Assorted pakoras

From omelettes, toasts and croissants to a plenty of delicacies like idli, upma and poha for those who want to skip eggs in the morning, foodies in the capital are spoilt for choice when it comes to breakfast options. And we aren’t talking about the exotic menus at plush restaurants but those located in some of the busiest market places, campus areas and NCR.

Delhiites tell us about their favourite breakfast hubs that start early and offer scrumptious meals.
“I’ve been a regular at the paranthewala in Yusuf Sarai near AIIMS. He sits on the left side on AIIMS road while going towards NCERT. I think that’s one favourite place of party hoppers who crave for something to eat early morning. You have to wait for at least 15 to 20 minutes to get your share. You can try anything from egg parantha, aloo parantha and other varieties. The place is quite popular for its egg parantha, served with pickle,” says Sanjeev Khanna, a businessman.
Among the options in the campus area, Chacha di Hatti in Kamla Nagar market is a hit. From the university students, to oldtimers who have been regulars for decades wait for their turn. “Their menu includes aloo wale chole bhature and kulche chole. The bhaturas are filled with potatoes and when served with spicy pindi chole, topped up with tangy chutney, it makes for a perfect meal. The only problem is that apart from the queue, there are only three round tables which are most often occupied and it can be quite cumbersome to stand when it’s overcrowded,” says Rohit Chawla, a student from Hansraj College.
While there are plenty of options for those who want something post 11 am, for the quintessential food lover, a breakfast joint is a place that should open early morning. “Some of the options are Karnataka Bhawan at Moti Bagh, Andhra Bhawan at Ashoka Road crossing, and others. Well, if you’re looking for something exotic, a proper place to sit and dine, try All American diners. Gorge on appetising omelletes, sausages, bacon, ham cheese and more with brown bread toasts, mushroom on toasts, grilled cheese toasts at this lively outlet. Make sure you reach early to find a place for yourself and on weekends it’s a long wait if you not there well in time,” says Rajiv Iyer of Delhi Food Enthusiasts Group (DFEG).
Another member of the group, Angad Singh tells us that the Paranthe waale near Moolchand Metro provides a full thali which includes two big paranthas, dal, dahi, rajma and chach in the morning. “Apart from that there’s Amritsari Kulche wala near Sarojini Nagar flyover on the Ring Road. They serve delicious Amritsari kulche with desi chole. Under the Sarojini Nagar flyover on the Ring Road, you would also find a lassi waala, pakode wala and chole bhathure wala,” says Angad. And talking about early morning breakfast, one can’t rule options available at Chandni Chowk. “Last Friday, a friend took me to Natraj in Chandni Chowk and although I was unsure if we would get anything to eat, I was surprised to see that even at 6.30 am, people lined up to get their share of the delicious kachoris and other options available there,” informs young professional Kabir Bhatnagar.