Daryaganj - Legacy of 1947

 Daryaganj - By the Inventors of Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani

Daryaganj is not just another restaurant in the lanes of Connaught Place. Let's take you back to where it all started. Kundan Lal Jaggi started it in 1947 in Daryaganj after the partition. The spices he used, made his dal makhani and butter chicken a legacy on its own. He hosted many politicians and renowned people of his times. A wall dedicated to this. This restaurant is a tribute to his legacy and an attempt to preserve the authenticity of the taste of that era. That's a brief overview, I guess you can check the long story on their website. 

We'll just start with our own dining experience now. So, the ambience gives you a pretty bright and soothing kind of a feeling the minute you enter the place. I personally loved the open bricked wall look on one end and mirror on the opposite end. They have very comfortable seating to sit back and go down the 1947 lane. The old songs playing in the background just takes it up a notch. I've set the benchmark high from the food section now. 

Time to order some Drinks - 

Mattha from Daryaganj - The good old Punjabi buttermilk. Can't go wrong with that. 

Peach Iced Tea - Peach flavored iced tea. Too sweet for me. 

Thandai - Traditional milk with saffron and dry fruits. The best of all there is in the limited edition of the drinks menu. 

After a mediocre experience with the drinks, let's give the appetizers a try -

Bharwan Paneer Tikka - The old fashioned paneer tikka stuffed with more paneer. Loved it. 

Mushroom Kurkuri - Crunchy outside layer with cheesy mushrooms on the inside. Quite innovative and different. 

Mutton Burrah - This sure looked like one hell of an appetizer. Tasted just fine. 

Dahi ke Kebab - Another appetizer you just can't miss. Loved the softness of the kebab. 

Paraanth ki Chaap - Minced Mutton filled with secret spices and roasted garlic on top. Yummy indeed. 

The appetizers were quite delicious. But is it better than the Main Course? Let's see - 

The Original 1947 Dal Makhani - This one is their specialty. And after taking one bite of it, you're damn sure it is. The thick creamy buttery Dal Makhani is scrumptious. 

The Original Butter Paneer - Again one of their specials. This was creamy indeed but not better than the Dal Makhani. 

Mutton Dum Biryani - The properly cooked mutton pieces and the biryani felt so good that i can't describe it further. You just have to go there and enjoy it. Raita is not required to savor the taste but you can still try with it. Definitely a highlight. 

After the heavenly Main Course i was literally Full. But hey there's always room for Desserts right?

Gulab Jamun - Yummy.

Ras Malai - Heavenly.

My Overall Experience of this place?

Perfect combination of good authentic North Indian Cuisines, prompt service and a soothing ambience. Next time you're in CP, definitely drop a visit to this beauty.