Palika Bazaar is a very famous underground market situated beneath the central garden of Connaught Place. It was during the 80s and 90s that our country opened up to the outside world and started importing electronic goods from foreign countries. Palika Bazaar became the main market for all cool and new electronic gadgets. Slowly, the action shifted to other parts of Delhi with the creation of malls and shopping centres.
Though Palika Bazaar has lost its edge, it is still one of the busiest markets in the city with shopkeepers constantly forcing you to come to their shops. Today, the market is known for clothes, electronics and tattoo art. Amidst the hustle and bustle, there is a hidden restaurant that you may have missed. Peshawari in Palika Bazaar is a very popular restaurant, but you have to know about it to be able to find it. They make the spiciest biryani in town, which is served with rich korma.
Peshawari In Palika Bazaar
Peshawari, popularly known as the ‘underground dhaba’, is located inside Palika Bazaar. The eatery was started by a man named Naresh Mehra, who belonged to Peshawar, 19 years ago. The restaurant is now run by Gouri Shanker, who used to work with him. Though the shop is quite small, with space only for two to three people to stand and eat, they make the best chicken and mutton korma. They serve Chicken Korma on Sunday, Monday and Thursday and Mutton Korma on the remaining days of the week. They also serve Palak Meat, which is their speciality, on Sundays. Vegetarians can try their Kathal Biryani which is served every Tuesday.
Chicken Korma At Peshawari
The Chicken Korma served at Peshawari in Palika Bazaar is outstanding. The chicken pieces are cooked to perfection and the best part is the rich gravy. The gravy is very flavourful with the right amount of spices. Do not forget to have the korma with their spicy biryani. It makes for a great meal. The biryani is well-cooked. As the server walks towards you with a plateful of biryani, you can actually sense the delicious aroma.
We also tried their Mutton Masala where juicy pieces of mutton are dipped in a tomato gravy. The masala had a wonderful flavour of garlic, black cardamom, cinnamon and other spices, and it went well with hot rotis.
Everything at Peshawari in Palika Bazaar is garnished with sweet onions fried in pure desi ghee. If you ever plan to head to the underground market, don’t forget to make a pit stop at Peshawari.