Majnu Ka Tila | Delhi’s Dharamsala


From Tibetan to Nepali, Japanese, Chinese, Korean and more, experience the flavours of various cuisines at the fastest growing food destination in Delhi, Majnu Ka Tila.
The colourful alleys, the Tibetan prayer chants, the unique smell and the little La-Phing counters are some unique characteristics of Majnu Ka Tila, home to a large number of Tibetan refugees. As I started walking on the nearby foot over bridge, I saw the colourful Tibetan prayer flags swirling around in the wind and at that moment, I knew this is not one of those usual hangouts of Delhi.
In the recent past, this place has sprung up and become a hub for a lot of youngsters, looking to shop clothes and shoes, play video games or just chill at one of the numerous eateries.
There are a plethora of options in food ranging from Tibetan, Nepali, Chinese, Korean and Japanese cuisines to lovely little cafes serving tea, coffee and other beverages, along with wonderful bakery goods.
Here’s a lowdown on all the great places at the beloved MKT:
Listen to the songs of soil and enjoy the comfort of floor cushions. Go back to simpler times and enjoy Daal-Chawal-Meat, served in brass cutlery. This beautiful little eatery serves Nepali Cuisine and is always bustling with a loyal set of patrons, relishing their favourite meal here. The chicken curry in Thali is delectable, while Chicken Choila is another must-have dish. Reasonably priced, the restaurant is a go-to place, especially for all those people living away from home and wanting to have home-styled food.
Cost for two: Rs. 300-350
Address: No. 40, New Aruna Nagar, Majnu ka Tila, New Delhi – 110054
Contact: 011-2381 1589
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Ama Café – Coffee and Cakes
The hippest place in the area, Ama Café is a favourite amongst the students from the nearby Delhi University North Campus. The unique wooden furniture, huge wallpapers of landscapes of Ladakh, comfy couches, WiFi, coffee, shakes, cakes, sandwiches and pies – you have so many reasons to love this place. Their Apple Pie is the best. Just ask them to heat it a little and you would be in for a treat, I promise.
Cost for two: Rs. 300
Address: House 6, New Colony,Majnu ka Tila, New Delhi
Contact: +91-8285802922
This Korean restaurant is tucked in an alley that can easily be missed. But, try not to, as this beautiful restaurant serves wonderful traditional Korean dishes like Bibimbap, Yachae Kimbap, Kimchi Mandu, Sujebi and more. You can also indulge in some Korean savoury pancakes like Fish and Spring Onion, Potato, etc. The best part is you can make your own dish, right on your table with your choice of meat, veggies and more.
Cost for two: Rs. 500
Address: 9B, Block 10, New Aruna Nagar, Majnu ka Tila, New Delhi
Contact: 011 23813718, +91 9560816905
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Panda Café – A Wide Variety of Asian Flavours
Again a gem, hidden in the serpentine lanes of Majnu Ka Tila, Panda Café is relatively new. With a huge menu on offer, they have Tibetan favourites like Thupka, Thentuk etc. besides Thai, Chinese or Burgers with Asian Flavours. I found myself licking my fingers, as I hogged on the amazing Pork ribs with hunan sauce. The meat came right off the bone and melted in my mouth. The sticky, saucy and spicy barbequed ribs were absolutely delightful. The flavours of soy, chilli, sugar, salt and vinegar were strong and I could hear the sound of crispy crackling from miles away. You can also have Tom Yum fried rice, in case you like spicy-tangy flavours.
Cost for two: Rs. 350-400
Address: House No 39, Tibetan Colony, Majnu ka Tila, New Delhi-54
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Kori’s – Burgers, Sandwiches and Korean Food
The cool new joint, Kori’s, is a fancy café with interiors like no other café in MKT, with colourful walls, vintage artifacts and chic couches. The menu consists of Burgers, Sandwiches, but more importantly, Korean dishes such as Kimbabs (including non-vegetarian version), which give this café a unique character. I liked their Grilled Chicken Burger, which was served with fries and in house dips, which were finger-licking good. They serve Korean Dosirak (Food box in Thali style with rice, meat with sauces), perhaps the only café that emphasizes upon presentation.
Cost for two: Rs. 400-600
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Coffee house – For both Leisure and Work
Enjoy a cup of coffee or a honey ginger lemon water, this is comfort at it’s best. Laze around on the couches or work from this space, you can spend hours here at a stretch. They have a wide range of cakes, doughnuts, pies, brownies and a chocolate sauce that makes almost everything taste heavenly. Another bonus visiting this café is WiFi-enabled. In case, you are looking for some adrenaline rush, there’s a gaming zone just across the café.
Cost for two: Rs. 200
Address: 39, Basement, Majnu ka Tila, New Delhi – 110054
Contact: +91 9716 820 160
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Rigo Restaurant – The Veteran
The oldest and probably most known amongst Delhiites, Rigo restaurant serves Tibetan and Chinese dishes. They have a huge menu serving ‘Indianised Chinese’ like Manchurian and Chilli Paneer. Amongst Tibetan delicacies, Aloo Phing, Thentuk or Tingmo with beef curry are a must have.
Cost for two: Rs. 500
Address: 180, Nyingma House, Tibetan Old Camp, Majnu Ka Tila, New Delhi – 110054
Contact: +91- 85888 53379
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Koko Restaurant – Best Thukpa
The spacious yet cozy café has a huge menu, including Tibetan and Nepali dishes. They have a great variety of dishes available in Beef (a meat favourite amongst Tibetans), besides chicken and mutton. Amongst all the cafes at Majnu Ka Tila, I’ve had the best Thupka at Koko. The flavoursome soup of the Chicken Thupka had a subtle hint of garlic along with spinach and tomatoes, which were steamed to perfection. Hot, tasty, refreshing, this was a wholesome meal in itself.
Cost for two: Rs. 200
Address: 1st Floor, House 31, Block 9, New Aruna Nagar, Majnu ka Tila, New Delhi – 54
Contact: 011-23814179
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Dolma House – The Busiest Place of All
The most popular eatery in the area, Dolma House is operation since 1984. The joint is so popular that, it’s hard to get a table here, without waiting. The menu has a lot on offer from breakfast to dinner, but specific dishes like Gyuma (blood sausages), Lowa Khatsa (lungs) and Shakam Dhatse (beef) are known to be the favourites. They also have combo meals, which changes on daily basis. Also, their Tingmo (Tibetan Bread) is arguably the best.
Cost for two: Rs. 300 – 400
Address: H-No 1, Block No 10, New Aruna Nagar, Majnu Ka Tila, New Delhi – 110054
Contact: +91-9958821519
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Dekhang Café & Restaurant – On the main road!
Located on the main road, this café is located right next to the foot over bridge. The cool vibe of the cafe makes it an ideal place to sit, read or relax with a glass of juice or a cup of coffee. Have their cakes or fresh juices and you will only get a quality product. Known for serving Tibetan and Bhutanese dishes, they also have Bhaley bread (the sweet Tibetan Bread) that can be best enjoyed with cream, ganache, honey or anything else, which you enjoy with your bread.
Cost for two: Rs. 300
Address: 79D, Old Camp, New Aruna Nagar, Majnu ka Tila, New Delhi – 54
Contact: 011-33107573
I often miss my food exploits of Dharamsala, enjoying all the yummy delicacies in the lap of those breezy mountains. Well, Majnu ka Tila, does fill the void as far as food is concerned. So, until you can’t take a trip all the way to the hills, visit Majnu Ka Tila.
Do comment and let me know, which are your favourite eateries here.
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