Crowne Plaza is bringing the essence of Old Delhi to life with two spectacular food festivals— Dilli 6 at Crowne Plaza Okhla and Zaiqa-e-Dilli at Crowne Plaza Mayur Vihar. The 15th edition of Dilli 6, running from February 15 to March 5, transports guests to the bustling streets of Purani Dilli, offering an immersive experience with authentic street food, heritage-inspired décor, and traditional entertainment.
Meanwhile, Zaiqa-e-Dilli, running from February 17 to March 2, gives the celebration a twist with its theme Khat – a culinary love letter to Dilwalo Ki Dilli, a curated experience capturing the flavours of Delhi’s most iconic eateries. Both festivals pay homage to the capital’s rich culinary heritage, uniting flavours, nostalgia, and the vibrant energy of Delhi’s food culture.
Also read: Delhi: A Valentine’s escape to National Rose Garden
A taste of purani Dilli
The Dilli 6 menu celebrates Old Delhi’s culinary heritage with dishes crafted by expert khansamas. A special food corner serves tawa-fried kaleji and bheja, filling the air with the aroma of kasuri methi. An elderly vendor from Meerut dishes out Roghani Paratha and other breads, evoking home-cooked flavours.
The main course features chicken, mutton, and fish dishes, while the “Paranthe Wali Gali” section offers stuffed parathas. Miniature replicas of Khari Baoli, traditional havelis, and courtyards recreate the essence of Old Delhi.
The ambience is enriched with Bollywood’s Old Delhi-themed songs, qawwalis, and Punjabi folk music. Vintage scooters, pillars with street names, and a spice thaal are perfect for Instagram moments, while a jyotishi (fortune teller) and a paan corner add to the authentic charm of Old Delhi.
The festival caters to diverse palates, with dishes such as Mutton and Chicken Biryani, Nihari, Daleem, and Chicken Keema for non vegetarians. Vegetarians can enjoy Rajma Raseela, Paneer Shamsavera, and Khansa ka Sabz Keema Matar.
Gastronomic delights
Chef Sunal Thakur’s passion for Old Delhi cuisine is evident in his preparation of each dish. “Our menu reflects traditions passed down through generations. It’s a tribute to the resilience and innovation of Old Delhi’s food culture,” he said.
Signature dishes include Mutton Seekh Kebab, Fish Tikka, Chicken Tikka, and Tandoori Pineapple, grilled to perfection. The highlight is the rare yet authentic Keema Kaleji, a dish increasingly hard to find on the streets but prepared here with the same richness and depth of flavour.
For dessert lovers, jalebi with rabri is a must-try, with crisp golden swirls soaked in sugar syrup. Other highlights include Sohan Halwa and Shahi Tukda.
There are over 20 varieties of sweets, including Kheer, Kala Gulab Jamun, Karachi Halwa, and Daulat Ki Chaat.
The dessert selection is a nostalgic nod to Old Delhi’s legendary sweets. However, one dessert that couldn’t match the expectations was Zarda which lacked the authentic melt-in-the-mouth flavour in the otherwise well-curated experience.
A love letter to Delhi’s culinary heritage
As the flavours of Dilli 6 linger, Crowne Plaza Mayur Vihar is set to continue the gastronomic celebration with Zaiqa-e Dilli. With its second edition this year, Zaiqa-e-Dilli takes the experience to new heights by capturing the city’s deep-rooted connection with its street food.
Executive Chef Roushan Sharma and his team, in collaboration with Namastey Culture, embarked on an extensive culinary hunt across Delhi’s most iconic food hubs—Jama Masjid, Connaught Place, Lajpat Nagar, and Daryaganj.
The journey led them to legendary eateries such as Aslam’s Butter Chicken, Kuremal’s Kulfi, Jain Fruit Sandwich, and Lotan Ke Chole Kulche. They also engaged in cooking sessions and blind tastings, to recreate these flavours at Crowne Plaza’s signature restaurant, Infinity.
The festival features a lavish buffet with over 100 iconic dishes served on a cyclic menu, to ensure variety. Diners can savour specialities like Lotan Ke Chole Kulche, Sanjay Kumar’s Daulat Ki Chaat, and parathas from Chandni Chowk’s legendary Paranthe Wali Gali. Guests can also relish Rajma Chawal from Connaught Place, Ram Ladoo from Lajpat Nagar, and Chicken Changezi from Jama Masjid.
Live street food hawkers serve classic delights such as Bunta, Chuski, and Bhel Puri. Dishes like Momos from Majnu Ka Tila, Chole Bhature from Rajouri Garden, and kebabs from Karol Bagh round out the vibrant spread.
The spirit of Delhi on a plate
Sharma said, “Food in Delhi is more than just a dish—it is an emotion, a tradition, and a celebration.” He added that the love Delhi has for its food is unparalleled.
“We have captured that spirit by recreating its most iconic flavours,” he further said.
Pankaj Gupta, Area General Manager – IHG Southwest Asia & General Manager – Crowne Plaza Mayur Vihar, said: “Building on the tremendous success of last year’s Zaiqa-e-Dilli, we are excited to take this celebration of Delhi’s culinary legacy to the next level. This is not just a food festival— it is an immersive journey that brings Delhi’s vibrant street food culture to life.”
Also read: The year on my plate: How we ate, connected, and innovated in 2024
For food lovers and city dwellers alike, the festival is more than a meal—it is a homecoming, a celebration, and above all, a love letter to the timeless flavours of the capital. If you want to indulge in the nostalgia of Delhi’s bustling street food lanes, this is one culinary festival you won’t want to miss.
Both Dilli 6 at Crowne Plaza Okhla and Zaiqa-e Dilli at Crowne Plaza Mayur Vihar, bring the heart of Old Delhi’s culinary legacy to life. They celebrate city’s deep-rooted food culture with authenticity and flair.
These festivals are more than just dining experiences—they are a heartfelt tribute to the timeless flavours and traditions of the capital.
