/05/2020

Different and appealing, DILLI HAAT is located in one of the most important commercial centers of South Delhi, opposite INA market. The 6 acres of land on which this sprawling complex is situated was salvaged as part of a reclamation project and transformed into a magnificent dream plaza.
Bringing together handicrafts, arts and food from all across the country, this place is a melting pot of cultures. Almost every state has a stall here where they can sell the authentic cuisine from their home state. And one dish which has become synonymous with Dilli Haat is Momos. With 7 sisters serving this delicacy, it soon acquired the cult status in Dilli Haat. Our favorite stall is the one from Sikkim. The Chicken fried momos along with a glass of chilled fruit beer is a killer combination to try whenever you're in Dilli Haat. Or if you're crazy enough like us you just go there specially for these momos ❤

03/05/2020

The National Police Memorial in India commemorates the 34,844 police personnel from all of the central and state police forces in India who have died in the line of duty since the nation's Independence in 1947. Located in New Delhi's Chanakyapuri area, the 6.12 acres (2.48 hectares) memorial consists of a 30-foot (9.1-metre) tall and 238-tonne (234-long-ton; 262-short-ton) heavy black granite central sculpture, a museum and a "Wall of Valour' bearing the names of all 34,844 police personnel who have died in the line of duty. The underground museum is the first police museum of its kind in India, and showcases over 2000 years of policing in the region, since the time of Kautilya's system of law and order in 310 BCE.

Police is India has been a force which is much loved and much hated at the same time. Inspite of all the shortcomings of the policing system, it's important for us to realize the sacrifice they make in protecting us. They're overworked, underpaid and can get a shift any time but still continue to serve us at a great personal cost. We respect them for whatever they've done for us and we expect them to constantly keep improving themselves to serve us better. Learn from the mistakes they've made and become a truly 21st century Police force of a Sovereign Secular Socialist Democratic Republic.
And specially in these difficult times, let us help them in the discharge of their duties to protect the nation from any harm. Jai hind ❤

03/05/2020

Only in Old Delhi would you find a place which used to sell these delicious, Lipsmacking Spicy Chhole Kulche on the platform outside a closed shop. Lotan Ji Chhole Kulche which is being run by the 4th Generation now has moved to a spacious shop in the same lane a few months ago. The taste is still the same, even better for now you can have the Kulchas warmed up in Amul Butter. Mr Mahavir , who's been the person satisfying the early morning hunger of countless Dilliwaalas for years now sits on a comfortable table and chair taking orders while the staff does the rest of the job. A welcome change if you ask him but he insists that they won't compromise with the quality in any case. And that's enough to make us happy ❤

Devouring this heavenly dish we witnessed something quintessential to old Delhi. An old Muslim gentleman passing by greeted his friend assalam walikum and the old Hindu friend replied Jai Shree Ram. That's what this country is all about. Respect and love for all. These old Delhi legends are what binds the culture and food of our society together ❤

02/05/2020

"I often sit under this tree and contemplate my life decisions, it is almost like this place knows all the answers to my questions"
Standing as the last stele of the Mughal Empire, the monumental tomb garden of Safdarjung is an epitome of beauty and solace. There is something so peaceful yet so chaotic about this place. Away from the utter harshness and hustle of the world, this is a refuge to anyone who seeks to discover themselves.
Built as a memoir of the ulterior yearning of the Wazir ul-Mamalik-i-Hindustan to rest in the soul of the city, it speaks volumes of millions of unrequited love stories and unfulfilled desires people carry in their hearts to this place.❤
📷 :
Caption by :

02/05/2020

We love maps. We are constantly trying to map the world around us in different ways. Sometimes the different cities we want to travel to or our long due checklist of countries to visit. And for us personally, this love commenced in 3rd standard when we were being taught the political map of India. It was love at first sight. We quickly remembered all the states and their capitals. But that was not all. Going Country by country, we memorised the whole world into our brain. The whole earth can reside inside the brain in the form of a map. And that's what we aim to do with every city that we visit.
As for Delhi, it has seen it's map change umpteen times with every new ruler hell bent on leaving their mark. This city of cities encompasses the 7 historical cities and the contemporary British capital along with the present day Delhi. Each and every historical monument & place clearly marked for generations to see. It also tells us how the places we live in today were lush green forests just a century ago. That's the beauty of maps, they say a lot.
And there's a Persian saying which says that whoever builts a new city in Delhi ends up losing it really soon. Be it Chauhan or Tughlaq or Shah Jahan or the British. Each of them could barely rule in the new cities that they built for themselves. Every ruler ends up making this folly.Central Vista Project seems to be in the same category. Here's hoping that no one else does it now! 😜

01/05/2020

When we generally hear Butter chicken we think of chicken in a creamy red gravy, but this place has changed that forever.
Aslam Chicken had very humble beginnings in 1995 when they used to sell on a cart outside the very same shop in Matia Mahal, Jama Masjid. But as Mr Aslam incorporated the spice mix his father had told him, things took an interesting turn. Using those spices and adding actual Amul Butter to this chicken, Aslams famed Butter chicken was born. Today it's name is famous far and wide across Delhi and many people swear by it's name. As Mr Aslam puts it, many tried to copy but none could succeed. From a single cart to a 5 floor Behemoth, this establishment has seen it all.
Our favorite spot is the rooftop table from where we can watch Jama Masjid and have a birds eye view of our beloved Old Delhi ❤ During Ramzaan this place is so packed that you've to wait a great deal before securing a table and once we had to make do with eating in the kitchen standing 😂. The owners son, Arbaaz is a well built gentleman who has been supporting his father from the beginning and still likes to prepare the food himself. This place is truly a paradise to devour mughlai cuisine and divulge in this one of it's kind Butter chicken ❤❤

