Delhi Dhaba

For budget-minded DC-ers who enjoy indulging in Indian food on a regular basis, Delhi Dhaba is an excellent option that will leave you satisfied and your wallet less depleted than an average night out.

In today’s credit-crunch age — where gas costs have skyrocketed, grocery bills have soared and most middle-class workers are feeling increasingly squeezed — it can be often be difficult to justify dining out as often as in the past. Therefore, finding less expensive restaurants in the area is a must. Enter Delhi Dhaba, a wonderful little “hole-in-the-wall” that specializes in Punjabi cuisine. The restaurant has three locations: Bethesda, Arlington and Northwest D.C. I visited the latter.

The atmosphere is casual — you can bring the family — yet it still feels classier than your average “McCurry” joint. It has outdoor seating for pleasant weather, and a large bar with a wide selection of beer, wine and mixed drinks. Bollywood movies play on TV screens in the waiting area, the traditional music wafting through the restaurant. The décor is authentic, traditional and beautiful.

I started the evening with my favorite Indian appetizer — not naan bread, but a variation: onion kulcha, a sort of naan which is stuffed with a mixture of diced onion, minced chilis, coriander, mint leaves, pomegranate seeds and chili powder. The portion was literally about as big as my head; wanting to leave room for the main course, I consumed only about a quarter of it. I also ordered mango chutney, a sweet and sour mango sauce, which went deliciously with the bread.

For my entrée, I ordered a long-time favorite of mine: lamb vindaloo curry. It didn’t disappoint — the meat was succulent and juicy, the curry sauce spicy (just the way I like it) and flavorful, full of tasty spices and herbs. It was served atop a bed of basmati rice, which complemented the vindaloo nicely. The portion was generous, and while I initially anticipated bringing over half of it home, the dish proved too tasty to stop eating when I probably should have.

Being a dessert fan, I decided to indulge my sweet tooth. I ordered kheer, a house-made rice pudding with coconut milk, raisins, cardamom and pistachios, which I had never tried before. I asked the waiter about it and learned that it’s a common festive dish in India, served at weddings, birthdays and religious festivals. The taste was somewhat like Western rice pudding, but the cardamom and pistachios added an unusual kick. I have a feeling this will be my new usual dessert when I return.

Overall, Delhi Dhaba is a terrific option for an average dining-out occasion — date night, catching up with a friend, etc. Its budget status means that it’s casual and low-key — and probably isn’t the ideal spot for a special occasion. However, for those who wish to take a night off from the kitchen and enjoy authentic Indian food at a bargain price, it’s perfect. With generous portions, authentic surroundings and low prices, Delhi Dhaba is a winner.

4455 Connecticut Ave. NW
(202) 537-1008
Closest Metro: Van Ness-UDC (Red Line)