I was introduced to the magic of Shivesh Bhatia by my mother, who constantly looked for ways to drive me to the kitchen. A few years ago, I sat on the kitchen top while my mother assembled all the ingredients to make Bhatia’s iconic eggless “pizookie,” a pizza cookie!
As the video played and Bhatia instructed, she opened drawers and pulled out one ingredient after another. I played my part by replaying the video whenever she needed it and, of course, eating the pizookie. It went on to become a household favourite, becoming a regular on all our birthdays.
Meet Shivesh Bhatia
Shivesh Bhatia is a self-taught baker and author of five cookbooks. He has a community of over 30 lakh people on Instagram and over 20 lakh subscribers on his YouTube channel called “Bake with Shivesh.” Bhatia’s recent release is a cookbook called “Chocolate: 100 Irresistible Desserts” that includes over 100 recipes with chocolate as the star ingredient.
Beyond food, Bhatia is an avid traveller who has travelled to over 15 countries. For him, food is a good way to connect to other cultures. “Food teaches you about the history and traditions of a certain place in the most delightful way,” said Bhatia in an exclusive interview with Outlook Traveller.
We asked Bhatia about his favourite breakfast, lunch, and dinner spot in Delhi. If you are someone looking for restaurant options for a day out eating in Delhi, these spots loved by Bhatia himself are valuable recommendations.
Shivesh Bhatia Reveals His Picks For The Best Restaurants In Delhi
Hearty Breakfast At Carnatic Cafe
Like many Delhiites, Bhatia enjoys his breakfast at the iconic Carnatic Cafe. The south-Indian eatery has around six outlets in Delhi with its newest outpost at the lovely Sunder Nursery. In the mornings at the cafe, the beeline of patrons flocks to enjoy the light yet hearty meal. A meal here is as light on the pocket as it is on the tummy.
However, if you are a new entrant in the Carnatic Cafe breakfast club, go for the diner’s favourite Malleshwaram 18th Cross, or choose to play it safe with their classic Ghee Roast Dosa. Don’t forget to pair with their filter coffee.
If you want to indulge more, grab a scoop from Jaatre’s irresistible ice cream line-up. We recommend you try their palm jaggery and roasted sesame variants.
Address: Multiple locations
Price for two: INR 400
Regional Lunch At Bhawan, Gurugram
Bhatia recommends lunch at Bhawan in Gurugram, and we second it! If you are a street food superfan, Bhawan is the perfect pitstop for all your chaat cravings. Bhawan was the result of founder Rahul Dua and Kainaz Contractor’s food tours across the country and their desire to bring India’s authentic flavours under one roof.
Whether it is Kanpur’s classic Gadbad chaat or the iconic Banarasi tamatar, a meal at Bhawan can prove to be a food tour through the gullies of India. Other than the classics, their Mutton Birria Seekh Kebab, Egg Appam Benedict, and Avocado Sev Puri are a total hit. Their mithais are wonderful, unique, and innovative. While a tough choice, we recommend their Tiramisu Rasmalai, and Nutella Pedas.
On the drinks front, the vodka-based Mango Mastani—topped with aamras (mango pulp) and vanilla foam—and the gin-based, saffron-infused Gulmarg Negroni are two signature cocktails that you must try.
Address: Unit 9, 32nd Avenue, National Highway-8, Sector 15 Part 2, Gurugram, Haryana
Price for two: INR 2,500
Sip Drinks At Sidecar In GK 2
Bhatia recommends drinks at Sidecar, which he claims is one of the best bars the capital offers. It is nestled in the heart of South Delhi in Greater Kailash 2, and is a passion project of award-winning mixologist Yangdup Lama, who helms the bar.
The first floor of the two-storeyed cocktail bar is an easygoing day space with a bookstore by Hachette, where diners can enjoy a meal while brooding over their favourite book. The second floor is a beautiful bar where you can enjoy a cocktail (or two!) in a beautiful setting.
Sidecar features drinks dedicated to the beauty and culture of Delhi, as well as those that pay homage to literary legends. Try their Beer Brewer (roasted barley infused scotch whisky, wheat beer, vetiver), which is dedicated to Jane Austen.
Their gin-based Zing Thing from their “all-time hits of sidecar” section of the menu, the whiskey-based Connaught, and sandalwood-infused Sadar Bazaar are some standouts from the “Dear Delhi” section of the menu. Order parmesan muffins or Spanish frittata, which serve as great sides with the drinks.
Address: M29, GK2, M Block Market, Greater Kailash-2, Right, 110048, next to HDFC Bank, New Delhi- 110048
Price for two: INR 3,000
Relaxed Dinner At Yeti, The Himalayan Kitchen
Bhatia prefers to end his day with a meal at Yeti. We would highly recommend you try the authentic home-style Himalayan preparations at this Himalayan Kitchen.
With five stores in Delhi NCR, the restaurant is loved by Delhiites who want to try traditional cuisines from across Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and Northeast India.
Irrespective of the outlet, the clean interiors and Tibetan flags hanging across the length of its ceiling will transport you to an eatery in Tibet or Bhutan. Some of the preparations from the “chef’s special” section of the menu include their Tibetan platter and Thakali thali. Their jhol momo, Assamese pork curry, and Nepalese chatamari are absolute must-tries, too.
Pair your meal with a cocktail or mocktail from the extensive roster of drinks.
Address: Multiple locations
Price for two: INR 2,200
