New Delhi
Delhi Decadence: A Gourmet Weekend in the Capital
Three indulgent days of Delhi street eats, wine, and romance
A three-day, food-forward New Delhi escape that blends Old Delhi’s legendary street eats with refined wine bars, hands-on cooking, and boutique comfort. Perfectly clustered by neighborhood, it keeps transit light while maximizing tastings, markets, and memorable evenings for two.
Highlights
Dive into Chandni Chowk’s chaotic lanes for iconic chaat, jalebi, and kebabs with a guided food walk.
Join a local cooking class to master North Indian curries, breads, and masalas you can recreate at home.
Sip Indian and international wines with curated small plates at a stylish central Delhi wine bar.
Savor elevated regional Indian cuisine in beautifully designed restaurants ideal for date nights.
Browse Janpath and Khan Market’s boutiques and handicrafts between cafe stops and cocktail bars.
Where to Stay
The Imperial New Delhi
A grand heritage hotel with lush grounds, colonial-era charm, excellent restaurants (including 1911), and easy access to Connaught Place and India Gate.[2]
$350-500/night
The Lodhi
Contemporary luxury with spacious rooms, some with plunge pools, and quick access to Lodhi Garden, India Habitat Centre, and Khan Market.
$300-450/nightGood to Know
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Do Old Delhi and outdoor sights in the morning or early evening, and save air-conditioned markets, cafes, and bars for midday when it’s hottest and busiest.
How to Use the Metro Comfortably
Stick to the Delhi Metro’s Yellow and Violet lines for most visitor areas; buy a smart card for tap-in convenience and avoid rush hours (roughly 9–10 AM and 6–7:30 PM).
Street Food Safety Basics
Opt for busy stalls with high turnover, ask for freshly cooked items, and avoid raw garnishes or ice if you have a sensitive stomach.
Payments and Connectivity
Most upscale places accept cards and digital payments, but carry some cash for Old Delhi, canteens, and small vendors; download offline maps for key areas in case your data is spotty.
Dress and Etiquette
Smart-casual outfits work everywhere; carry a light scarf for visiting religious sites and be ready to remove shoes when entering mosques or certain shrines.
Your Weekend Itinerary
Shyam Sweets
Start with classic Old Delhi sweets and snacks like nagori halwa and bedmi puri in a busy but iconic shop before your market wander.
45m · $4-8 per person
Chandni Chowk Street Food & Spice Lanes
Explore Chandni Chowk’s narrow alleys, tasting chaat, jalebi, and kebabs, and visit Khari Baoli spice market—ideally with a guided food walk for ease and stories.[2][5]
2h 30m · $10-15 self-guided; ~$40-60 with tour
Jama Masjid Viewpoint & Rickshaw Ride
Step into the grand courtyard of Jama Masjid, then take a cycle/e-rickshaw loop around the surrounding bazaars to rest your feet while still soaking in the atmosphere.[3][7]
1h · $3-6 plus small entry/donation
Karim’s Jama Masjid (Original)
Famous for Mughlai dishes—order mutton burra, kebabs, and a rich curry with tandoori roti in a simple, bustling setting.
1h · $10-18 per person
Connaught Place Inner & Outer Circles
Stroll the colonnaded circles, pop into boutiques, bars, and cafes, and enjoy the central park; it’s a relaxed contrast to Old Delhi.[1][2]
1h 30m · Free (shopping/drinks extra)
Veda Restaurant
An elegant, dimly lit space serving refined North Indian classics—try the butter chicken, dal makhani, and a tandoori platter.[2]
1h 30m · $25-40 per personWine and Cocktails at a Connaught Place Bar
Choose a stylish CP bar or lounge to sample Indian wines and classic cocktails; ask for a tasting flight if available.
1h 15m · $12-25 per personPrivate Indian Cooking Class in Central Delhi
Join a private or small-group cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare a full North Indian meal—curries, dal, vegetables, and breads—then sit down to enjoy your creations.[2]
3h · $40-80 per person
Triveni Terrace Cafe
A leafy terrace cafe serving light regional Indian plates—try the thali, aloo tikki, and seasonal specials after your class.[1]
1h · $8-15 per person
Janpath & Cottage Industries Market Wander
Walk Janpath’s stalls and nearby emporiums for textiles, handicrafts, and souvenirs, then duck into air-conditioned shops when you need a break.[2]
1h 30m · Free to browse (shopping extra)
The Imperial’s 1911 Restaurant
Dine in a historic luxury hotel setting with an indulgent dinner or Sunday-style brunch, featuring classic Indian and continental dishes.[2]
2h · $35-60 per personPost-Dinner Drinks at The Imperial Bar or Lounge
Enjoy a nightcap—perhaps an Indian single malt or a glass of wine—in a classy lounge setting without leaving the property.
1h · $10-20 per person18 activities across 3 days
Map