30/04/2020

The Fourth generation of a Family run bookstore looking at their favorite author/photographer ( ,Our favorite too ❤) in Delhi's Posh Khan Market one fine February evening ❤

Faqir Chand and sons was originally started as Oriental Bookshop in Peshawar Cantonment in an Undivided India. After Partition, the owner moved to Delhi's Khan Market and started a same kind of bookshop here naming it after himself. It is one of the very few original shops which have survived despite all fancy outlets opening around. Most of the owners have either moved out or rented out their spaces. Another unique thing about them is that the owners are one of the few families still living in Khan Market ❤

One thing you'll notice about Faqir chand is the seemingly haphazard way of keeping books. But if you ask us, that's where the beauty of this place lies. And our friend Abhinav (), who runs the shop with his parents gladly agrees with continuing the originality of this place. Abhinav also gives excellent book suggestions, so you know where to head to for all your book needs. The best part about this place are the warm & helpful owners❤ This landmark of Delhi is our favorite and we love to just stand at a side and watch this homely bookstore go about it's business ❤❤

29/04/2020

In the posh lanes of Khan market, Anglow is a place which beautifully embraces the Anglo-Indian Culture. Sophisticated ambience along with scrumptious food and great music, this place is an experience. Amalgamating Indian and European flavors, we absolutely loved this place ❤ This place deserves an award fot best ambience in Khan Market!
We tried an array of dishes like Spinach and cheese samosas, Deviled scotch eggs and Bengal lancers shrimp Curry which is there in this picture. The Skinners horse regiment of the Indian Army gave this dish to the world of anglo-india. A spicy tomato based shrimp Curry. Served with Malabar Paratha. ❤

28/04/2020

"For when we migrate, we murder from our lives those we leave behind."
Exit West is a story of great deal of loss and displacement woven around with a love story. In a world which is constantly trying to shun the other, this book is about the displacement of a young Syrian couple to the West via magic doors which lead you to an unknown but safe place. Mohsin Hamid again weaves out a story of a historical world event. His previous work, 'The Reluctant Fundamentalist' is a book with stellar narration and a brilliant story.
Reading this book here in Delhi, we're reminded of the displacements which have shaped this great city. Be it the constant ravaging over centuries, the move to daulatabad or the influx of Refugees after 1947. All these episodes have made the city what it is today. Shaping it's culture, it's people, it's food and it's lifestyle. Even after independence, Delhi has accepted people with open arms, be it from Tibet or other neighboring countries. Isn't it hypocritical for us to close our doors to anyone in need what we ourselves came here as migrants once. The city accepted us as it's own and so should we to the people that continue to come here for various reasons.
This picture was taken at , one of the most beautiful gardens the city has to offer. They've been recently renovated & restored by Aga Khan Trust. The place has been very well maintained with fountains, greenery and monuments all around. A perfect place for a picnic with friends or just a solitary book reading session ❤

27/04/2020

From a little known cafe in an obscure part of the city to one of the best places to eat around the town, AMA cafe has seen it all. We still vividly remember our first time here in 2014 when they only had one floor. The 10 of us and two Monks were the only customers during the lunch hours. But today irrespective of the time you go, you'll most probably end up waiting for a table. It's expanded more than 5 times it's original space and still it's always beeming with people. The aesthetics are absolutely lovely and the die hard fans can recognize the place just by looking at a picture. And the best part about AMA? The food is still great!!!! A lot of places compromise on food quality once they get famous but AMA has only got better with it. Adding more items on the menu and doing justice to all of them. If you know us, you'd probably know how much we love this place or you have been here with us sometime!! (If not we're always up for AMA) The homely & soothing feel of this place along with Lipsmacking food makes it our absolute favorite😍💕
Seen here in the picture is American breakfast which has Chicken sausage, bacon🥓 (❤❤), pancakes and a plain omelette. We highly recommend you to try any item on the menu, everything is brilliant specially the 4 cheese pizza and Mud cake with Vanilla ice cream ❤
We know it'll be some weeks till we can devour these things again, but in the meanwhile do share your favorite thing about AMA with us ❤
Lots of love❤😘

23/04/2020

We've spent more than two decades in Delhi but nothing comes close to this holistic experience of a year in Delhi in 'City of Djinns'. Not only is it full of historical anecdotes in a reverse chronological order from post partition Delhi to the Delhi of Mahabharata. But also makes a special connect with us as newly arrived couple & settles into the city with Mrs Puri being the quintessential Punjabi landlord. The quirks of Balvinder Singh the driver are hilarious. Mr Dalrymple makes us fall even more in love with this city of cities ❤

As we read this book at the Central Park in New York City this winter, we never actually felt that we're away from our beloved Delhi. It's literally a city in the sky with lots of space to walk around the town but the hustle bustle of NYC reminded us of home and the cosmopolitan culture that both these cities share. Our thoughts and prayers with the people of New York in these difficult times. We're sure such a beautiful and resilient city will come back stronger after all this. ❤
Lots of love❤

22/04/2020

Where all the broken hearts go ❤

Being Dilliwaala

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