A love for spicy chole bhature, nostalgic Chinese food and traditional Indian desserts – take a food trail through Delhi-NCR inspired by Virat Kohli’s food preferences
Virat Kohli might be known for his disciplined fitness routine, but the cricketer has never hidden his love for good food. Having grown up in Delhi, his food memories are closely connected to the Capital’s street-food culture, from hearty Punjabi breakfasts to neighbourhood Chinese food joints. If you are curious about the flavours he enjoys, here are five food destinations to add to your Delhi-NCR food trail.
Rama Chole Bhature, Tilak Nagar – for a classic Punjabi breakfast
When it comes to Virat Kohli’s food preferences, chole bhature deserves a special mention. Rama Chole Bhature on Jail Road, Tilak Nagar, is one of the eateries associated with his childhood food memories. The outlet is known for its spicy chickpea curry served with fluffy bhature, accompanied by onion-carrot chutney. It is a familiar West Delhi favourite for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty Punjabi breakfast.
Civil Lines Wala, Gurugram – another stop for chole bhature lovers
Another name associated with Kohli’s fondness for chole bhature is Civil Lines Wala in Gurugram. The eatery has gained attention for its generous servings of the popular North Indian combination. Its spicy chole, paired with freshly prepared bhature, makes it a destination worth exploring for those who enjoy Delhi-NCR’s Punjabi food culture.
Chuk Chuk Mail, Paschim Vihar – for nostalgic Chinese flavours
Not every food memory has to involve parathas and chole. Kohli has also recalled visiting Chuk Chuk Mail, a Chinese food van in Paschim Vihar, with his friends during his younger days. He particularly remembered its Manchow soup and fried rice. Located in the DDA Market area, the food joint represents the kind of neighbourhood Chinese food culture that Delhiites have grown up enjoying.
DDCA Canteen, Arun Jaitley Stadium – for comfort food
Sometimes, familiar food beats an elaborate restaurant menu. During his return to the Ranji Trophy in January 2025, Kohli reportedly enjoyed food from the DDCA canteen at Arun Jaitley Stadium. Among the dishes mentioned by the canteen’s chef were chilli paneer and kadhi chawal. The canteen offers a glimpse into the cricketer’s food preferences and his long association with Delhi cricket.
Nueva, RK Puram – a fine-dining favourite
Nueva, located at Sangam Courtyard in RK Puram, is another restaurant that holds a special place in Kohli’s Delhi food memories. In 2017, the cricketer named it his favourite spot to unwind and enjoy a meal whenever he was back in the capital. He later visited the restaurant with Anushka Sharma in 2019, where the couple reportedly relished its chimichurri mushrooms. Known for its global cuisine and elegant ambience, Nueva offers a fine-dining experience away from the city’s usual street-food scene.
The takeaway
From West Delhi’s chole bhature joints to a nostalgic Chinese food van and the traditional mithai shops of Old Delhi, Kohli’s food preferences offer an interesting way to explore the capital’s culinary landscape. Whether you are a street-food enthusiast or someone with a sweet tooth, these destinations make for an interesting Delhi-NCR food trail.
Compiled by Shailaja Chauhan
