Delhi’s street food is rarely about restraint. It’s quick, spicy, and generous with flavours. Upstairs, a new members-only jazz and martini bar at The Lodhi, takes these familiar flavours and serves them in a more polished, late-evening setting in its own style.
Food: The menu, ‘Markets of Delhi’, by Chef Hitesh Lohat, is inspired from the city’s neighbourhoods and markets, and turns those countless food memories into small plates designed for the bar. Homemade crisps with masala bhutta mousse and carambola chutney make for an interesting start, while the chickpea sadeko served with smoked yoghurt brings a gentle smokiness to the plate. The flower and green-leaf chaat, inspired by Delhi’s Ghazipur flower market, is served fresh and crisp—perfect for a cocktail pairing.
For something more substantial, try the winter kulcha with goat’s cheese and fresh truffle—it’s the chef’s take on street style kulcha. Among the non-vegetarian options, Old Delhi fried chicken inspired from the Jama Masjid market is decent, but the prawn jhol momo inspired by Lajpat Nagar food street is a must try.
The cocktails follow the same thread. The Desi Dirty Martini, with nimbu-infused vermouth, achaar brine and potato-and-cheese-stuffed olives, is surprisingly balanced. The Paan Negroni, meanwhile, brings betel leaf and sweet gulkand into the classic without overwhelming it. To put an end to this elaborate meal, try kulfi falooda kakigori. Inspired by Chandni Chowk’s famous falooda, it is feather-light, and just melts in your mouth.
Decor: A tall bar forms the centrepiece of this candle-lit space. The upholstery and wallpaper are by ace designer Sabyasachi. The low lighting, plush interiors and live jazz, refines the city’s food memories into an elegant evening. It’s inventive, but still recognisably Delhi.
Service: The service is warm and the staff explains each dish well.
Price: A meal for two costs about Rs 5,000, but the experience makes up for the price.
Address: The Lodhi, Lodhi Road, New Delhi, 110003