When we say Delhi is not only the capital city, but an emotion. We mean it! It has everything to make your heart and soul happy. From food to entertainment, travel to culture, you name it and it has it. No wonder why many Bollywood stars like Shahrukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan never stopped praising Delhi. We believe it is so because the city has a little role to play in what they are today. It’s Delhi’s cultural hub, Mandi House that deserves all the praise here.
Mandi House is Delhi’s very own ‘broadway’ which houses the city’s oldest theatre, dance and music venues such as LTG Auditorium, Sri Ram Centre for Performing Arts and Kamani Auditorium. The alma mater of some of India’s finest actors – The National School of Drama – also lies in its vicinity. Not only these cultural spaces, but Mandi House also has DU’s two colleges: Mata Sundri and Lady Irwin College. And when it comes to the student’s needs and wants, Mandi House never disappoints. Owing to the centrality of its location and the huge crowds it attracts, Mandi House is also the place to treat yourself to the best Indian food in Delhi. So here’s a list of things that you must explore around Delhi’s oldest cultural hub, Mandi House.
1. Shri Ram Centre Canteen
If lip-smacking Chinese food at affordable prices is what you fancy, Shri Ram Center’s Canteen is just for you. It is a favourite among students and is a famous hotspot for hosting a variety of conversations! Culture, arts, politics, you name it and there’ll be people talking about it. Amongst the specialties include Singapuri Chowmein, Chilly Potato along with refreshing beverages such as Sweet Lassi. Also, their spring rolls are also worth praising.
Deets:
Address: 4, Safdar Hashmi Marg, Todermal Road Area, Mandi House, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm
Cost for two: ₹250
2. Triveni Terrace Café
Triveni Kala Sangam is an amalgamation of arts, music, dance, painting and what not. There’s some or the other exhibition going on every other day. But what you shouldn’t miss is the Triveni Terrace Café. It’s a quaint little place right in the heart of Delhi with all things simple yet charming. A delightful seating on a plant-filled terrace overlooking a grassy amphitheatre besides an indoor seating as well, it offers a small yet equally amazing food menu which includes some great gourmet delights like Palak Patta Chaat, Beetroot Halwa and Grilled Sandwiches. Besides this, if you are a non-vegetarian and just love chicken, you shouldn’t miss the Chicken Idli.
Also read: 10 Things You Need To Explore In Connaught Place, Delhi
Deets:
Address: Triveni Kala Sangam, 205, Tansen Marg, Todermal Road Area, Mandi House, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Timings: 10 am to 9 pm
Cost for two: ₹400
3. Turant Chinese Van
Good Chinjabi food is a weakness for many – it is so flavorful and addictive! While Delhi boasts of innumerable such options, Turant Chinese van is where it all began! Turant Chinese is a van located right opposite FICCI auditorium in Mandi House. This van has been around for almost 30 years serving some fresh Chinese with desi twist dishes. Their must try dishes include Chicken Spring Rolls, Chilly Potato and Singapuri Chowmein which will make you super satisfied with their flavor and also with its quantity. It’s very affordable for college goers and students.
Deets:
Address: Tansen Marg, Mandi House Cir, Todermal Road Area, Mandi House, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Timings: 10:30 am to 9:30 pm
Cost for two: ₹300
4. Himachal Bhawan
Who doesn’t love shopping? Shopping for branded clothes and shoes that too at discounted rates is all we desire. To the right of Gate Number 1 of the Mandi House metro station lies Himachal Bhawan. It’s quite hard to miss considering the numerous posters hung outside proudly announcing our favourite four-letter word: SALE! Himachal Bhawan is a shopping complex which offers all year long sale on branded products. It has products from most of the popular brands like Nike, Adidas, Puma, FabIndia etc. It has a large hall which has multiple rows of men and women’s fashion. And it’s not just 20-30% off, it goes even up to 80-90% off. Wait, are you on your way to Himachal Bhawan like us?
Deets:
Address: Metro Station, 27, Sikandra Rd, Mandi House, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Timings: 10:30 am to 9:30 pm
5. Moong Dal Pizza At ITO
We all have had Moong dal halwa, but have you tried the quirky fusion of Moong Dal Pizza. Yes, Pizza lovers can devour on this new version of Pizza, Moong Dal Pizza available at ITO in Delhi. This Moong Dal Pizza is a combination of lots of sauces, cheese and spices, chopped onions topped on a fluffy moong dal pizza. This street style pizza will get you drooling. The combination of soft and crispy makes it really special, delicious and most importantly, healthy. Priced at just ₹100, it is an innovative take on a regular pizza. And they have a great variety of this dish, even Nutella Moong Dal Pizza.
Also read: Moong Dal Pizza In Delhi
Deets:
Address: Vishnu digambar marg New Delhi, ITO, Delhi, 110002
Timings: 4 pm to 10 pm
Cost for two: ₹300
6. Take A Stroll At Connaught Place & India Gate
One of the best things about Mandi House is that it’s in central Delhi. Therefore, it’s equidistant to India Gate and CP. If you want to do some shopping at Janpath or at stores in Connaught Place (CP), or feel like visiting Amar Jawan Jyoti and how about a stroll at India Gate, it’s really convenient. Both the places are hardly 8-10 mins away from Mandi House.
7. Bengali Market
You are probably living under a rock if you haven’t been to this famous market in Mandi House. Bengali Market boasts of being one of the oldest and popular markets in Delhi. This is also one of the popular choices for film shoots in the city. Established in 1930, the market is home to numerous famous eateries such as Nathu’s, Bengali Sweets and Costa Coffee, etc. Whether you crave crispy golgappas, chole bhature or a variety of snacks to kill your hunger pangs, the place has a lot of options to explore. This market is also known for its rich and wide-variety of sweets. Once you’re there, you’ll surely be spoilt for choice. Plus, the ambience is worth the time, effort and money.
Also read: 5 Things To Do In Chanakyapuri, Delhi
If you choose to walk around Mandi House, you are likely to cross such great options that are acting as perfect hidden spots for catching a bite or two. What adds to the experience is a great mix of people – from fusion food enthusiasts, art aficionados, students to working professionals and of course, a nice welcoming atmosphere.