The best kebabs in Delhi according to Anurag Minus Verma

 This is a no-brainer for Anurag. He had to take us to Karim’s, an iconic Mughlai restaurant that put down roots in the Jama Masjid area and then spread to the rest of Delhi, and then India. Established in 1913 by Haji Kareemuddin, an alleged cook of the royal court who revealed the best secret recipes to the entire city, the original branch is still the most popular, but for Anurag, the Lodhi Colony branch is the easiest to visit. 

The menu’s diverse, with a wide array of dishes that may make it hard to order, but Anurag likes to get the ‘Dil Pasand Seekh Kebab’ – soft, but flexible enough to bend, a sure indicator that they won’t fall apart but will melt in your mouth. 

Karim’s in Lodhi Colony is one of the easier locations to dine at when you want a taste of real Mughlai food, with comfortable interiors, a rustic-looking aesthetic approach, and pictures of what Old Delhi looked like a century ago. 

Address: India Islamic Cultural Centre, 87-88, Lodhi Rd, Lodhi Gardens, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi, Delhi 110003

Opening hours: Daily, 9am–11pm. 

Price: ₹800 and above for two

This intimate restaurant, known more for serving folks who pull up in their cars outside, seats no more than 40, but is considered an institution, with branches across Delhi, the most famous being the one in Chanakyapuri. They’ve got several kebabs, but Anurag’s most interested in the Galawati, which is one of their signatures. Anurag says they add papaya in the meat mix, which is what makes the kebab so creamy that it melts in your mouth. ‘In that sense, it’s a toothless cuisine,’ says Anurag, of some of the best kebabs engineered by the Mughals. Another reason why he keeps going back is because they’ve got their own spice mix. 

Address: Vasant Place Market, 30, near Malai Temple, Sector 6, Rama Krishna Puram, New Delhi, Delhi 110022

Opening hours: Daily. 12pm-11pm

Price: ₹700 and above for two

Aap Ki Khatir’s famous for being the city’s favourite late-night stop, especially after a night of partying. The joint only begins serving in the evening, and is open until late. In Anurag’s view, they’ve mastered all kinds of kebabs, though the kakori is an indisputable standout. He feels it’s best savoured with roomali roti, a paper-thin soft bread that you can eat several of before feeling full. The kebabs here aren’t excessively spicy, though the chutneys are. This is a tick in Anurag’s book, because the spices shouldn’t overwhelm the flavour of the meat. 

Time Out tip: This institution is cash-only. 

Address: Shop C1, Usha Niketan, DDA SDA Market, Block C 1, Bhim Nagri, Green Park, New Delhi, Delhi 110016

Opening hours: 6pm till late

Price: ₹500 and above for two