Philadelphia, PA - All the rich spices in Indian cuisine create the unique flavors we can’t seem to get enough of. Just as the weather gets cooler there is something about a plate of steaming curry that just warms the soul. Established in 1988, New Delhi is now the oldest running Indian restaurant in the city of Philadelphia. So naturally we had to stop in and check it out.
Located at 40th and Chestnut this restaurant is a staple of University City and a tradition for all students, faculty, and staff who pass through. Creator and chef, Hardev Singh, began his journey in the art of fine cooking long before New Delhi in the city of New York during the late 1960s. New Delhi is the culmination of years of experience and dedication to his craft. A decade since retiring, Hardev Singh has passed his extraordinary cooking skills to his eldest son Josh Singh (Executive Chef), who along with brothers, Rick and Kyle Singh, have continued New Delhi’s legacy as an establishment that represents excellence in Indian cooking all the while providing patrons with a completely satisfying dining experience.
Whether dining in or taking out, customers can enjoy a variety of vegetarian, gluten-free, and even vegan dishes. The restaurant features a buffet option everyday for both lunch and dinner as well as a full menu. The buffet is $9.95 for lunch and $12.95 for dinner including vegetarian, chicken, and lamb dishes that rotate. As well as appetizers, sides, bread, basmati rice, salad bar, and dessert.
The restaurant has modern decor inside, as well as outside seating. The entire restaurant was renovated in 2008. They also offer a full service bar with drink specials featuring $3 beers, glasses of wine, and shots. They also offer a daily $2 beer special. Some of the most popular specialty drinks include the Shimla, Mango Colada, and Mango Strawberry Sangria. Happy hour is offered Tuesday-Friday 4-6 pm with $1 off beers and cocktails.
The weather was beautiful so we chose to sit outside while we dined. Choosing appetizers is never easy so we opted for the New Delhi’s Special Hors D’ Oeuvres platter with a combination of options.
This sampler included:
- Chicken Pakora- 5 spiced, boneless chicken fritters flavored with onion, garlic, and ginger.
- Vegetable Samosas– 2 deep fried, vegetable turnovers stuffed with green peas and potatoes (vegan)
- Chicken Tikka– broiled cubes of chicken marinated in yogurt and spices (gluten-free)
- Seekh Kebab– barbecued minced lamb seasoned with onions and herbs.
For our main course we chose the Garlic Naan, and Makhni Chicken made with0 tender pieces of chicken tandoori cooked in a fresh tomato sauce with butter (gluten-free). We also enjoyed the Shrimp Vindaloo cooked in a hot, tangy sauce (gluten-free) and the Palak Paneer with fried cheese cubes in minced spinach with spices (gluten-free). We loved everything so much there were barely any leftovers!
Other popular dishes include Channa Masala which is chickpeas with herbs and spices in a medium-hot sauce (vegan and gluten-free). Lamb Saag Wala which is lamb cooked with freshly minced spinach (gluten-free). Chicken Tikka Masala which is chicken cubes cooked with onions and peppers in a tomato and butter sauce (gluten-free). And whatever the flavor get yourself an order of Naan. This flatbread is cooked in the tandoor oven and comes out of the kitchen piping hot and fresh.
For dessert many enjoy the Mango Lassi which is a popular yogurt drink, as well as Kulfi which is Indian ice cream enriched with nuts and flavored with rose water (gluten-free) or Gulab Jamun which are home-made milk-balls dipped in honey syrup. So what are you waiting for? Whether you’re a regular or never tried Indian cuisine before , we suggest you stop by New Delhi. Catering and party platters are available with 72 hours notice. They also offers online delivery if you aren’t feeling up to coming into the restaurant.
